West Virginia Mountaineer Madness

College football preseason camp's has opened up nationwide and every team is preparing for the 2008-2009 college football season. There is no exception for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Coming off an upset win in the Fiesta Bowl, losing their head football coach to Michigan, and losing Steve Slaton to the NFL Draft, many are wondering can WVU be as successful as previous seasons.

Bill Stewart had a short time for recruiting and putting together a coaching staff but now that everything is in place it is time to get underway. WVU returns Heisman hopeful, Pat White at the quarterback position. Pat White needs just 934 yards to break the all-time rushing record by a QB in the NCAA but Bill Stewart has made it clear he wants to pass more often. The problem is WVU has lost their top 3 ball hawks in Darius Raynaud, Steve Slaton, and Owen Schmidt. Seniors Tito Gonzales and Dorrell Jalloh are stepping up with Jock Sanders, Brand Hogan, Wes Lyons, and Bradley Starks in the mix.

With returning lineman like Ryan Stanchek and Greg Isdaner, the running game should be in good shape. Especially with returning running back, Noel Devine. Mark Rodgers, Zach Hulce, and incoming freshman Terrance Kerns is expected to chip in with some carries.

For the second year in a row WVU's secondary is undergoing the most changes. With returning Defensive Coordinator, Jeff Casteel and new coordinators Dave Lockwood and Steve Dunlap, the defense shouldn't take long to get put back in order. Names that come to mind to fill the void in the secondary are Ellis Lankster, Boogie Allen, and Nate Sowers. The strength of the defense can be found in the linebacker corp with Mortty Ivy and Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP Reed Williams.
Several players are in the race for the d-line but you can count on Chris Neild and Scooter Berry to lead the way.

The Mountaineers are expected to finish 1st in the Big East and are ranked #8 in the country in the preseason coaches poll. Don't be surprised to see this very fast and talented football team in the national championship if they play to the best of their ability. Since Pat White is going to get the freedom to throw the ball more often, he should be in the top running for the Heismen Trophy. More passes will make the opposing defense play more honest and open up the running game even more for Pat White and Noel Devine. Look for the Mountaineers to continue with the same success as in the Fiesta Bowl. Lets Go Mountaineers !