2007 marked the end of the Rich Rodriguez era in Morgantown. While Coach Rodriguez’s highly-publicized departure to Michigan dominated much of the offseason blotter, West Virginia has plenty to look forward to in ’08.
Senior quarterback Pat White returns for his fourth year as the starting quarterback with the Heisman Trophy and a national title on his mind.
New head coach, Bill Stewart won’t change the successful spread offense and with good reason. With non-conference games against Colorado and Auburn as well as at home against South Florida, the Mountaineers will need to bring their ‘A’ games if they expect to play in Miami in January ’09.
7. LSU Tigers
After becoming the first two-loss team to win the BCS Championship, the Tigers return with a younger squad, but are stocked full of talent.
Sophomore defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois has generated plenty of buzz over the offseason after his national championship performance against the Buckeyes.
After being suspended for the entire regular season last year, Jean-Francois looks to fill in for Glenn Dorsey as an anchor on the Tiger defense. The offense has more experience—especially on the offensive line—but will have to rely on redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee to lead the way.
LSU won plenty of close games last year due to clutch play and aggressive coaching. They will need plenty more of that if they look to repeat as champions this year.
8. Missouri Tigers
The Big 12 North champions return with 16 starters, including senior quarterback Chase Daniel, sophomore receiver Jeremy Maclin, and senior safety William Moore.
Mizzou returns with a slight chip on its shoulder after getting snubbed from the BCS bowl games in favor of Kansas—a team which Missouri previously beat. The Tigers will look to do something they haven’t done since 1969 in the old Big 8—win the conference. Kansas and Colorado may give them a fight, but the true test for Mizzou will be October 18 at Texas.
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