West Virginia QB White to return against Auburn

Oct 21, 2008 - 9:45 PM MORGANTOWN, West Virginia (Ticker) -- West Virginia quarterback Pat White will return for Thursday's game against Auburn, Mountaineers coach Bill Stewart announced Tuesday.

White missed West Virginia's 17-6 victory over Syracuse on October 11 with a head injury suffered in a 24-17 victory over Rutgers the week before. The Mountaineers had a bye last week.

Stewart said White was enthusiastic during Monday's practice and eager to get back into the lineup.

"Pat has done very well and he's performing well," Stewart said. "He was running around last night and he was cheering them (teammates) on as only Pat can do.

"He said he liked it and said that was the way we should practice and play. It was very fun and he's ready and raring to go."

A Heisman Trophy candidate last year, White returned to West Virginia for his senior season but has had a disappointing campaign for the Mountaineers (4-2). He rushed for just 428 yards in the Mountaineers' first five games and passed for only 590.

West Virginia suffered back-to-back losses to East Carolina and Colorado before winning its last three games.

"The last thing I'm going to do is tell him how to play," Stewart said. "He'll have fun. Pat is a sharp individual and he's mentally on top of his game."