Big 12 Power Rankings: Oklahoma State Cowboys Retake Throne

Nov 16, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback

(14) drops back to pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

8. West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 4-7 (2-6)

Previous Ranking: 10

Last Week: Bye

This Week: vs Iowa State

West Virginia has been eliminated from bowl contention, so from that standpoint their is nothing to play for this weekend against Iowa State. But from a 2014 perspective, this game is critical for some of the younger players who are playing for starting roles next season.

For instance, Mountaineer running back Charles Sims will be playing his final college game this weekend, and with goes pretty much all of WVU’s offensive production. Wichita native junior Dreamius Smith is behind him on the depth chart, but freshman Wendell Smallwood could beat him out for the starting gig next season. Games like this Saturday’s could be one that influences that decision.

This is also a big game to determine the future of WVU’s quarterback position. Paul Millard has been awful in relief of injured starter junior Clint Trickett, who wasn’t having the greatest season either when he went down. WVU has a four-star recruit in duel-threat quarterback William Crest. Crest is considered to be the 7th best quarterback prospect in the nation and is a three-time state champion in Maryland.