ESPN College Football

I'm hoping to hear from West Virginia's coordinators before the day is over. Until then, let's continue our much-beloved Burning Questions series with the Mountaineers. West Virginia might have fewer issues going into the season than any other team, and the program has finished no worse than second in the Big East the last six years. Still, there are always question marks.

1. How's the defense?
It's easy to get distracted by the fireworks of Pat White and Noel Devine. But don't forget that West Virginia led the Big East last year in allowing only 18.1 points per game. Seven starters are gone from that unit, including stalwarts like defensive linemen Keilen Dykes and Johnny Dingle and defensive backs Ryan Mundy and Eric Wicks.

The Mountaineers still have some talented veterans, including linebackers Mortty Ivy and Reed Williams, who was the Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP. But the inexperience in the secondary will be a challenge for defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel to overcome.

2. Who will receive the wealth?
New coach Bill Stewart has promised to "spread the wealth" on offense and have White throw more to preserve his body and give defenses more to think about. The only problem is that Darius Reynaud had 12 of the 16 touchdown catches for West Virginia last year, and Steve Slaton was the team's second-leading receiver. Neither one still plays in Morgantown.

The Mountaineers will need increased production out of Dorrell Jalloh, who's made some clutch catches in his career, and sophomore speedster Jock Sanders, who could be another Reynaud. Alric Arnett, a junior-college transfer who redshirted last season, also needs to make an impact.

3. Was Stewart the right hire?
Spend five minutes with Stewart, and you'll find yourself rooting for this genuine, down-home West Virginia lifer. (Read Mark Schlabach's story on Stewart if you haven't done so already). If Stewart leads West Virginia back to a BCS game, it will look like a home-run hire for a state still angry at the way Rich Rodriguez left. If the Mountaineers stumble in Stewart's first year, though, some tough questions will have to be asked.