[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
West Virginia is only weeks away from its first practice to prepare for the anticipated return of the Backyard Brawl against Pitt. Head Coach Neal Brown spoke of course, along with multiple Mountaineer players and new Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark. Let’s take a look at what was said.
Preseason Depth Chart
WVU started the day by releasing their inaugural pre-season depth chart. To no one’s surprise, the depth chart did not list a starting QB. All of the QBs were listed together with no indication of who could be ahead of who, even if it is just all smoke and mirrors. Outside of that, no real surprises were found on the depth chart. Justin Johnson assumes the role of backup RB with Lyn-J Dixon transferring. Kaden Prather is predictably listed as the starting Z receiver with Reese Smith, after a strong spring camp, taking over the starting H role. Tight end transfer Brian Polendey is also listed as the starting TE. We also see the inexperience of the safeties with Davis Mallinger (redshirt freshman), Audrey Burks (sophomore) and transfer Marcis Floyd (redshirt junior), listed as the starting three deep. This is just the preseason depth chart of course and we can see this easily change once real practices start.
Big 12 is Open for Business
New Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said out loud what everyone who has been paying attention to the conference already knew. The Big 12 is open for new members. With the turmoil in the Pac-12 and re-alignment more prominent than ever, it is nice to see the new commissioner put it as a focus as to not let the new Big 12 fall behind the curb. Yormark also hinted at the potential of Texas and Oklahoma leaving the conference for the SEC early as long as it makes sense for the conference. Presumably this would involve the teams paying a large portion of their conference buyout to leave early, and allow Yormark to use that extra money to re-brand the conference as he talks about next. Yormark emphasizes that he wants to “appeal to youth culture, to be younger and hipper.”
Roster Turnover
When head coach Neal Brown took the stand in Arlington, he took time to acknowledge that the Mountaineers had 33 new additions to the football team from last season, many being transfers or JUCO’s. “We remade our roster to mirror the type of football team we want to be that gives us the best opportunity to win this year. We’ve had 33 additions to the roster since January.” Not only have the Mountaineers added 33 new faces to the team though, they also added a new offensive coordinator/QB coach, receivers coach and tight ends coach (who was the former QB coach). Neal Brown saw that what he had done the first three seasons at WVU, just wasn’t working and not only did he make changes, he made major, needed changes that can be difficult for a head coach to make. Such as giving up offensive play calling duties to new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. Bringing in new players and coaches doesn’t necessarily mean automatic improvement, but it means that you won’t see the same failures of the previous teams.
Regional Rivalries
Head coach Neal Brown emphasized the importance of the return of the backyard brawl this season, the first time WVU and Pitt will play since 2011.“Well, it’s an important rivalry, It’s really important to us to play regional rivalries. The Backyard Brawl will be my first opportunity to be a part of it. Our fan base is extremely passionate about that game and so it’s a game that I would be in favor of playing each year.” But Neal Brown wasn’t the only Big 12 head coach thinking about regional rivalries. Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy also spoke on the Battle of Bedlam, which could be soon coming to an end with Oklahoma darting for the SEC. “The future of Bedlam is a year or two left. That’s the future of Beldam based on one person’s decision.” Regional and historic rivalries are clearly taking a back seat in the realignment and coaches are certainly not happy.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
