As some of you might remember, I did this every week in the college basketball forum.
Obviously this is the first week, so everything is level. As the season progresses, each team gets ranked by stats, injuries, wins, losses, etc, etc, etc. Basically, week one is a VERY brief summary of what each team is working with after camp, and what to expect, for the most part, in the first week of action.
*Stats used this week are from the 2008 season unless otherwise noted.
**As the season begins, stats will be from this, the 2009 year.
***Stock for all teams is level before the season starts.
1. West Virginia 0-0, (0-0), Stock: LEVEL
2008 final record: 9-4, (5-2)
Last game: (2008): W 31-30 in Meineke Car Care Bowl vs. North Carolina
Next game: Sept. 5 vs. Liberty
Strong Point: The Mountaineers return the best running back in the Big East and a Heisman candidate in Noel Devine. The junior Devine rushed for 1,289 yards and four touchdowns. He helped WVU to the 2nd best running game in the Big East in 2008.
Area of Improvement: The irreplaceable Pat White has graduated and WVU will be turning to senior signal caller Jarrett Brown. The problem is, Brown got just 30 attempts under center last year, passing for 114 yards, lacking experience.
Overall Analysis: West Virginia had a bend but don’t break defense last year, giving up just over 300 yards a game. The great news is they return eight starters and three more with fantastic experience, including cornerback Brandon Hogan who led the secondary in tackles and interceptions a year ago. The main reason the Mountaineers don’t find themselves ranked, however, is an unproven offensive line, in which one starter is back, and a very inexperienced quarterback. The first three weeks of the season should be a clear indicator of where this new offense is going.