Maybe one of the biggest surprises that went under the radar last season, was the respectable 5-7 record 1st-year coach Neal Brown was able to put together with a less than stellar Mountaineer roster. That record included winning 2 out of their last 3 games. If former Cooper Pirate Jarret Doege can take a step forward from the flashes he showed at the end of the season, West Virginia could be in better shape than the other lower-tier teams in the conference.

While the offense around Doege is mostly unknown, the defense has potential. Looking at safeties Tykee Smith and Sean Mahone along with a possible defensive player of the year candidate in Darius Stills, the defense could be above-average.

I don't think that defense will outweigh their offensive struggles that will mostly continue from last season where they scored just 20 points per game. Their defense will keep them in some games, but the offense won't be able to close the deal.

Big 12 Media Preseason Poll

8th

Projected Win Total

4.5

Best Offensive Returners

RB Letty Brown, RB Sam James, QB Jarret Doege

Best Defensive Returners

DL Dante Stills, LB Josh Chandler, DB Tykee Smith

Newcomers

QB Garrett Greene, DB David Vincent-Okoll, WR Kelon Wakefield (Louisville) DL Bryce Brand (Maryland), DB Scottie Young Jr. (Arizona), OL Ja’Quay Hubbard  (UVA)

Breakout Candidates

RB Tony Mathis, WR Kelon Wakefield

ESPN: Texas Tech Football's Odds to Win Their 2020 Games

ESPN: Texas Tech Football's Odds to Win Their 2020 Games

 

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