The St. Francis, Pa., men’s soccer team gave meaning to their Red Flash nickname by scoring three goals in lightening-quick flashes, ultimately ending the Mountaineers’ undefeated season by a 3-0 score Wednesday night at the Mountaineer Soccer Complex.
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Scott Castleman Sports Writer

I wasn’t always the butt of everyone’s jokes.  Just about every little boy I knew grew up loving just about every major sport. For about a four-year period I was the envy of all of my friends because my favorite teams were at the pinnacle of their leagues.  FULL ARTICLE

 
Each week, members of the DA Sports staff will argue a sports-related topic - often controversial - for all to read. This week, editors  Andrew Beckner and Chuck McGill are arguing whether the Miami Hurricanes have what it takes to make it to the BCS title game two years in a row. How will the loss of several players to the NFL affect their chances? Can they overcome one of the toughest non-conference schedules in recent memory? Read on, then you be the judge.

Beckner: There’s a reason no one since Nebraska in the mid-’90s has won two national championships in a row. Simply put, it’s just too hard to do. Opposing teams are always gunning for the top and they prep more for a defending champ than any other team on their schedule. Miami can’t possibly hope to repeat.
McGill: The Nebraska argument would be valid if it happened in the ’70s or ’80s, but you are talking about something that happened in the last six or seven years. Miami has the luxury of losing a game, possibly against Tennessee, and still coasting into Tempe. They’ll be there, will you?
Beckner: Tennessee is only part of the problem. Granted, they got over the first hurdle last week against Florida. But they still play in Knoxville and have to contend with both Virginia Tech and Boston College. Oh, yeah, before I forget, there’s a little game against Florida State. Maybe you’ve heard of the Seminoles? Then again, as stupid as you are, you’ve probably never heard of FSU.
McGill: Before you forget? Is the memory fading with age? I know you were a freshman here when Bobby Bowden was still manning the sidelines in Morgantown, but come on! Miami will be 5-0 when they host Florida State. Do you honestly believe Miami will close the season 5-2? With all that talent?
Beckner: You know, your hair hides those lobotomy stitches well. Even for a team as talented as Miami, there is a limit to how much one team can take. Yes, Miami will lose two games. It’s inevitable.
McGill: The bottom line is we are talking about a team who has Brock Berlin as their scout team quarterback and Walter Payton’s son as a third stringer. They may have the toughest schedule I have ever seen, but they’ll escape 11-1 and play for a second straight title.

So who won the argument? Can Miami overcome the odds and make it to the BCS Championship? Or will tough matchups against Tennessee, Florida State and Virginia Tech be more than they can bear? Make your thoughts known at DASports@mail.wvu.edu.