Greg McElroy Names Key Factor For Potential Big 12 Dark Horse

The SEC and Big Ten are in the spotlight with notable additions after a historic offseason in terms of major conference realignment, but the Big 12 may be one of the most intriguing Power Four leagues entering the 2024 college football season.

The conference is open for the taking following the exit of Texas and Oklahoma (18 combined Big 12 titles) to the SEC. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah have joined the Big 12 following departures from the Pac-12.

Preseason coaches poll selections Utah (No. 13), Kansas State (No. 17), Oklahoma State (No. 18) and Kansas (No. 24) are considered frontrunners to contend for the conference championship this season.

But don't look past the West Virginia Mountaineers, who finished 9-4 and fourth in the Big 12 under fifth-year head coach Neal Brown last season. WVU returns a powerful group at running back, including junior CJ Donaldson and sophomore Jahiem White, along with senior quarterback Garrett Greene.

For the Mountaineers to take the next step and contend for a conference title in 2024, ESPN's Greg McElroy sees one major area where there needs to be improvement.

The passing game behind second-year starter Greene.

"I think the running backs are gonna be just fine," McElroy said on 'Always College Football.' "But now it’s about becoming more balanced offensively. Now Garrett Greene - first year as a starter (2023) - pretty solid. But accuracy will be part of his growth and development moving forward and consistency will be part of his growth as well. He’s a great competitor, though..."

WVU's ground game last season led all Power Five teams with 228 yards per game on average. Donaldson and White combined for over 1,500 yards with 15 touchdowns, while Greene added 772 yards and 13 scores as a ball carrier.

The Mountaineers passing attack finished 89th in the country with 205 yards per game on average. Considering the prowess on the ground, West Virginia may be just as tough with a similar number this season. But to reach the championship level, McElroy wants to see more consistency through the air.

"If they can find a little bit more out of the passing attack, this team has a real chance to be in the mix for a Big 12 title," McElroy said.

The Mountaineers will open the season with a tough test against Penn State (No. 9 in coaches poll) at home on Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for noon ET.

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