Big 12 Power Rankings: Little Separation At the Top
By Ben Nielsen
Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Andrew Buie (13) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Syracuse defeated West Virginia 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
7. West Virginia Mountaineers
Last Season: 7-6 (4-5)
Key Player: Andrew Bule
Key Word: Rebound
Outlook:
West Virginia looked as if they were going to score 100 points per game after their 70-63 victory over Baylor in their Big 12 debut. But the harsh realities of their leaky defense was too much for Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, and Steadman Bailey to overcome.
Now all three of those guys are gone and the leaky defense still appears to exist, at least on paper. The Mountaineers are going to have to rely on running back Andrew Bule to maintain their high-powered offense while the defense tries to establish itself in their second go around in the Big 12.