West Virginia Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds | Sportsbookbuzz.com

West Virginia Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds

As the 2011 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2011 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2011 NCAA Football Season Previews here.

2010 Record: 9-4 Big East Record: 5-2 (T-1st) 2011 Returning Starters: 12; 7 offense, 4 defense, kicker

Coach: Dana Holgorsen

Offensive Coordinators: Dana Holgorsen Defensive Coordinators: Jeff Casteel

2011 West Virginia Players to Watch: QB Geno Smith, WR Tavon Austin, LT Don Barclay, LG Josh Jenkins, DE Bruce Irvin, DT Julian Miller, LB Najee Goode, CB Keith Tandy

2011 West Virginia Strengths:
Smith, who threw the ball better than people thought he would in his first season as a starter, should flourish in Holgorsen’s offensive system. A veteran offensive line and quality receivers should mean more big plays. The defense should mount a big-time pass rush.

2011 West Virginia Weaknesses:
Will the running game take a step backward with the loss of the electric Noel Devine? The defense is a concern as it must replace seven starters, including three in the five-man secondary. Most importantly, will everyone be on the same page during the coaching transition?

2011 West Virginia Offense:

West Virginia’s offense has gone through a makeover. Dana Holgorsen was brought in from Oklahoma State as the new offensive coordinator and assumed the head coaching duties after Bill Stewart resigned in June. A Hal Mumme “Air Raid” offense disciple, Holgorsen and a whole new offensive staff will try to bring back the fast tempo WVU lost when Rich Rodriguez departed. Quarterback Geno Smith is among seven starters returning on offense. Smith has had two foot surgeries, but when healthy, he’s effective. His 2,763 passing yards and 2,980 total yards were school records for a sophomore. He finished last season No. 1 in the Big East in pass efficiency (144.7) and No. 2 in total offense (229.2 ypg) and passing yards per game (212.5). Smith will demand more of the spotlight because of Holgorsen’s offense and the loss of Noel Devine, WVU’s all-time all-purpose yardage leader. Shawne Alston, a bigger back at 5’11″, 219 pounds, will probably take Devine’s spot. The receiving corps will certainly receive more work. Holgorsen likes the talent on hand. Leading the way will be big-play junior Tavon Austin, a second-team All-Big East selection in 2010. Watch, however, for a breakout season from 6’3″ sophomore Ivan McCartney. WVU returns three starters on the offensive line, but suffered a blow when guard Josh Jenkins was lost for the year with a knee injury.

2011 West Virginia Defense:

Defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel has his work cut out. In the last four years, WVU’s defenses have ranked No. 8, 11, 31 and 3 nationally in scoring. But gone are anchors Scooter Berry and Chris Neild from the front of the 3-3-5 odd stack. The good news is that end-turned-tackle Julian Miller returns, and Bruce Irvin is being inserted as an every-down end. Irvin played mostly on third downs last season, yet led the Big East in sacks with 14, a number that ranked second nationally. Linebacker could be a problem area, with only one returning starter, Najee Goode. WVU also lost a trio of talented defensive backs, including Robert Sands, who declared early for the NFL Draft. The Mountaineers do, however, return Spur safety Terence Garvin, who led the team in tackles last season. Also back is cornerback Keith Tandy, whom the school is touting as an All-America candidate. He led the Big East in interceptions with six last season.

2011 West Virginia Special Teams:

Tyler Bitancurt’s accuracy slipped last year as he made just 10 of 17 field goal attempts, although he did convert on an overtime game-winner at Marshall. Bitancurt hit only 2 of 7 from 40 yards or longer. Junior punter Corey Smith figures to replace Gregg Pugnetti, who was outstanding in 2010. New faces dot the return game, although Austin did average 19.2 yards on 12 kickoff returns. Woods might get the mst crack at returning punts.

2011 West Virginia Football Schedule | West Virginia Football Sportsbooks

2011 West Virginia Predictions:

There’s a new sheriff in Morgantown. In is Holgorsen, who takes over the offense this season and was promoted to head coach a year earlier than expected. Holgorsen’s track record with offenses is stellar. Casteel also has a fine national reputation. The Mountaineer schedule sets up nicely. LSU visits Morgantown. And in Big East play, WVU hosts Connecticut, Louisville and Pitt.

2011 West Virginia Betting Odds:

West Virginia Current odds to win a National Championship: +2000

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