Of course, a lot of that is based on the returning firepower the Mountaineers have on offense, led by Florida transfer Will Grier at quarterback.
But in order for West Virginia to remain there (or even move up), how it performs on defense is going to go a long way in determining the type of season the Mountaineers ultimately end up having.
This year’s defense has to replace eight important parts from a unit last year that allowed the fewest points in conference play.
But one of the critical pieces missing from last year’s defense, free safety Dravon Askew-Henry, who went down early in preseason camp with a season-ending knee injury, is back stronger than ever in 2017.