West Virginia football: Neal Brown proving he’s perfect man for job
Mountaineers looking to completely restructure offense
The offense was in terrible shape this past season. They finished out the season ranked 116th (last in the Big 12) in points per game (20.6) and 119th (last in the Big 12) in total yards per game (321.9). The Mountaineers only converted 34 percent of their third downs (62-of-179) throughout the season.
This is an offense that suffered many inefficiencies at the skilled positions including quarterbacks and running backs. They were ranked 119th in offensive efficiency (36.2%).
The Mountaineers look to change their offense overall. They have started by demoting Matt Moore as the offensive coordinator to assistant head coach and offensive line coach. This was a difficult decision for Neal Brown as he hired Moore straight from Troy where he served as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for four seasons.
Chad Scott returns as the co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach for his second season. The Mountaineers hired former Penn State wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Gerad Parker as the offensive coordinator and receivers coach.
Brown is looking to accelerate the passing offense with more efficiency and more productivity. Last season, the Mountaineers were ranked 54th (sixth in the Big 12) in passing yards per game (248.7). Former Oklahoma transfer Austin Kendall started the season as the starting quarterback. He was inconsistent throughout the season as he passed for 1,989 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on 187 completions (out of 304 pass attempts).
Jarrett Doege replaced Kendall in the ninth game of the season in the loss to Texas Tech. He was more productive in three games as he helped the Mountaineers beat Kansas State and TCU on the road. This season, Doege, now a junior, is projected to beat out Kendall, a senior, as the starting quarterback.
The rushing game for the Mountaineers was poor in productivity this past season as they were ranked 128th (out of 130 FBS teams) in rushing yards accounted for per game (73.3). They lost one of their top rushers this past season in Kennedy McKoy, who rushed for 323 yards and three touchdowns on 99 carries. They also had another rusher from this past season in Martell Pettaway transfer to Middle Tennessee State.
Top rusher Leddie Brown returns after rushing for 367 yards and only one touchdown on 107 carries. Scott will need help from his offensive line including Moore focused on the development of the line to help improve the run game.
West Virginia returns two of their more productive wide receivers from this past season. Sam James returns after catching 69 passes for 677 yards and two touchdowns. James led the Mountaineers in receptions and receiving yards. T.J. Simmons returns for his senior season after catching 35 passes for 455 yards and four touchdowns.
Projected to start as the last wide out is Sean Ryan who looks to contribute more as he accounted for 219 yards on 19 receptions this past season. Former Louisville Cardinal Keion Wakefield looks to contribute immediately as a transfer for West Virginia.
Moore’s demotion does not come in vain as the Mountaineers are looking to be more consistent on the offensive line. This past season, they gave up 21 sacks throughout the entire season. They return three linemen that started a majority of their games. Their top blockers from last season were their edge protectors, who are now gone.
Chase Behrndt started 10 games with six at right guard and four at center. He’s the player with the most success as the starting center. James Gmiter returns at right guard after starting 10 games this past season including four at the position. Junior Uzebu is projected to take over for first-team All-Big 12 left tackle Colton McKivitz.