2010 NCAA Football Preview-Big East-West Virginia Mountaineers

2009 Results-9-4

When Bill Stewart took over two years ago for Michigan bound Rich Rodriguez, many thought the Mountaineers were welcoming in a coach that couldn’t compare to their former head man, but since the change, Stewart has 19 wins while Rodriguez has just eight. With plenty of talent and experience coming back, could Stewart be on the verge of his first Big East Championship.

One of the keys to West Virginia’s success in 2009 was their ability to both run and throw effectively. With Pat White gone, 2009 back up Geno Smith is the likely heir with Coley White lurking in the shadows. Whoever takes the snaps will be expected to produce with a full compliment of talent surrounding them. Smith has a great target in second team All Big East WR Jock Sanders (72 rec, 688 yds) and Brad Starks (29 rec, 405 yds) sure to see more balls. However, when in doubt and a play is needed, give the ball to your best player Noel Devine (1,465 yds), a first team All Big East selection who can also catch the ball and has the speed to take it to the house with every touch. The offensive line returns all but one starter (Selvish Capers) so experience and another year of playing together should make this group even better.

Nine players are back on a defense that was ranked number three in the Big East in 2009, even though they might fly under the radar with such a dangerous offense. The front three of 2^nd team All Big East DT Chris Neld and ends Justin Miller and Scooter Perry occupy the O Line and disrupt blocking schemes allowing those behind them to make plays. Outside linebackers, Pat Lazear (78 T) and JT Thomas (76T) were perhaps the biggest beneficiaries of solid play up front, leading the team in tackles. The secondary returns four players including one of the league’s best cornerback combos in 1^st team All Big East Brandon Hogan and Keith Tandy. FS Robert Sands (65 T, 5 int) is a playmaker who led the conference in passes defended, while Sidney Glover played the rover spot, which meant he was free to line up virtually anywhere on the field.

Tyler Bitancurt was a 1^st team All Big East performer as a freshman on the strength of a 13-15 effort on field goals, but All American punter Scott Kozlowski graduated. Devine, Sanders and Tavon Austin will see time at kick returner, while Sanders and Hogan will split time returning punts.

With plenty of talent and experience returning, it would be foolish not to list the Mountaineers as a contender. I’m looking at a top three finish, a run at ten wins and a nice bowl but I don’t think Bill Stewart gets his first Big East Championship.

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