Head Coach Rich Rodriquez has done a masterful job with the West Virginia Mountaineers
turning what was once a stagnant program into a national powerhouse. Now, West Virginia is the team to beat in the Big East and with a favorable schedule are a legit title contender.
Bodog has West Virginia 9 to 1 Odds to win the 2008 BCS
The Mountaineers offense is a powerful one that employs the spread formation sometimes using 4 receiver sets to set up the running game. RB Steve Slaton, 5-10 190, is a Heisman Trophy candidate after finishing fourth for the award last year . Slaton is a fluid runner with great instincts and 4.4 speed. QB Patrick White, 6-2 185, is an outstanding scrambler that won the conferences offensive player of the year award last season. White’s throwing ability might be overlooked, because he can put throws on the money with velocity when he needs to. The receiving corps has plenty of depth with the leading receiver being Darius Reynard, 5-10 205, who had 39 catches for 520 yards last season. The zone-blocking O-line returns three starters from a talented group that had a freshman All-American last year in LG Greg Isander, 6-4 315.
The smallish West Virginia defense runs out of the awkward 3-3-5 set. The unusual formation allows the D to pressure the QB while dropping players back to focus on coverage. The West Virginia defensive line has experience and potential but was unable to generate enough pressure on the Quarterback last year. DT Keilen Dykes, 6-5 295 is a force inside that earned First Team All Big East last season. There is only one starting linebacker returning but freshman Pat Lazear was one of the highest rated recruits and could make an impact. The Safeties are studs. The corners are duds. Senior Eric Wicks, 6-1, 205 is the leader of the bunch after recording 7 sacks last season. The special teams have some threats in the return game and the kicking position is stable.
The schedule is soft and the offense is explosive. The West Virginia Mountaineers are positioned to win a National Championship but their defense won’t allow them to capture the big prize.
Brad Marchetti’s Opening Game West Virginia Mountaineers Power Ratings : 20-80 Scale
20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great
Coaching: 75
Quarterback : 70
Backs : 75
Receivers : 65
Offensive Line : 60
Defensive Line : 60
Linebackers : 55
Secondary : 60
Special Teams : 70
Alabama 80/1
Arizona 250/1
Arizona State 100/1
Arkansas 50/1
Army 180/1
Auburn 70/1
Boise State 100/1
Boston College 150/1
BYU 150/1
California 50/1
Clemson 80/1
Colorado 180/1
Florida 8/1
Florida State 30/1
Georgia 40/1
Georgia Tech 200/1
Hawaii 150/1
Illinois 200/1
Indiana 200/1
Iowa 90/1
Kansas 100/1
Kansas State 250/1
Kentucky 150/1
Louisville 20/1
LSU 8/1
Maryland 250/1
Miami Florida 30/1
Michigan 7/1
Michigan State 100/1
Minnesota 100/1
Mississippi 80/1
Missouri 40/1
Navy 150/1
Nebraska 40/1
North Carolina State 250/1
Northwestern 150/1
Notre Dame 40/1
Ohio State 28/1
Oklahoma 10/1
Oklahoma State 200/1
Oregon 80/1
Oregon State 200/1
Penn State 30/1
Pittsburgh 250/1
Purdue 350/1
Rutgers 40/1
South Carolina 75/1
South Florida 75/1
Southern Mississippi 100/1
TCU 100/1
Tennessee 45/1
Texas 10/1
Texas A&M 50/1
Texas Tech 180/1
UCLA 40/1
USC 5/2
Virginia 150/1
Virginia Tech 22/1
Wake Forest 200/1
Washington 150/1
Washington State 125/1
West Virginia 9/1
Wisconsin 30/1
Field (Any Other Team) 50/1
