Rich Rodriguez promised change when he was hired to succeed the retiring Don Nehlen as the head football coach at his alma mater. He wasn’t lying.

Things were certainly different in Morgantown last season, but not in a way Rodriguez and Mountaineers faithful had hoped. WVU won just one game after Sept. 22 and lost more games (8) in Rodriguez’s first season than they did in any of Nehlen’s 21 years.

Rodriguez, a 1986 WVU graduate who played defensive back for Nehlen, made his name as an offensive whiz as a coordinator at Tulane and Clemson and brought his fast-paced, no-huddle, line-up-and-snap-the-ball scheme to Morgantown. While it delivered 80 points in a rout of Rutgers (WVU’s only conference win), the Mountaineers struggled while implementing the new system and averaged just 21.4 points per game after scoring 29.5 the previous season. The passing offense ranked 96th nationally and WVU was held to 20 points or less in seven of its eight losses.

Even though it ranked first in the country in pass defense by allowing only 136.7 yards per game through the air, the defense didn’t help all that much because opponents ran for more than 213 yards per game and controlled the ball for almost 33 minutes. You can’t score if you don’t have the ball, and the Mountaineers didn’t have it nearly enough last season.

Which brings us to 2002 and more changes.

Rodriguez’s offensive philosophy has a proven track record of success and he is standing by it, although slight alterations (like increased use of the fullback) are possible. Familiarity with the system should help the Mountaineers, plus they have a top-notch running back, Avon Cobourne , and a veteran line to lean on.

"When you aren’t comfortable, it slows you down," Rodriguez said. "It limits your emotion and enthusiasm. I think last year we were still unsure of what to do and that’s what happened. We need to be comfortable to the point where we can just go out there and cut loose."

Things will be much different on the defense this season as linebackers coach Jeff Casteel and safeties coach Todd Graham have been elevated to co-coordinators to replace Phil Elmassian. The Mountaineers, who return eight starters, have scrapped their eight-man front in favor of a stacked "3-3" alignment with three down linemen, three linebackers and three safeties. Rodriguez plans to employ more of an aggressive, attacking style and will lean heavily on senior nose guard David Upchurch and junior linebacker Grant Wiley to make it work.

Mountaineer fans saw flashes of what Rasheed Marshall can do as a red-shirt freshman last season, now he’s ready to take over the offense.

Marshall (6-0, 185) missed eight weeks after breaking his right wrist in the opener at Boston College, but still saw action in five games as a backup to Brad Lewis. A gifted runner, Marshall also has a strong arm and can throw on the move. He completed 41-of-79 passes for 327 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions last season, but solidified the starting job by hitting 21-of-27 throws for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game.

Mid-way through spring practice, Marshall felt comfortable with his progress.

"I feel a lot better out there," Marshall told MSNsportsNET.com. "Having a year of the offense under my belt helped out a lot. I can remember last year the first day of spring practice was real crazy. Comparing that to this year it is a lot more relaxed."

Marshall is looking for more consistency in 2002.

"I want to polish up my skills from last year and try to make solid decisions as much as possible just become an all-around player," he told MSNsportsNET.com. "If I can accomplish that then I can do some good things out there."

Marshall will be backed up by red-shirt freshman Danny Embick (6-0, 205), who threw for 167 yards in the spring game. He has a live arm and is also an effective runner. Embick passed for 2,400 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 650 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior at William T. Dwyer High School in Jupiter, Fla.

Charles Hales (6-0, 190), who guided Jones County Junior College to the Mississippi state championship last season, will join the mix in August. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Cobourne might play the most aptly named position in college football. WVU’s "superback," Cobourne has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons in Morgantown and needs just 632 yards to break Amos Zereoue’s career record of 4,086 yards.

Cobourne (5-9, 190) hits the hole fast. He ran for 1,298 yards and nine touchdowns and was selected the Mountaineers’ team MVP last season. His 118 yards per game average was second in the Big East in 2001 and ranks sixth among all returning running backs in college football. He has 18 career 100-yard games and his 25 career touchdowns rank second in WVU history, but Cobourne is more than just a runner. He is a top-notch blocker, receiver (his 23 catches ranked fifth on the team last season) and leader who was chosen team captain as a junior.

Cobourne didn’t rest on his laurels in the off-season. He spent hours in the weight room adding size and strength.

"When [defenders] look at me there’s a little intimidation now," Cobourne told MSNsportsNET.com. "I’m a little guy but you see some big arms on somebody and you go ‘whoa.’ "

Junior Quincy Wilson (5-10, 210) backs up Cobourne. Wilson, a powerful runner with good balance, overcame re-constructive knee surgery to rush for 181 yards and a touchdown last season. Red-shirt freshman Adam Cantoni (5-8, 185) had a strong spring and provides depth.

West Virginia does not rely on the fullback much in its spread attack, but has a wrecking ball on its roster in junior Moe Fofana (5-10, 245). A walk-on, Fofana scored a touchdown in the spring game and could see an increased role this season. He is backed up by sophomore Hikee Johnson (5-11, 207).

The Mountaineers return some solid players, but are looking to upgrade this position to make the offense run more efficiently.

Senior A.J. "Ol Surefingers" Nastasi (5-10, 180) has the best hands on the team and led WVU with 42 catches last year, after making just nine grabs in his first two seasons. A solid route runner, Nastasi, third among Big East receivers in receptions per game (4.2) and totaled 334 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Senior Phil Braxton (6-3, 195) provides a big target and was leading the Mountaineers with 26 receptions before breaking his foot in the Rutgers game. Braxton had off-season surgery that kept him out of spring drills, but is expected back when camp opens. Braxton has plenty of big-play potential but needs to be more consistent without the ball.

