Offense will be ground-and-pound
The 2019 Mountaineers will not be slinging the ball 30 times a game through the air like the Will Grier and Geno Smith teams that lit opposing defenses on fire. Instead, Neal Brown’s offense in year one will likely feature a ground-and-pound attack that we haven’t seen in the Big 12 in years.
With a stable of running backs that features Leddie Brown, Kennedy McKoy and Martell Pettaway, expect the ‘Eers to rely heavily on the ground game.
This will shine a spotlight on their offensive line, too, which returns three-year starter Colton McKivitz. Yodny Cajuste’s presence will surely be missed, but Chase Behrndt and Josh Sills are primed to take steps in the right direction this season.
The wide receiver group is unproven, but T.J. Simmons will lead a young, promising group that could blossom into a dangerous bunch. Sam James impressed during the spring and has speed to burn, while Tevin Bush is of the Tavon Austin-mold. Bush only stands 5-foot-6, but like James, has speed for days. With an improved role for each — and not much game film on either — opponents could struggle containing this duo early in the season.
Quarterback is the position Mountaineer fans have been worried about since Grier’s departure. Will it be Jack Allison, the Miami-transfer who sat and learned behind Grier for two seasons? What about Austin Kendall, the Oklahoma transfer? He was beaten out by back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners in Norman. Is he the guy? He was named the starter earlier this week.
But even Trey Lowe could garner some snaps with his versatility. Each showed something in the spring game.