West Virginia : WVU Football Preview

This is an exciting year for the Mountaineers. It's exciting because it's Dana Holgorsen's first year with a team that is truly his own. These are his recruits, in his system. And it looks to be a good year.
That's right, a good year, not a great year. The Big 12 is tough this year, with TCU and Baylor starting the season ranked #2 and #4 respectively. WVU must face them both in two back to back away games during a tough run in October that also includes an away game at Oklahoma and a home game against Oklahoma St. October will be a make or break month for the Mountaineers. If the Mountaineers can pull off an upset, or hopefully two, they'll be fine. Let's take a look at the team.
Offense: WVU's Starting QB is Skyler Howard. Howard has a strong arm and great football acumen. He can read a defense and has the ability to run or scramble if he needs to do so. The offensive line in front of him is deeper and more experienced than last year. His biggest weapon is his running back corp anchored by Wendell Smallwood and Rushel Shell. Shell plays the game like a scat back with quick darting moves. Smallwood has the ball skills of a wide receiver with the build of a running back. Smallwood's ability is going to come in handy. Especially since the biggest question concerning the offense is, Who is going to catch Howard's passes? The two #1 candidates at this point in time are wide receivers Jovon Duarte and Shelton Gibson. Both players are young with great potential. Duarnte is starting as a true freshman, a rarity for the WVU offense. Gibson is a sophomore who saw some action last season. Although Howard is great at the deep pass, don't look for WVU to be the "Air Raid" team of recent years. However, if these two youngsters are able to step up and become reliable receivers, WVU will be a contender in the Big 12 this year.
Defense: The WVU defense will be one the best in the league this season. Their secondary was #2 in the league last year, and they have safeties KJ Dillon and Karl Joseph returning. This will give WVU an advantage while playing in the high flying Big 12. The defensive line is experienced, smart, and large. They finally look like a Big 12 offensive line, not a Big East offensive line. Holgorsen has 100% trust in Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson. Holgorsen believes this may be WVU's best defense during his tenure.
So what's my prediction?
WVU will go 9-3, 8-4 at the worst. The Mountaineers will be 4th in the Big East and return to the Liberty Bowl.
But hey, this is college ball, anything can happen, and often does. Just do me one favor WVU. Don't blow it against Georgia Southern this weekend. GSU is well coached and a good team, and can't be overlooked.