West Virginia Football 2011: 10 Bold Predictions for the Mountaineers in 2011

The official start to the college football season is upon us.  Fall practices have begun and teams are preparing to be the best. 

The Big East is—as of now—the “red-headed step-child” of the BCS conferences.  

However, there are eight teams who beg to differ—let’s talk about one of those teams that is ready to break the mold.

There are many naysayers and yea-sayers surrounding the West Virginia Mountaineers.  Here are 10 predictions that will please both.

No. 10: West Virginia Will Lead the Big East in Passing Yards

With the arm of Geno Smith and the mastermind of Dana Holgorsen, look for the Mountaineers to compete with Pitt for tops in the passing game—and win. 

Expect Smith to abide in Tavon Austin for the bulk of his through the air yards.

No. 9: The Mountaineers Will Have an Unexpected Nationally Ranked Running Game

Although Noel Devine and Jock Sanders have moved on to try their hands at pro ball and WVU will be passing more. Expect to see a different style of game—on the ground. 

Remember the name, Vernard Roberts.  It will be hard to forget by the end of the season. 

The freshman will impress and begin his climb to the top of the WVU record books.

No. 8: WVU Will Rank High on Defense

Defensive tackle Julian Miller, defensive end Bruce Irvin, and cornerback Keith Tandy are sure to make the reads necessary to keep the opposing team from advancing down the field. 

The ‘Eers lost a big chunk of their defensive due to graduating players and those seeking to advance their careers in the NFL. 

Don’t let the departures fool you. 

The Mountaineer defense will pick up where they left off last season.

No. 7: WVU Will Finally Have an Offensive Line That Actually Protects the QB

Starting guard—and very highly recruited—Josh Jenkins is out for the season following an injury during the spring game. 

Plan for Jeff Braun and Donnie Barclay to assist center, Joe Madsen in creating holes and plugging them when needed.  

No. 6: Dana Holgorsen Will Win His Conference in His First Year as a Head Coach

Holgorsen has been on the winning end several times as an assistant coach—Texas Tech, Houston, Oklahoma State. 

However, he is now the head guru and will use his offensive guru-ness and Jeff Casteel’s master defensive mind to blow away the Big East. 

West Virginia will win the Big East outright.

No. 5: West Virginia Will Produce a Heisman Caliber Walk-On Quarterback

With the departure of third string QB Brian Athey to Illinois State, the Mountaineers are left with just two quarterbacks on the depth chart. 

Bradley Starks who was recruited as a quarterback but converted to wide receiver could fill-in at the QB spot if needed. 

However, head coach Dana Holgorsen has sent a mass email to the WVU student body in hope of finding a couple more quarterbacks. 

It is Holgorsen’s hope to add at least one more to the depth chart to backup Geno Smith and Paul Millard. 

The head coach has what it takes to create winners. 

Look for the Mountaineers to have Heisman contenders from the QB position well into the future. 

Walk-on try-outs will be held on August 22. 

No. 4: Dana Holgorsen Will Fire Most of the Defensive Coaching Staff

Although the Mountaineers have had a top-rated defensive the last couple of seasons and will again this season—Holgorsen wants his own people. 

It will be a crying shame for the team and the fans, but those who are let go will have no problem finding a new home. 

Let’s hope I’m wrong on this one.

No. 3: A Win over LSU Will Cause Pollsters to Take Notice of the Mountaineers

The Tigers come to Morgantown this year ranked No. 1 following a win over Oregon, an Alabama loss to Penn State, and an Oklahoma loss to Florida State. 

The game will produce LSU’s first loss of the season and propel West Virginia into the Top 10. 

No. 2: Dana Holgorsen Will Be Out After Three Seasons

Most new coaches are given an average of three years to produce a nationally recognized team. 

If Holgorsen fails—he’s out.  If he passes the test—he’s out, possibly to a Big Ten or Big 12 team. 

However, by this point the NFL will be calling.

No. 1: The West Virginia Mountaineers Will Be National Champions

With an explosive offense and a defense that will amaze, WVU will be the talk of the country by mid-October, when the first BCS rankings are announced. 

Though the lack of national media and fanfare will keep the Mountaineers out of the No. 1 spot, WVU will be in New Orleans on January 9, 2012 and will be celebrating victory well into the New Year.