What do you do when your program is ranked 78th in the nation in offense? You go out and get the nation's hottest offensive genius. That is exactly what West Virginia did by snatching up former Oklahoma State offensive assistant, Dana Holgorsen.
Offensive coordinator Holgorsen and his newly hired staff will implement a new scheme. Improving the Mountaineers offense, which ranked 5th among the Big East in scoring last year, is a priority.
Leading the way for the Mountaineers is junior quarterback Geno Smith. He should shine in Holgorsen's new offense as it is suited to showcase his strengths. Helping Smith in the high octane offense will be receivers Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey and Brad Starks.
While West Virginia new offense focuses on the air attack, they must replace running back Noel Devine. In Holgorsen's system running the ball efficiently is far more important than total production. In other words the threat of the running game opens up the passing game. Look for Shawne Alston and freshman Andrew Buie to make some noise in the backfield.
With the defense returning just four starters, defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel has his work cut out for him. Last years squad was ranked among the top five defenses in the nation.
The Mountaineers 3-3-5 defense scheme works best with a veteran squad. Casteel will rely heavily on Bruce Irvin and Jullian Miller, both returning up front, cornerback Keith Tandy and safety Terence Garvin who was last year's team leading tackler.
Rebuilding the defense will give newcomers the opportunity to start right away. Keep an eye out for linebacker Josh Francis. He is fast and will be used along side Irvin in blitz situations.
Another player who will most likely work his way into the starting lineup is defensive lineman Shaq Rowell. The 6'3, 310 pound junior college transfer may fill the void left by departing All-Big East player Chris Neild. The Mountaineers are counting on Rowell making an impact.
Coach Bill Stewart and West Virginia fans have several reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season. They are excited about implementing Holgorsen's explosive offense, the defensive staff is among the nation's best and should be able to mold a new crop of defensive stars, plus the Mountaineers have a favorable schedule this year (five of their first six games are at home and a total of seven including the Pitt game will be in Morgantown).
West Virginia may be revamping and rebuilding this season, but don't expect this to be a down year by any means. On the contrary they may just have what it takes to ascend to the top of Big East. Regardless this team should be fun to watch!
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