NCAA Football Preview 2015: Big 12 Conference Breakdown

Dec 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) catches a pass while defended by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Deshazor Everett (29) during the game in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA Big 12 Projection: West Virginia Mountaineers #6

West Virginia has to improve its offensive line. Too many mistakes upfront in 2014 lead to disastrous plays for WV. Consistency is the #1 goal for this Mountaineer offense in 2015.

Head coach Dana Holgorsen has a lot of work to do this season. The Mountaineers will have a new starting quarterback, and a receiving corps with something to prove in 2015. West Virginia’s offense was below average for a few years, but recently bounced back to contending in the Big 12 race.

Last year, West Virginia finished in the top 10 nationally in passing yards and was No. 12 in total offense. If the Mountaineers can utilize their passing and running game to a high extent, they’ll have a shot at winning the Big 12 conference. But it’s going to take a team effort.

Rushel Shell, who missed a portion of last season, needs to stay healthy in 2015. Despite being limited with a sprain ankle last season, Shell managed to rush for 788 yards. Though West Virginia lost some top players, they’ll have some decent talent coming up to plug in for Shell if needed.

West Virginia will probably be in the middle of the pack in the league standings. In two of its three seasons in the Big 12, the Mountaineers have been either 4-5 or 5-4.

Holgorsen is hoping his team will be good enough to compete for the Big 12 conference title, but that appears to be a long-shot at this point.

Next: Teams Rebuilding Process