West Virginia football: 5 things to watch in 2016

Since the West Virginia Mountaineers made their way to the Big 12 in 2012, they haven’t been the same team they were in the Big East. They have not competed for a conference title, have lost two bowl games and even went 4-8 in 2013, but they hope to change that in 2016.

Quarterback Skyler Howard returns for his senior year and he looks ready to help this team make a huge impact in the conference behind a stout offensive line. Running back Rushel Shell will take over for Wendell Smallwood, while receivers Shelton Gibson and Daikiel Shorts will be terrific players on the outside.

The defense will be the weaker spot of the team this year as they lost 12 players, including eight starters, that made an impact in 2015, including Karl Joseph.

They look to ride the backs of players like Noble Nwachukwu and Dravon Askew-Henry to make noise this year.

Will this be a make-or-break year for head coach Dana Holgorsen? Here are five things to watch for the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2016 college football season.

TCU football: Kenny Hill wins starting QB job
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