2006 record: 11-2, 5-2 (2nd-tie in Big East)
2006 bowl: Beat Georgia Tech 38-35 in Gator
2006 final AP/coaches' ranking: 10/10
Coach: Rich Rodriguez (50-24, 6 years, 8th at school)
Offensive coordinator: Calvin Macgee (4th year, 7th at school)
Defensive coordinator: Jeff Casteel (6th year, 7th at school)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Morgantown, W.Va.
Stadium: Mountaineer Field (artificial, 60,000)
2007 schedule: [view]
2006 statistics: [view]

Offensive: West Virginia’s offense poses an obvious problem. How do you contain junior quarterback Patrick White? After all, he combined for 2,874 yards and 31 touchdowns last season (rushing for 18 TDs and 1,219 yards). But here is the bigger problem: When White is combined with junior running back Steve Slaton (1,744 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns), the Mountaineers have a two-man tandem that forces even the best defense into hold-its-breath measures. White, although best known for his feet, can be a pretty good passer and he has a decent target in senior wide receiver Darius Reynaud. The offensive line returns three starters, but unfortunately for WVU, one of them isn’t All-American center Dan Mozes.

Defensive: Danger! Danger! West Virginia’s secondary allowed 243.3 passing yards per game, along with 17 touchdown passes. That won’t cut it. The secondary is chock full of athletes – including senior free safety Eric Wicks, a big-play man – but the unit must show more consistency at crunch time. Stopping the run should continue to be a strength. Senior defensive tackle Kellen Dykes, who has started 31 games, is the leader. Linebacker could be the most competitive position in training camp.

Specialists: They are excellent. Reynaud is one of the nation’s best at kickoff returns, and Vaughn Rivers is equally dangerous on punt returns. Junior place-kicker Pat McAfee is generally reliable, but could improve from long range. McAfee and Scott Kozlowski are effective directional punters.

Game of the year Nov. 8, vs. Louisville Once again, the Big East schedule-makers have placed the West Virginia-Louisville game unopposed on a Thursday night. It wouldn’t be surprising if both teams entered the game unbeaten — again. Two years ago in Morgantown, West Virginia upset the Cardinals in triple overtime. Last season, West Virginia’s unbeaten season was spoiled in Louisville.

Coaching: Rich Rodriguez was Alabama’s first choice after last season. He played the Crimson Tide perfectly and got a better deal at his preferred destination – West Virginia. Rodriguez’s impact as an innovator and motivator can’t be minimized. Now he has the Mountaineers as perennial contenders for a top 10 spot – if not a spot in the national-championship game. Rodriguez has brought stability and now he would like to take the next step. The offensive line lost its coaching mentor, Rick Trickett, to Florida State.

Ken Davis on college football Big moment for BC, Ryan Heisman hopes would get big boost if No. 2 Eagles beat No. 8 VT

Heisman Hopefuls: Slaton is one of the favorites with White also expected to be in the hunt. If the Mountaineers finish 12-0 and Slaton realizes his predicted output (say, 1,800 rushing yards, 20-25 touchdowns), West Virginia could have its first Heisman winner.

Overview: If the Mountaineers weather a potentially difficult September – three of the five games are on the road, including Sept. 28 at South Florida – they could build the momentum necessary for a 12-0 season. The offense will get most of the attention, but West Virginia’s national-championship aspirations might be decided by defensive improvement. Either way, West Virginia figures to lead another outstanding season from the Big East, a Comeback Conference if there ever was one.

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