West Virginia Football: Ranking the 2012 Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

West Virginia is one of the more exciting teams in the country and has huge expectations heading into the 2012 season. The Mountaineers return 14 starters, including eight starters from an offense that averaged over 37 points a contest. Of course, a 70-33 victory over the Clemson Tigers in the BCS Orange Bowl built a lot of momentum heading into their first season in the Big 12.

But with the switch of conferences, the Mountaineers will have a schedule that they aren't quite used to playing. There are no more playing basketball schools; Connecticut, Louisville and Syracuse have been replaced with Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The talent is there, but the level of competition has increased.

With the season quickly approaching, here are the easiest and most difficult games on the West Virginia Mountaineers 2012 schedule.

12. vs. James Madison (In Landover, MD)

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: N/A

The only thing that James Madison has going for them is the fact that this game won't be played in Morgantown. Other than that, this is a mismatch on every side of the ball and should result in a 30-point victory for the Mountaineers.

11. vs. Marshall

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 12

Marshall had an impressive victory over FIU in the bowl game, but this team also played West Virginia and lost 34-13. The Thundering Herd simply do not have the offense to keep up with the Mountaineers' high-scoring attack. The talent gap is too wide and will show once again as West Virginia improves to 8-0 against Marshall all-time.

10. vs. Kansas

Last year's record: 2-10

Returning starters: 13

Kansas has a new quarterback in Dayne Crist and an offensive genius at head coach in Charlie Weis. Those changes should help improve an offense that was ranked 95th in the country a year ago. But I'm not sure what is going to fix a defense that was ranked dead last in all of college football. Geno Smith and company were licking their chops when they saw this game on the schedule.

9. vs. Maryland

Last year's record: 2-10

Returning starters: 15

Maryland is in good hands with head coach Randy Edsall, but last year showed that he has a lot of work to do with this program. The Terrapins were brutal on both sides of the ball and it's unlikely they will improve drastically in one offseason. West Virginia has won the last six meetings against Maryland and it shouldn't surprise anyone when that streak is extended another season.

8. At Iowa State

Last year's record: 6-7

Returning starters: 12

Iowa State returns the majority of its offense, including running back James White, who averaged nearly five yards a touch. The Cyclones pulled off a couple of upsets last year as well, including one over Oklahoma State which prevented the Cowboys from reaching the BCS National Championship.

With that said, this team will have to play another perfect game for lightning to strike twice in Ames.

7. vs. Baylor

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 14

How great would it have been to see Robert Griffin square off against Geno Smith in this matchup? Unfortunately it won't happen, but that doesn't mean that the Bears should be slept on in 2012. Eight starters are returning on defense for Baylor and quarterback Nick Florence has looked sharp during the offseason. It should be another interesting year for that team in Waco.

6. At Texas Tech

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 19

In order for Texas Tech to stand a chance in this game, it must improve a defense that allowed over 39 points per contest. However, the Red Raiders do have a few things going for them. They are at home and have an underrated quarterback in Seth Doege, who should emerge as one of the better quarterbacks in the country soon enough.

This team competed with some of the better teams in the conference last season and should give the Mountaineers a run for their money.

5. At Oklahoma State

Last year's record: 12-1

Returning starters: 14

Oklahoma State no longer has one of the top quarterback and wide receiver duos, but it does have a 1,000 yard rusher in Joseph Randle. The Cowboys also return eight starters from a defense that forced 44 turnovers, which was the most in the country. Not to mention traveling to Stillwater isn't exactly a cakewalk for the opposition.

4. vs. Kansas State

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 16

These teams are complete opposites. West Virginia is your flashy team that scores in a variety of sexy ways, while Kansas State doesn't do anything particularly well but found ways to win 10 games last season. The Wildcats are well-coached and a veteran team, and shouldn't be afraid of the bright lights in Morgantown.

3. vs. TCU

Last year's record: 11-2

Returning starters: 13

The two newbies of the conference will battle it out for respect in Morgantown. While the Mountaineers may be getting more attention because of their exciting play, the Horned Frogs are a team that plays ridiculous defense and has a reputation of competing with some of the best teams in the country. This will be a huge test for both teams and the outcome will likely shake up the rankings.

2. At Texas

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 17

Texas will have to be more consistent on offense, but returning seven starters from a defense that ranked 11th in the country is a huge positive heading into 2012. It will be interesting to see just how this Mountaineers offense responds to a stifling defense such as the Longhorns. They did a solid job of playing against LSU last year, but this game will not take place on Mountaineer Field.

1. vs. Oklahoma

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 15

Oklahoma is probably the most complete team in this conference to begin the year. A majority of the defense returns, which ranked second in the conference behind Texas. And they also have one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Landry Jones. The Sooners will have a Big 12 title on their mind and will be out to compete for a national championship. The winner of this game will likely be the winner of the Big 12 and reach a BCS bowl.