Thursday, July 19, 2012
West Virginia Football: Mountaineers Hope to Surprise in Big 12
By Jack Jones
The West Virginia Mountaineers will move to the Big 12 this season. The Mountaineers capped off their final season in the Big East by winning the conference championship. They would finish the year 10-3 after an impressive 70-33 win over Clemson in the Orange Bowl
Head coach Dana Holgorsen lived up to the hype in his first year at WVU. He guided his team to a 10-win season and he needs to replicate that same success as he has 14 starters returning. Although there will obviously be a big step-up in competition, their passing-offense should serve them well in the Big 12.
Offense
The offense really took off under Holgorsen. Their execution was crisp as they scored 37.6 points while averaging 470 total yards/game in 2011. This team could still be very explosive as they have eight starters returning on offense.
Geno Smith has decided to stay and quarterback this team for his senior season. With his talent and ability, he was what it takes to be one of the top signal-callers in the Big 12, right alongside Oklahoma's Landry Jones. Although he had gaudy numbers last year, he has the opportunity to be even better playing under Holgorsen's offense for the second year.
Depth at running back is a strength for this team as WVU welcomes back three of its top rushers from last season. Health is somewhat of an issue as Dustin Garrison was sidelined last year, but if they are healthy, this squad has a lot of firepower available with Garrison, senior Shawn Allston, and sophomore Andrew Buie all coming back.
The Mountaineers also have one of the best receiving corps in the country with their top three receivers back. Junior Stedman Bailey, senior Tavon Austin, and junior Ivan McCartney will lead the pack in this strong and intimidating group.
West Virginiawill look to change their results on the offensive line as they have seen a steady decline in rushing for each of the last five seasons. With the return of their 3 starters in senior C Joe Madsen, senior RG Jeff Braun and junior RT Pat Eger, this unit has a great chance to improve dramatically. An injury to All-Big East awardee Josh Jenkins ended his 2011 campaign, so essentially there are four starters returning and 105 total career starts up front.
Defense
Giving up 26.8 point/game was a tough pill to swallow last year, because they held opposing teams to a respectable 348 yards/game. Six starters return on defense though, including three of their top five tacklers.
The unit that really draws a lot of concern is the defensive line. While they get back senior nose tackle Jorge Wright and junior defensive end Will Clarke, this group was a major disappointment last season.
After running a 3-3-5 last year, the Mountaineers have switched to a 3-4 scheme this season, which suits their personnel better. The linebacker corps returns two starters in star LB Terence Garvin and LB Jewone Snow. Doug Rigg and Josh Francis are two experienced players who will see playing time this year as well.
in the secondary, the Mountaineers lose a couple of All-Big East selections in free safety Eain Smith and corner Keith Tandy. They get back six of their top eight, but will face a lot better competition in the pass-happy Big 12.
Head over to College Football Free Picks during the regular season for the latest on West Virginia Football. Here you will be able to find the latest odds and get expert advice from some of the top handicappers in the business.
Big 12 Prediction - 3rd Place
There are tempered expectations for West Virginia coming into 2012. Their talent and their favorable schedule will allow them to compete for a conference title. They do face tough road tests at Texas and Oklahoma State. Their offense will keep them in every game, but their defense may take a step back. That's something it can't afford to do in the Mountaineers' first season in the Big 12.
Head coach Dana Holgorsen lived up to the hype in his first year at WVU. He guided his team to a 10-win season and he needs to replicate that same success as he has 14 starters returning. Although there will obviously be a big step-up in competition, their passing-offense should serve them well in the Big 12.
Offense
The offense really took off under Holgorsen. Their execution was crisp as they scored 37.6 points while averaging 470 total yards/game in 2011. This team could still be very explosive as they have eight starters returning on offense.
Geno Smith has decided to stay and quarterback this team for his senior season. With his talent and ability, he was what it takes to be one of the top signal-callers in the Big 12, right alongside Oklahoma's Landry Jones. Although he had gaudy numbers last year, he has the opportunity to be even better playing under Holgorsen's offense for the second year.
Depth at running back is a strength for this team as WVU welcomes back three of its top rushers from last season. Health is somewhat of an issue as Dustin Garrison was sidelined last year, but if they are healthy, this squad has a lot of firepower available with Garrison, senior Shawn Allston, and sophomore Andrew Buie all coming back.
The Mountaineers also have one of the best receiving corps in the country with their top three receivers back. Junior Stedman Bailey, senior Tavon Austin, and junior Ivan McCartney will lead the pack in this strong and intimidating group.
West Virginiawill look to change their results on the offensive line as they have seen a steady decline in rushing for each of the last five seasons. With the return of their 3 starters in senior C Joe Madsen, senior RG Jeff Braun and junior RT Pat Eger, this unit has a great chance to improve dramatically. An injury to All-Big East awardee Josh Jenkins ended his 2011 campaign, so essentially there are four starters returning and 105 total career starts up front.
Defense
Giving up 26.8 point/game was a tough pill to swallow last year, because they held opposing teams to a respectable 348 yards/game. Six starters return on defense though, including three of their top five tacklers.
The unit that really draws a lot of concern is the defensive line. While they get back senior nose tackle Jorge Wright and junior defensive end Will Clarke, this group was a major disappointment last season.
After running a 3-3-5 last year, the Mountaineers have switched to a 3-4 scheme this season, which suits their personnel better. The linebacker corps returns two starters in star LB Terence Garvin and LB Jewone Snow. Doug Rigg and Josh Francis are two experienced players who will see playing time this year as well.
in the secondary, the Mountaineers lose a couple of All-Big East selections in free safety Eain Smith and corner Keith Tandy. They get back six of their top eight, but will face a lot better competition in the pass-happy Big 12.
Head over to College Football Free Picks during the regular season for the latest on West Virginia Football. Here you will be able to find the latest odds and get expert advice from some of the top handicappers in the business.
Big 12 Prediction - 3rd Place
There are tempered expectations for West Virginia coming into 2012. Their talent and their favorable schedule will allow them to compete for a conference title. They do face tough road tests at Texas and Oklahoma State. Their offense will keep them in every game, but their defense may take a step back. That's something it can't afford to do in the Mountaineers' first season in the Big 12.
About the Author:
Jack Jones will be posting his college football picks at Betfirms all season long. Head over there now and get a more in-depth preview on this team and the entire Big 12 conference.
Posted by AppleFanatic at 1:29 AM
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