West Virginia Football Preview
WVU Lost its Star QB, but the Mountaineers Still Look Solid
White went in the second round of the NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins to help them perfect their wildcat offense, now nicknamed the “wild pat.”
While at WVU, White got the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NCAA history. He also was the first to win all four bowl games as the starting quarterback, two of which were BCS bowls. So needless to say, it is hard for any team to replace a player of that magnitude.
Offense
The Mountaineers may have just the right guy to come in and run the show. Fifth-year senior Jarrett Brown has been White’s backup and is 2-0 as the starter including the memorable triple-overtime win over Rutgers in 2006.
Brown is 6-4, 221 lbs, and looks the part of starting quarterback more than White. He has speed of his own to run when a throw is not available and is an altogether great athlete.
His athleticism has also been shown on the court, since Brown has suited up for the WVU basketball squad for a few seasons.
Brown’s backup this year is Coley White, which is Pat White’s younger brother. Coley has talent similar to his brother and will probably take some snaps for the Mountaineers this season, but make it clear that Brown will be running the show.
The offense is also helped out with the size and speed of its receivers. Wes Lyons looks to have a much better year after fighting injuries throughout his early career in Morgantown.
Alric Arnett and Bradley Starks will also add to the passing threat as some talented receivers.
Jock Sanders has been reinstated to the team after being arrested for a DUI in the spring. He was the leading receiver last season and should be able to make some big plays this year.
Of course the speed of Noel Devine will be the key to the Mountaineers running game. He ran for 1,200 yards last season as a sophomore and looks to carry more of the load this year with White gone.
Fullback Ryan Clarke looks to help West Virginia through those short-yardage situations, which gave them such a hard time last season.
Defense
The Mountaineers’ defense should be strong this year led by Reed Williams at middle linebacker.
Williams gives good leadership and experience to the defense as he returns for his sixth year on the team after being put on medical redshirt last year.
Linebacker J.T. Thomas will help the defense as it looks to blitz more this year since it is loaded with hard hitters and plenty of speed.
Scooter Berry and Chris Neild are at defensive back and will help create some pressure on their opponents.
The safety position is still pretty strong even though Ellis Lankster was drafted to the NFL this year. Charles Glover and Robert Sands will be safeties and help the secondary for the Mountaineers.
Special Teams
Pat McAfee was drafted to the Colts, which opened up the punting and kicking positions for West Virginia. Scott Kozlowski will be replacing him in punting and Tyler Bitancurt will be the placekicker.
Also kicker Corey Smith is transferring from the University of Alabama to join the Mountaineers, but of course this means he will have to sit out this season.
It is not yet sure who will return kickoffs and punts, but there is plenty of speed in the locker room with Noel Devine, Brandon Hogan, and Jock Sanders.
WVU’s Schedule
The Mountaineers open the season Sept. 5 against Liberty, which should be an easy contest. They need to make sure to take it seriously and get the offense working well since they face East Carolina the following week.
The Mountaineers lost to East Carolina last year and will surely be looking for revenge as they face them in Morgantown.
Other strong nonconference opponents include games against Auburn and Colorado. Both should make for some tough contests and some entertaining games.
Last year West Virginia had to come back to win against Auburn after being down at the half, and the Mountaineers lost in overtime to Colorado.
Conference contests against South Florida, Pittsburgh, Cincinatti and the Rutgers will all be very crucial games in deciding who wins the Big East title this season. All four of these matchups are within WVU’s last five games, which may make it hard for them to win all four.
The Mountaineers will not have Pat White, who has done so much for the school in his time there, but they should still play well and could easily win the Big East.
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