West Virginia football: 5 biggest surprises from the 2019 season
By Phil Poling
3. Jarret Doege
After Oklahoma-transfer Austin Kendall played nine games for the Mountaineers, it was time for Neal Brown to make a change at quarterback. And with Jack Allison seeing time in previous games, Bowling Green State-transfer Jarret Doege got the opportunity. He played just four games, retaining this season’s year of eligibility, but still showcased his skills for the coaches and fans.
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Doege threw for 818 yards and seven touchdowns in his brief stint, but it was more of the way the offense operated under his command that stood out. He was able to push the ball downfield with great timing and accuracy, while also making the ‘Eers make-shift offensive line appear competent. The running game didn’t improve statistically, but it had a greater impact. And Doege evaded sacks via scrambling or throwing the ball away miles better than the experienced Kendall.
Doege’s record as a starter was 2-1, but the ‘Eers were 0-5 the weeks leading up to his first start so things were night-and-day. He outperformed Kendall in almost every capacity, too, with a better completion percentage, a greater touchdown-to-interception ratio, and although the offense scored 2.7 points per game less with Doege under center, they sustained more drives keeping the defense fresh.
A full offseason in Brown’s system could raise Doege’s ceiling to unforeseen heights, too. After all, he didn’t show up in Morgantown until June.