PFF: WVU IS “Criminally Under Rated” in 2024!

West Virginia Football enters the 2024 season with high expectations after a successful 9-4 campaign in 2023. However, according to PFF College’s Max Chadwick, the Mountaineers are being overlooked nationally.

PFF College Calls WVU’s Offense “Electric”

Chadwick highlighted WVU’s potent offense as a reason for optimism. “[West Virginia] has an electric offense next year. A really great ground game, honestly,” he said, referencing the dynamic backfield duo of Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson.

Returning All-American Talent

West Virginia boasts a strong returning core, including quarterback Garrett Greene, who ranked among PFF’s top 10 quarterbacks in the country. “[They bring back] Garrett Greene, who is one of our top ten quarterbacks in the country,” Chadwick said. “He’s really good at avoiding sacks” Greene excelled as a dual-threat quarterback in 2023, racking up rushing touchdowns and passing yards.

Dominant Rushing Attack

The Mountaineers’ punishing rushing attack features freshman All-American Jahiem White, who led the nation’s true freshmen in rushing yards last season. Chadwick stated, “Jaheim White led all true freshman last year with 842 yards and he averaged 7.7 yards per carry, which led the nation for running backs.” White’s backfield partner, CJ Donaldson, adds another dimension with his touchdown prowess, having finished fourth in the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns in 2023.

Elite Offensive Line Paves the Way

The Mountaineers’ offensive firepower is fueled by a dominant offensive line. PFF College recognized this strength, mentioning both Wyatt Milum and Aubrey Burks as top performers. Milum cracked the top 10 nationally at left tackle, while Burks received high praise for his overall play at safety as well. A veteran offensive line will provide crucial protection for Greene and create running lanes for the talented backfield.

WVU a Contender in the Big 12

With a dynamic offense, a strong returning core, and a veteran offensive line, Chadwick believes West Virginia is a team to watch in the Big 12. “I have no earthly idea… how a team that went 9-4 last year and brings back this much production is all of a sudden a six-and-a-half-win total for 2024,” he said. “West Virginia, I think, is criminally underrated right now.”