The Mountaineers have the potential to be conference contenders in 2024, but it will require some changes.
Morgantown, WV – To say that the Mountaineers have been the surprise in the Big 12 this season would be an understatement. After being pegged as the worst team in the conference coming into the 2023 season, Neal Brown guided his troops to an 8-4 finish including 6-3 in league play. With most of the offense, and several key defenders returning in 2024, West Virginia could be primed to be a Big 12 Conference contender.
However, this feat will take a few changes in order to be achieved. Many have their opinions, and there is no way to determine if these changes would for sure guarantee a finish at the top of the conference standings. But these three adjustments will put WVU in position to do so.
Here are changes that Neal Brown and WVU must make in order to be a Big 12 contender in 2024:
- Changes to the defensive staff – Jordan Lesley has been tied to the open Troy job, but he has not been the problem on defense. He has shown in the past that he can put together a solid defense – I believe in his ability to do so in the future. As for the rest of the defensive staff, though, changes should at least be considered. In particular, Secondary Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator ShaDon Brown. Since his arrival in Morgantown, WVU’s secondary has been putrid. Players are constantly out of position, and the best players in that position group hit the portal virtually every season. The job simply isn’t getting done in that area, and it is beyond time to see at least some sort of shakeup.
- Portal additions – The Mountaineers, at the moment, will be thin at multiple areas on defense in 2024. It is still early in the transfer portal process, but Brown and the Mountaineers cannot afford to miss out on acquiring talent that can help right away. Offensively, play-makers must be found at the receiver position.
- Schematics – The Mountaineers should be fine offensively, but things must change on defense and special teams. Inconsistencies on these sides of the ball often fell on the coaching. Much like the offense in 2023, a change in scheme could benefit the team, and possibly even account for wins.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
