2007 West Virginia Mountaineers Preview
by Jerald of Predictem.com
Head Coach – Rich Rodriquez, 7th year
2006 Record – 11-2 straight up, 5-5-1 ATS
Returning Offensive Starters – 8
Returning Defensive Starters – 7
Conference – 2nd in Big East
Team Offense
In 2006 the offense averaged 302 yards rushing (6.6 yards per rush) and 161 yards passing while scoring an average of 38.9 points per game. The Mountaineers have an explosive offense led by dual threat QB Pat White. White ran for 1,219 yards and 18 touchdowns and threw for 1,655 yards and 13 touchdowns. Steve Slaton returns at running back after a tremendous 2006 season where he rushed for 1,744 yards and 16 touchdowns. Freshman Noel Devine should had a big play threat as the try to work him into the mix of this exciting offense.
Defense
In 2006 the defense gave up an average of 88 yards rushing (2.81 yards per rush) and 236 yards passing while giving up 20.6 points per game. The defense uses a different approach with a 3-3 stack defense and players moving all over the place. With the big play ability of the offense, the defense is on the field quite a bit. The low rushing total that they gave up was partially due to teams playing from behind.
Grading the units:
Offense – A+
Defense – B+
Special Teams – B+
Prediction
Bodog Sportsbook has the over/under on the season wins at 10 wins. The Mountaineer schedule includes 7 bowl teams; however, their toughest game with Louisville will be played at home. This offense is very talented and is hard for teams with less talent to keep up with. We call for a play on over 10 wins for the 2007 season and think there is a great chance of the Mountaineers going undefeated in the regular season.
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