by: Justin Walker
In a recent episode of the Ultimate College Football Show on the 247 Sports YouTube channel, former Alabama standout and college football GM Gerald “Smoke” Dixon, who is now an analyst for 247 Sports, was asked to give his thoughts on how Rich Rodriguez would do after returning as head coach of WVU football after leaving the program 17 years ago. Dixon was very optimistic with his answer. Dixon said that he predicts the Mountaineers will win eight games in 2025, which is year one of Rodriguez’s latest tenure. He pointed to the Big 12 schedule as a factor. Dixon also thinks Rodriguez will bring energy and culture back to West Virginia football. He said Rodriguez will be the “energy and culture fix” for the program. He also likes the idea of WVU legend Pat White being on the staff to help instill that culture.
Dixon was also asked how long he thinks it will take for Rich Rodriguez to get West Virginia into the College Football Playoff. “I’ll give Rich two years,” Dixon said. “He’s going to find his right guy, and again, in the Big 12, the Big 12 might get two teams in. And when you get Rich Rod and that explosive offense that can score a bunch of points, you just need to do enough on defense and they are doing well in recruiting.”
Several weeks ago, CBS Sports‘ Brandon Marcello gave the hiring of Rich Rodriguez an A- grade during a show on their YouTube channel. CBS Sports writer Dennis Dodd gave the hire an A+. With CBS Sports being the parent company of 247 Sports, it appears many of the folks there have high expectations for the West Virginia program now that the prodigal son Rodriguez has returned home.
Find more WVU football news and analysis in video form on YouTube at Couz’s Corner.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
