Since Rich Rodriguez's departure after the 2007 season, West Virginia’s offense has taken a step back each of the last three years (see chart below). In Rich Rod's final season, the Mountaineers averaged nearly 40 ppg and were second in the country in rushing yards per game. Last season, under Bill Stewart, the offense bottomed out with less than 160 ypg on the ground and 24 sacks allowed. In the span of five years, WVU's rushing offense has dropped its yards per carry average 2.73 yards. This season, Dana Holgorsen will try and return the ground game to respectability. At Oklahoma State, Holgorsen's offense was fairly balanced (450 run/532 pass). They finished the season with 174.4 ypg and 5.04 ypc – numbers certainly attainable for the Mountaineers. But while the WVU offense returns eight starters and a host of skill position talent, there are
concerns along the offensive line. As many as three projected starters had injuries/surgeries during the spring. Overall the unit has experience (92 career starts) but hasn't been very good and must regain their health AND learn a new, up-tempo offensive system.
| West Virginia Rushing Stats 2007-10 |
Year | Yards Per Game | National Rank | Yards Per Rush | Sacks Allowed | 2010 | 159.7 | 50 | 3.95 | 27 | 2009 | 186.4 | 24 | 4.77 | 24 | 2008 | 209.9 | 15 | 5.28 | 18 | 2007 | 297.2 | 2 | 6.15 | 13 |
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