West Virginia's Schedule Puts The Mountaineers In Position To Have Success In 2016

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Football:

West Virginia's schedule puts the Mountaineers in position to have success in 2016, according to Bob Hertzel. No more building, no more talking about improvement. The time has come to get back to the 10-game winner he inherited.

The strength of the offense and the defense in 2016 ought to be the lines, writes Mike Casazza of the Charleston Gazette-Mail. The WVU coaches and coordinators have suggested that, and the polling seems to reinforce that. But more importantly, it suggests the plan is working.

Mountaineer senior defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu and senior center Tyler Orlosky were named to the Big 12 Preseason All-Conference Team on Wednesday, as selected by media representatives who cover the league.

If West Virginia's offense was a stock in the S&P 500 it would be rated a strong buy. That's because all indicators are pointing to an exceptional year for senior quarterback Skyler Howard and the Mountaineers in 2016.

Speaking of Skyler Howard, the senior quarterback was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List and was announced as a nominee for the All-State American Football Coaches' Association Good Works Team on Wednesday, as announced by its national selection committees.

Skyler wasn't the only Mountaineer to see his named added to an award watchlist yesterday. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Shelton Gibson was one of 53 receivers named to the 2016 Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List, as announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation

Around The Big 12:

We're 12 weeks into ESPN's Big 12 season predictions, and the worldwide leader in sports has the Oklahoma Sooners narrowly escaping Milan Puskar Stadium with their College Football Playoff hopes intact.

Around The NCAA:

Among West Virginia communities ravaged by lethal floods, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher understands many issues take priority over football in his home state, but also that high school sports can play a part in the recovery.

Nick Saban couldn't make it to Clay High School with Jimbo Fisher and Rick Trickett yesterday, due to SEC Media Days and getting into a dustup with Paul Finebaum and the SEC Network commentators.

Every year, college football fans find themselves listening to one highly branded and marketed piece of music over and over. Let's look at how last year's example worked.

Every year the NCAA tinkers with the rules that dictate college football. This offseason was no different. Here are the five big rules changes that you'll actually notice.

It's Lovie Smith's turn to attempt to bring stability to the Illinois football program, but he's got plenty of issues to address out of the gates, most notably a lack of offensive firepower and turnover in what was previously a great secondary.

A year after finishing 9-4 and bringing in another top-15 recruiting class, this may be the year when Butch Jones' Tennessee Volunteers break through and win the SEC East.

Today's Miss Throwdown is a three-time X Games gold medalist. CLICK HERE for Leticia Bufoni's Instagram.