Fall camps are underway and the regular season is here soon, which means getting an early jump on the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time and the author is here to help you understand what to expect next year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 college football preview.
#6 – West Virginia Mountaineers 11-1 SU; 9-2 ATS
Fargo’s Take The Mountaineers were picked to finish in the middle of the pack last season in the Big East, but surprised many by losing just once and winning in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. The expectations are now at an all time high and West Virginia has the talent, experience and depth to make a serious run at the National Championship. The offense is highlighted by second-year sensations Pat White at quarterback and Steve Slaton at running back, neither of whom started at the start of last season. The defense was overshadowed by the powerful running game and it shouldn’t have been. The Mountaineers finished 15th in total defense and 13th in scoring defense and while some holes need to be plugged, the unit should once again be a force. West Virginia had only eight starters return last year, so with 13 returning this year, who knows what could happen. The only hurdle that stands out at the moment is a trip to Louisville in what could be one of the best games of the season.
Returning starters on offense: 8 White and Slaton formed one of the best rushing combos in the country, as they combined for 2,080 rushing yards for the nation’s fourth-most powerful rushing game. The passing game was practically non-existent, but who cares? The Mountaineers ranked 115th in passing offense, but that should improve as White has a year under his belt on offense and has four talented receivers to get the ball to. All the players who caught a pass from White are back, so the continuity will be a big plus. The offensive line was the unsung hero and with three returning starters, including All-American candidate Dan Mozes at center, they won’t miss a beat. The only glaring weakness is that sophomores outnumber seniors, but it obviously didn’t matter last season when they were freshmen. Barring injuries, we can expect to see the Mountaineers near the top of the rushing standings once again.
Returning starters on defense – 5 The defense was solid last season, but not many people seemed to notice. West Virginia allowed fewer than 20 points in nine of its 12 games, the only exceptions being Virginia Tech, a three-overtime game against Louisville and Georgia where the defense relaxed after a 28-0 lead. The 3-3-5 defense took the biggest hit in the secondary as four starters need to be replaced, but three juniors are filling three of those spots while redshirt rookie Quinton Andrews is expected to be a star. in free security. The forward six bring back four players led by Weakside linebacker Boo McLee and tackle Keilen Dykes, both preseason All-Big East candidates. Nose tackle Craig Wilson will keep the run defense strong, while Jay Henry will have a breakout year at middle linebacker. 10 of the starting 11 are juniors or seniors, so experience will play a big part in the repeated success of the stopping unit.
Schedule The Mountaineers can lead the table in the weak Big East, similar to the situation in Louisville. The non-conference schedule features five games with three at home and two away. All home games will be wins against Marshall, Buffalo and Maryland. The next two are on the road against East Carolina and Mississippi St. and will be more challenging but shouldn’t be a problem. The Big East schedule begins with games against Syracuse and Connecticut before the big matchup with the Cardinals. Three of the last four games are at home with a trip to Pittsburgh being the only road game. The last two games are against South Florida and Rutgers and while they are considered wins, they certainly cannot be passed over. Only three teams that went to bowl games last season are on the schedule.
You can bet on… It’s a shame the Cardinals game is coming so soon because it’s easily going to be the best game in the Big East and one of the best in the country this season. The Mountaineers flew under the radar last season and now in the complete opposite situation, West Virginia will have a bull’s-eye on their back. A victory over the Mountaineers will mark the season for most of their rivals. Flying under that radar produced a 9-2 record against the number, but don’t expect a repeat. The Mountaineers will give up a lot of points this season, especially on their home field. They are just 4-9 ATS as home favorites over the past three seasons and also 4-9 ATS against non-conference foes in the same span. West Virginia is giving Marshall more than three touchdowns in his first game and will give Buffalo even more next week. However, the Mountaineers won their last three games of the regular season by 32, 38, and 32, so they know how to cover the big numbers.