West Virginia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Phil Poling
The Texas Longhorns are one of the biggest question marks in college football coming in to the season. Will Tom Herman elevate Texas to elite status? Is Shane Buechele the next great Herman-coached quarterback? How good can a Malik Jefferson-led defense be in the Big 12?
For starters, Malik Jefferson is the best defensive player in the Big 12. He’ll lead the Horns defense along with Anthony Wheeler and Breckyn Hager. John Bonney is another player on the defense to watch for, playing wherever his services are needed in the secondary. Charlie Strong did a good job ushering in talent in Austin, he just never got to see the finished product. Herman’s done well plucking talent from Texas and other states, but right away gets playable guys that’ll push the nation’s best teams.
West Virginia struggled with the Longhorns a year ago, escaping the Lone Star state with a 24-20 victory. Quarterback Shane Buechele threw for over 300 yards against an experienced Mountaineers secondary, and could hurt the ‘Eers even more this year.
With another year to mature, actually being put in a position to succeed and flourish at the position, and playing under the QB guru Herman, big things are expected of the Texas quarterback. Pressure cracks pipes, but it also makes diamonds; I think Texas has found the quarterback they’ve craved.
The Buechele-led Longhorns stroll into Morgantown for a cold, November game. The perfect weather for football. Except the Mountaineers don’t take the Longhorns serious and fall behind early. Forced to fight back, the Longhorn defenders can pin their ears back and get after Grier, causing fits for the ‘Eers offensive line. Malik Jefferson makes a drive-stalling interception late and Tom Herman gets his biggest win at Texas in Morgantown.