Quarterback Stability and Offensive Outlook
Head coach Rich Rodriguez has a history of sticking with a reliable starter, and the latest assessment suggests he will keep Mike Hawkins at the helm provided the quarterback stays healthy. Hawkins’ ability to create plays with his legs is seen as a crucial factor in reaching the ambitious yardage target.
The Mountaineers’ rushing attack is projected to top 3,000 yards as a unit, a milestone that would rely heavily on Cam Cook’s expected 1,000‑plus yard performance, potentially reaching 1,500 yards. Cook’s emergence would give WVU a dynamic centerpiece for the offense.
Supporting Cook, Martavious Boswell and Amari Latimer are slated to contribute crucial carries, while Hawkins’ dual‑threat skill set — particularly his ability to extend plays with his legs — could be the catalyst for the ambitious yardage target. The depth at running back adds versatility and reduces reliance on a single player.
The schedule offers only four true road games, the first arriving on October 3, and the only back‑to‑back road stretches (TCU and Texas Tech) are separated by a bye week, a pattern that the analyst believes will help WVU avoid losing consecutive contests. This logistical advantage bolsters the optimism surrounding a season without back‑to‑back defeats.
If the predictions hold, the Mountaineers could contend for a strong season, drawing on a blend of experienced leadership, dynamic rushing talent, and a manageable travel load. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team prepares to translate these bold forecasts into on‑field reality.