2010 West Virginia Football Predictions
Written by Matthew Martz
There is a lot of promise and optimism on the Mountaineer team this season after going 9-4 overall in 2009-10, and 5-2 in conference. Despite losing their bowl game against Florida State, West Virginia finished 25th overall, with a better-ranked defense (36) than offense (61). Noel Devine is one of the nation’s premier running backs and will look to improve that ranking behind a more experienced offensive line. The team appears to be poised to make a run for the Big East crown, but competition in the conference will be stiff.
Here’s a closer look at the 2010 West Virginia Mountaineers to help make your College Football wagers winners. For a detailed look at the 2010 Big East Football Predictions check this out.
Offense:
The biggest question looms around how much time sophomore quarterback Geno Smith will need to adjust to being a full time quarterback. Smith, who filled in for Jarrett Brown last year when he went out with a concussion, will be the heir to the throne despite being limited in practice with a broken bone in his foot. Coley White, brother of former Mountaineers quarterback Pat White, played well in the spring and should expect to see time on the field as well.
The Mountaineers lost wide receiver Alric Arnett to graduation, but return slot receiver Jock Sanders and deep threat Bradley Starks. Logan Heastie and Deon Long, two young and promising wide receivers, left the program early in the spring leaving WVU a bit thin at the position. Ivan McCartney, a highly touted incoming freshman, could see the field as a result. The quick and nimble Tavon Austin will be expected to contribute as well.
The offensive line has four returning starters, but has drawn some questions. Although center Joe Madsen is not award caliber, he has another promising season ahead of him after being named to the Big East all-freshman team. Eric Jobe, Josh Jenkins and Don Barclay round out the line. They started all 13 games last season and make for an experienced line.
Selvish Capers was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the final round of the draft in April, and must be replaced. Coming back for an encore is 1,400-yard rusher Noel Devine. He scored 13 touchdowns and rushed for 1,200 two years ago. Expect him to have a huge senior season with more protection at center from a more developed Smith.
The backfield is rounded out with Ryan Clarke, a big 247-pound fullback, who was named Danny Van Etten Rookie of the Year by the coaching staff last season and should be a force once again in the WVU offense.
Defense:
Gone is senior linebacker Reed Williams along with his 68 tackles and two sacks in his final season. But the defense will return nine other starters from last year’s campaign, including leading tacklers Pat Lazear and J.T. Williams. Both outside linebackers are returning for their second and third years as starters.
Anthony Leonard is expected to start between the two after seeing action in nine games last season. Najee Goode is the only other linebacker who has seen significant playing time, raising concern about depth at the position.
Scooter Berry will be ready for the start of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason. Defensive end Julian Miller led the team with nine sacks last season, and nose tackle Chris Neild enters his third season. There is some experience in the reserves, but is a bit of a concern with this unit.
The secondary returns free safety Robert Sands, whose breakout season in 2009 earned him All-Big East accolades. He grabbed five interceptions and 65 tackles. Cornerback Brandon Hogan was an All-American honorable mention and was an All-Big East first teamer after his breakout junior campaign.
2010 Prediction: Fourth in the Big East . Currently the 2010 West Virginia Mountaineers are favored at +300 betting odds to win the Big East Conference. That said head coach Bill Stewart has his work cut out for him if he wants to improve on last year’s performance. He was not a welcome choice amongst fans when he was picked to replace Rich Rodriguez, and a pair of 9-4 seasons have not matched the 11 wins Rodriguez had in each of his final two seasons as coach. Getting to a bowl game seems eminent if Stewart is to keep his head off the chopping block.
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