2009 West Virginia Mountaineers College Football Predictions

2009 West Virginia Mountaineers Predictions
2008 Record: (9-4, 5-2)
Coach: Bill Stewart, 2nd year (10-4)
Off. Coordinator: Jeff Mullen (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Jeff Casteel (8th year)
Returning Starters: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: This should be a rebuilding year for Bill Stewart and the Mountaineers even with seven starters. Why? Because Pat White, one of the best to ever run the spread offense and most dangerous Big East quarterback ever, has moved on to the NFL (or baseball). The good news is senior quarterback Jarrett Brown (6-4, 221) returns and has won both career starters. Brown is considered a better pure passer than White, but does not have the great quickness or agility. At running back, junior Noel Devine returns after rolling up 1,289 yards last year with a 6.3 yards per carry average. He also notched 35 receptions last season. Senior Alric Arnett is the leading man at receiver with 35 receptions for 466 yards. The main concern other than Brown , is the offensive line which loses three quality starters including All-American Ryan Stanchek. It may take this unit some time to become cohesive.

Defense: The Mountaineers return seven starters on defense and should be especially-strong at linebacker. They return Reed Williams (6-1, 228), who missed most of last season with double shoulder surgery along with junior J.T. Thomas (6-2, 224) back as the leading returning tackler. Up front, Scooter Barry (6-1, 280) moves inside to tackle from end. Junior Brandon Hogan (3 INTs) is back at cornerback after missing their bowl game against North Carolina for a personal matter. He also had 60 tackles and broke up seven passes. SS Sidney Glover (5-11, 210) also returns after recording 61 stops in 2008. They also need to find a kicker and punter as Pat McAfee graduates after handling all the kicking duties the last two seasons.

Outlook: West Virginia is a very dangerous team in the Big East, but they won’t be the same without Pat White. They open with Liberty and East Carolina and then take on Auburn on the road. If the offensive line works out, they’ll be back in the major bowl picture.

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