Get ready for the Pat White/Steve Slaton show Part III. WVU will be more than just these two, but face it...with this dynamic duo in the offensive backfield - combined with the return of big bruising RB Owen Schmitt - there is no way to keep WVU out of a preseason Top 10 list. Consider that WVU had question marks heading into ‘06 in terms of brand new faces in the secondary - a facet that hurt them in loses to Louisville and South Florida. Next fall, such will not be the case as Eric Wicks, Antonio Lewis and Quinton Andrews headline a much more aligned and experienced set of DBs. In fact, most of the entire defense is set to return outside of some key hitters at LB. But the Mountaineers have some quality replacements capable of filling the void. Getting back to offense, replacing three time NC.net All-American Dan Mozes at center and other top lineman Jeremy Sheffey is not easy. Considering the success OL coach Rick Trickett has created with this group given the system utilized, don't expect as much of a drop-off as may be anticipated. Just keep spreading opposing defenses out and let Slaton and White work their magic. Although WVU is generally thought of as a running football team, the passing game is a plus when called upon. A large contingent of worthy WRs continue to dot the lineup despite the loss of a few key seniors. Leading pass catcher Darius Reynaud continues to give White plenty of throwing options. Once again, the WVU schedule is much the same...basically full of unproven, unranked non-conference opponents. 2007 will be no different in terms of WVU being a favorite to win the Big East, and more. White and Slaton are already leading Heisman contenders for ’07. The possibilities with these two in the lineup together again make WVU a strong candidate for improving on just a two-loss season. Next season, this will be a better team than the ‘06 version. Now that’s a hefty statement.