West Virginia Mountaineers
2000 overall record: 7-5
Conference record: 3-4 (t-5th)
Returning starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Avon Cobourne* (1,018 yds)
Passing: Brad Lewis* (1,819 yds)
Receiving: Antonio Brown* (877 yds)
Tackles: Shawn Hackett* (115)
Sacks: James Davis* (6)
Interceptions: Richard Bryant* (5)
What's new
For the first time since the 1970s, Don Nehlen will not be walking the sideline in Morgantown. New head coach Rich Rodriguez (a WVU player under Nehlen) brought in eight new assistant coaches with new schemes on both sides of the ball. Look for a spread offense and an aggressive, risk-taking defense.
Battling it out
Incumbent quarterback Brad Lewis is getting a strong challenge for his job from redshirt freshman Rasheed Marshall. Marshall has a strong arm and good mobility, which makes him a great fit for this offensive style. Lewis, however, has a better grasp of the plays at this point and is still the man to beat.
Eye catcher: DT Tim Love
Love was a backup last year, but in spring drills, he showed the athleticism and attitude that caught the attention of the coaches. He is an intense competitor whose motor is always running, and he should challenge for a starting job this fall.
Budding star: WR Phil Braxton
He has only shown flashes of his ability until now, but all of a sudden, Braxton could become a focal point of the WVU offense. Physically (6-3, 200), he is in the mold of Rod Gardner, the playmaking receiver for Rodriguez at Clemson who was recently a first-round NFL pick. Braxton had just nine catches last year, but Rodriguez said he is the type of player who could catch "70 or 80" balls in this offense.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
