Big 12 Power Rankings: Upsets, Quarterbacks Shake Up The Rankings

Aug 31, 2013; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver K.J. Myers (19) celebrates a WVU touchdown against the William

8. West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 1-0

Previous Rank: 7 (Trend: down)

Last Week: Defeated William and Mary, 24-17

This Week: at Oklahoma

Next Week: vs. Georgia State

In their first game sans Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, and Steadman Bailey, the Mountaineer offense had loads of trouble trying to move the ball against the vaunted defense that is … William and Mary.

West Virginia had just seven points in the first half, and needed a 69-yard touchdown reception and a late rushing touchdown to pull off the win. The lack of running game was concerning – 44 attempts for 3.9 yards per carry – and the 2-for-10 third down efficiency are two notable concerns relating to the Mountaineer offense. Additionally, getting big plays from the wide receivers is going to be a requirement for WVU going forward.

The good news is the defense did look somewhat improved from last season. William and Mary had just 309 total yards and averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. They also shut them out in the second half which proved to be huge in terms of winning the game.

There is upside to this team if WVU can get the offense in rhythm.