Published: September 15, 2007 03:03 am      

Noel Devine: Game far different from practice

MORGANTOWN — Noel Devine, the newest of fourth-ranked West Virginia’s offensive dazzlers, reminded everyone after Thursday night’s 31-14 football victory at Maryland that he’s still learning.

But the flashy freshman, who rushed for 136 yards on just five carries, said he finds that playing in games is a lot different from performing in practice.

“It’s a sponge in practice,” he said. “But when you get in a game, all the fans and the crowd make it crazy. You just have to get used to the atmosphere.”

Devine’s 76-yard run to set up a touchdown tied the WVU record for longest non-touchdown-scoring run. That was established by the late Jim (Shorty) Moss against William & Mary in 1962.

Meantime, Devine continues to earn praise from opponents as well as teammates and Mountaineer fans.

Tackle Ryan Stancheck said, “Noel is an amazing athlete. Everybody has seen his highlights. He is the real deal. What makes him even better than that is he’s a great person, too. He’s the total package.”

Quarterback Patrick White, who did not think he personally played well during the first half, said: “Noel is an athlete. He makes plays. A few players from Maryland said they can’t see him behind the offensive line.”

That does not bother him, Slaton or any other Mountaineer player, though.

All-America tailback Steve Slaton, who has 18 career 100-yard rushing games, thought everyone performed well on offense.

“All the credit goes to the front line,” he said.

“Playing at Maryland is intense for me, coming in here after what has happened in the past (recruiting-wise). I figure I’m in the right place now, so I should thank them (for not signing him).”

Slaton, now 3-0 vs. Maryland, said earning No. 4 national ranking is what all of the players work hard for during each year.

“All the year-round workouts, this is what we prepare for. This is what we are supposed to do,” he reasoned.

With his three rushing touchdowns against UM, he hiked his career total to 41. He needs just two to break the all-time record of 42 set by Ira Errett Rodgers in 1915-16-17-19.

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen obviously was disappointed by the defeat, WVU’s fourth win in a row against the Terps for the first time in this 46-game border-state rivalry.

“West Virginia is obviously a very good football tam with a lot of speed,” he said. “I think our kids played hard, and they kind of got worn down. We just have to keep working and trying to get better.”

Friedgen thought there were a lot of positives that his team can take from this game

“We have a chance to be a good football team, and we will find that out in the next few weeks,” he said.

UM linebacker Andrew Crumney said, “I still think we’re a great team, but I think we could have played better today. I expected more, and it’s disappointing that we didn’t get the win.”

Jordan Steffy, the Terps’ starting quarterback, gave the Mountaineers credit.

“They play hard,” he said. “You can’t take anything away from them. They’re a great team. Their guys fly around. They disguise defenses well.

“They are a good team. There’s no doubt about that.”