The Mountaineers return the key assets to their offense this fall and look to put up big numbers once again.  Here are a few of the returning starters:

Pat White:

White was brilliant last season earning Big East Player of The Year honors from many publications.  He has already taken over first place all time in Big East rushing yards for a quarterback and will look to do some damage with his arm.  After being drafted by Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (still a ridiculous name) White wandered in to Morgantown and an almost immediate starting job.  Since he has run all over opponents but has been criticized for his lack of throwing ability.  He quieted a few critics last season but will look to add to his numbers again this season.  White completed nearly 70% of his passes during a five game stretch in the middle of last season and if he can produce those numbers through the entire year, look for the Mountaineer offense to put up even more points than it has been in the last few seasons.  Also, look for White to battle teammate Steve Slaton for the top spot in the Heisman race next season.

Steve Slaton:

Slaton has been pure gold since putting on a West Virginia uniform and finished fourth in Heisman voting last season.  You better keep a close eye on Slaton this season as he may run away with the trophy.  Slaton was near the top of the list in rushing yards last season despite injury and will only add to those spectacular numbers this fall.  The WVU rushing attack has been its bread and butter since Rich Rodriguez has been at the helm and WVU has been known as RunningBackU for many seasons, and Slaton has only added merit to that title.  After off-season surgery Slaton will be better than ever and ready to lead the WVU offense.

Darius Reynaud:

An under the radar receiver in college football Reynaud has quietly become the top receiver in the Mountaineer arsenal.  His quickness and agility make up for his lack of size.  Reynaud does it all for the Mountaineers returning kick-offs and taking reverse hand-offs for big gains.  Reynaud will be a big key to the offense as the rest of the young receiving corp. has yet to prove consistent. 

These players will be keys to success for the Mountaineers in the upcoming season but there is no lack of concern on Coach Rod’s face.  Despite having two Heisman candidates in the backfield, Rod will have to deal with breaking in a new offensive line.  Losing Dan

Mozes and Jeremy Sheffey has left the O-Line in a bit of a pickle.  Although a few players have seen game action, they aren’t quite up to the caliber of Mozes and Sheffey.  Another huge loss for the Mountaineers is offensive line coach Rick Trickett.  The man who helped turn the WVU offense into a superpower is no longer walking the turf in Morgantown and it will be up to Coach Rod to teach this O-line the ropes.

WVU has always been successful at replacing key starters in key positions.  And this year should be no different.  Despite the fact that two award winning lineman have departed for the NFL, finding players who can block for the two backfield stars shouldn’t be difficult. 

Joining Slaton and White in the backfield is Noel Devine, an incoming freshman from Florida who should make an instant impact.  However, some fans are skeptical.  A few years ago WVU nabbed prized recruit Jason Gwaltney out of New Jersey, and he was thought to bring WVU its first National Championship.  Gwaltney had some off-field troubles and the rise of Steve Slaton began.  Fans are hopeful that Devine will keep out of trouble and add to the potent attack.  Devine has been described as the second coming of Reggie Bush with his cat-like agility and 4.3 forty speed.  The video site YouTube has been flooded with clips of Devine and it has only boosted the excitement of the Mountaineer faithful as the season approaches. 

The WVU offense may have a few questions that need answered before the start of the 2007-2008 season.  But the key parts are back and a few newcomers should only help the already potent offense.  Look for the Mountaineers to come out smoking in September, and barring any injuries, ride the wave all the way to January.

Coming Soon...

-WVU Season Preview: Defense

-WVU Season Preview: Schedule Breakdown