National Analyst Argues WVU Belongs in Preseason Top 25

Even though Neal Brown says his WVU team feels disrespected by the media, ESPN’s Greg McElroy can be added to the growing list of analysts expressing a belief in the Mountaineers.

During a recent episode of his “Always College Football” show, the 2010 national champion said he thinks West Virginia deserves to be within the preseason top 25.

Below is McElroy’s detailed explanation and why he agrees with Brown that the Mountaineers are being overlooked nationally.

“Nine wins last year for West Virginia and now the next step is contending for a conference title in a conference that has now gotten a whole heck of a lot deeper with the addition of four new teams. West Virginia kind of established that ground and pound last year. We know who they are – they led the Big 12 in rushing and ranked foruth nationally behind Jahiem White who as a true freshman last year was a revelation. CJ Donaldson was also pretty dang good in the one-two punch. 842 yards for White, 798 yards for Donaldson, and 11 touchdowns for Daonalson as well. I think the running backs are going to be just fine. Jahiem White, get him the ball, see what he does with it. You know they’re going to be committed to running the football. But now it’s about rounding it into shape and becoming more balanced offensively. Garrett Greene, first year as a starter, pretty solid. 2,400 yards passing, 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions, added another almost 800 yards on the ground himself, so we know he’s more than capable with the ball in his hands. Accuracy will be part of his growth and development moving forward and consistency. They also added I think an impact difference maker potentially in Jaden Bray to the wide receiver room that last year I think did more than what most people anticipated,” said McElroy.

With all of that said, McElroy did acknowledge the concern the WVU defense could hold the team back.

“The defense is where they have to make some more strides They did make some last year. They actually finished in the top half of the Big 12 in yards and points allowed, but they don’t have a lot of depth and they’ve also had some turnover in the portal as well. They went out and tried to add some depth, but it was not like they went out and added ten guys. They added some, and I think some key pieces like Aydan Garnes, TJ Crandall, Garnett Hollis Jr., and Jaheem Joseph. Those guys should be pretty solid. They should have a solid group that does bring back a couple of safeties that at times had good moments in Aubrey Burks and Anthony Wilson. We’ll keep an eye on that group collectively, but I think that group has a chance to be pretty good. If they can ground and pound and they can shrink the game which is only going to help their defense and they can find a little bit more out of the passing attack, this team has a real chance to be in the mix for a Big 12 title.”

However, WVU’s place in the preseason Big 12 media poll suggests those predicting national contender status and a Big 12 title are in the minority.

Despite the increased expectations from fans and the surprise success of 2023, the ESPN FPI is projecting WVU to struggle to even reach bowl eligibility. Major sportsbooks also have West Virginia’s over/under win total only set at 6.5 and view the Mountaineers as a heavy underdog in their season opening game to Penn State.

Where Does WVU Football Fall on Big 12 Media Preseason Poll?

Fans may argue the Mountaineers are being disrespected by some while others may feel talk of winning a conference title is premature, but one thing is certain – Brown and the rest of the coaching staff prefer to be the underdog. However, any of the low projections are interesting, taking into account most of the key players are returning and the schedule is arguably similar to last year.

After a 9-4 (6-3) season and a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory, West Virginia is hungry to start the 2024 season getting revenge on the Nittany Lions. Penn State beat WVU in the 2023 season opener at Beaver Stadium 38-15. Penn State would finish the year at 10-3 (7-2), losing to Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.