Big 12 Football - 2021 West Virginia Mountaineers Preview
Our West Virginia Mountaineers preview 2021 observes that last season this team went 4-4 in the conference and 6-4 overall. That earned the Mountaineers a trip to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl where they beat Army 24-21. West Virginia’s passing offense was ranked third in the Big 12 and 28th nationally. Their defense was first in the nation versus the pass and fourth in total yards allowed. They were fourth in the Big 12 in rushing yards allowed and first in points given up at 20.5 PPG. Thus, despite having an overall below average offense, the Mountaineer D made them a formidable opponent.
West Virginia Offense
Last season, QB Jarret Doege put up solid numbers, completing 63.9% of his passes for 2,587 yards and 14 TDs. Doege tossed four picks. He’ll anchor the pocket. Five-of-six receivers who had a minimum of 23 catches return, including Winston Wright who recorded 47 catches for 553 yards and two scores. Running back Leddie Brown made 31 receptions for 202 yards and two TDs.
Brown will be this team’s primary offensive weapon. Last season, on 99 carries he rushed for 1,010 yards and nine scores while averaging 5.1 YPA. Plus, there’s plenty of young talent behind him. Although only three starters return to the line, the unit still has a wealth of experience. We expect they will be solid in opening lanes and protecting Doege in the pocket.
West Virginia Mountaineers Preview 2021 - Defense
The defense was top-notch last season. But they’ve lost some major talent, including nose tackle Darius Stills who posted 25 tackles, four TFL, and 3.5 sacks. However, we do expect the D-line to be a strength as Dante Stills, Darius’ younger brother, returns to anchor the unit. In 2020, he had 32 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and two sacks and PBU each.
The linebacking unit loses top tackler Tony Fields who recorded 88 tackles as well as one pick, three TFL, and four QBH. Senior Josh Chandler-Semedo, who recorded 64 tackles, one pick, and four TFL, will be asked to step up. The secondary loses various players to transfers, including All-American safety Tykee Smith who went to Georgia. Returning deep backs include corner Nicktroy Fortune, free safety Alonzo Addae, and CAT Sean Mahone. Together, they had four picks and 11 PBU.
Specialists
Our West Virginia Mountaineers preview 2021 finds that special teams are about average. Punter Tyler Sumpter could use more distance and accuracy, while placekicker Evan Staley, who in 2020 was injured part of the year, was 6-of-9 on field goals and 19-of-19 on extra points. Punt returner Alec Sinkfield transferred to Boston College. We expect that freshman Kaden Pather will take on those duties. Junior Winston Wright, who averaged 20.3 YPR last season on 20 bring backs, will return kicks.
West Virginia Mountaineers Preview 2021 - Projection
Head coach Neal Brown starts his third year at the helm. Last season, he set a goal to make the Mountaineers one of the most improved teams in the country. The season prior, WVU went 5-7, missing a bowl berth. Our West Virginia Mountaineers preview 2021 notes that with a 6-4 record and Liberty Bowl win last season Brown seems to have achieved his goal. The big question for this season is can they compete with the top teams in the conference?
Big 12 Football - West Virginia Mountaineers 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - Big 12
Liberty Bowl vs. Kentucky