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| Courtesty of gossipcraze.com |
As Steve Slaton and Pat White graduated in 2007 and 2008 respectively, an era of 11 win seasons seemed to have lost its affection with the Mountaineers. After the controversial departure of Rich Rodriguez, Bill Stewart quickly stepped in and restored order. Since his reign has begun, he has led WVU to two straight 9-4 years in '08 and '09. With a solid defense and one of the most explosive running backs in the country, WVU could have a BCS berth in sight when all is said and done.
#25 West Virginia-
2009 record: 9-3
Better or Worse in 2010: Worse
September 4th: Coastal Carolina-- W
Why: A tune up game for the season. Nothing more, nothing less.
September 10th: @Marshall-- W
Why: Well fought game by the in-state rivals, but 2010 is not the year for Marshall in their own division, let alone their rivalry games. Too many losses on the roster to compete all 60 minutes.
September 18th: Maryland-- W
Why: Maryland sports a great wide reciever and a fantastic linebacker. The problem is, no decision has been made as to who the quarterback will be next season for the Terps. QB indecision= WVU defensive domination.
September 25th: @LSU-- L
Why: Winning is the bayou is difficult enough for an SEC team, but WVU has the defense to keep themselves in the game for all four quarters. The offense will not be able to follow through as they face another great defense.
October 2nd: BYE
October 9th: UNLV-- W
Why: UNLV sports a decent team this year and could probably compete with WVU on their own turf, but in the last 3 years, the Runnin' Rebels have gone 3-13 in away games.
October 14th: USF-- L
Why: USF have made some buzz in the last few weeks and have become darkhorse candidates in the Big East. While they might not win the BE this year, they will destroy other teams' chances. Exhibit A: West Virginia.
October 23rd: Syracuse-- W
Why: Syracuse have a few very good defensive players, but their quarterback situation make it tough to beat a Mountaineer team while they're in Morgantown. WVU supporters may be sweating for the first half, but depth and talent is on the side of God's state.
October 29th: @Connecticut-- W
Why: This was one of my toss up games for WVU, but at this point, I have to go with the Mountaineers. Connecticut has a great offense and has a talented defense but WVU is able to find a way to win this game with the senior leadership of Devine and Lazear.
November 6th: BYE
November 13th: Cincinnati-- L
Why: UC is rebuilding with a new coach, but Zach Collaros and company can put up at least 21 on any given saturday. UC averaged 38 points per game last season with Collaros at the helm for a few of their games. Cincinnati finds a few holes in the WVU defense and exploits them enough to escape WVU with a win.
November 20th: @Louisville-- W
Why: Louisville is still in rebuilding mode and won't be able to fight a great defense and an elusive RB for the full 60.
November 27th: @Pittsburgh-- L
Why: WVU grabbed a great win in the backyard brawl last season with a late field goal, but in Pittsburgh, the Panthers are itching for another shot at WVU. A Big East Championship could hang in the balance in this game, and Pittsburgh will kill two birds in one stone as they make their way towards a BCS game.
December 4th: Rutgers-- W
Why: A very difficult schedule could have RU limping into Morgantown. WVU smells blood and takes care of business against a Rutgers team they will be much more scared of in the years to come.
2010 Preseason Prediction: (8-4) (4-3)
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