Senior Michael Page (5-8, 165) missed spring ball with a back injury, but started four games last season and will be counted on to do more with Antonio Brown and Shawn Terry, WVU’s second- and third-leading receivers last year having moved on.

Sophomore Miquelle Henderson (6-2, 203) played as a freshman last season and was the Mountaineers’ most improved receiver in spring drills. He caught nine passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in the spring game after making four catches for 24 yards in 2001.

Another boost could come from junior Travis Garvin (6-2, 185), who played basketball at Manatee (Fla.) Community College last season. He was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after catching 36 passes for 608 yards at Missouri in 1999.

Broderic Jones (6-0, 170) and J.T. Perry (6-2, 200), two freshman recruits from Texas, could also step in right away. Perry caught 58 passes for 983 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior at Ennis High School.

Senior Scott Beresford (6-3, 210), junior John Pennington (5-8, 170), red-shirt freshman Dee Alston (5-10, 170) and freshman Toby Brown (6-0, 180) are among those returnees hoping to contribute.

Junior Tory Johnson (6-2, 255) returns as the starting tight end, or "T-back," and needs to become a more consistent part of the offense this season. Johnson suffered a setback when he dislocated his shoulder during spring drills, but he should build on his five catches of last season. Junior Jason Hardee (6-3, 260), a junior college transfer, and sophomore Ryan Thomas (6-6, 240) have the physical skills to be effective reserves.

West Virginia returns four starters from a unit that did a decent job, but should improve after allowing 27 sacks last season.

Senior Lance Nimmo (6-6, 287), a cerebral player who started all 11 games at left tackle last season, anchors the unit. Nimmo has worked hard to improve his technique and has become a solid pass blocker. A three-time Big East Academic All-Star, Nimmo was selected the Mountaineers’ top offensive lineman by the coaches last season.

Junior Tim Brown (6-5, 285), who received numerous accolades as a prep star in Harrisburg, Pa., had a great off-season where he made noticeable improvement in his strength and technique and returns at right tackle.

Senior Zach Dillow (6-2, 285) started all 11 games at center last season, but broke his left leg in the first spring scrimmage. The Mountaineers expect him to return in time to start the season and end his career with a big year.

Senior Ken Sandor (6-4, 300), a strong player who showed continued improvement, is back at left guard, where he started eight games.

The only new starter will be at right guard, where sophomore Jeff Berk (6-5, 275), who saw playing time in every game last season, takes over. Berk is backed up by junior Ben Timmons (6-5, 275) and red-shirt freshman Garin Justice (6-6, 287).

Junior Todd James (6-3, 205s), who handled the kickoff and punting duties last season, is the favorite to succeed the departed Brenden Rauh.

James has tremendous leg strength and converted all three of his extra-point attempts last season, including a 50-yard PAT against Rutgers. James could face a challenge from senior Zach Anglin (6-0, 195) for the short field-goal kicking duties.

The Mountaineers are going back to the basics with their new setup and that means they’ll count on Upchurch (6-3, 270) to occupy blockers and make plays like he has in the past. Upchurch, a three-year starter, is the best tactician that WVU has on its line and is coming off a strong junior season where he made 66 tackles, including 14 for losses, four sacks and forced two fumbles.

Red-shirt freshman Ernest Hunter (6-3, 265) had a strong spring and will back up Upchurch.

Senior Jason Davis (6-5, 290) returns to defensive end after serving as the backup nose tackle last season. Davis, a starter at end in 2000, has serious play-making ability and made 30 tackles last season.

Seniors Kevin Freeman (6-2, 255) and Tim Love (6-4, 275) both boast plenty of experience and are battling for the other starting end spot.

The leader of this unit will be Wiley, who was shifted from the middle to the left side during the spring in order to maximize his big-play ability. Wiley (6-1, 230) burst onto the scene as a red-shirt freshman, making 94 tackles and earning Big East Rookie-of-the-Year honors from the league’s coaches, but suffered through an injury-filled sophomore season in 2001. Injuries cost him two games last season, but he still made his share of big plays. Wiley finished fourth on the squad with 98 tackles and added two sacks. His 22-tackle performance against Syracuse tied for the third-best performance in Mountaineer history with former safety Rick Sherrod, who accomplished the feat in the same game.

Senior James Davis (6-2, 225), the starter at stud end last season, moves to the other outside linebacker spot, where he can be turned loose to use his exceptional speed. Davis is a big-time hitter and exceptional pass rusher who accounted for eight of the Mountaineers 23 sacks last season. He also excels at making plays behind the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by his 27 career tackles for loss -- the fifth highest total in WVU history.

Senior Ben Collins (5-10, 205) and sophomore Shane Graham (5-11, 220) are both in the running to start at middle linebacker. Collins has been a special teams standout and is looking to play his way into a larger role. Graham played as a true freshman last season and has a solid career in front of him. He could become a mainstay if he improves his strength and mobility.

The key position in the new scheme is free safety, where sophomores Jahmile Addae (5-10, 195) and Lawrence Audena (5-11, 190) are locked in a close battle for the starting position. Addae had hoped to red-shirt last season, but injuries forced him into the lineup and accelerated his learning curve. He ended up playing in five games, making one start, and finished with 18 tackles. Audena, a reserve rover last season, caught the eye of the coaches with an outstanding spring that catapulted him into contention for a first-string role.

Senior Angel Estrada (6-0, 200) will play the spur safety. Estrada started at rover last season before breaking his leg at Syracuse and suffered a further setback when he sprained his left ankle in the first spring scrimmage. He made several big plays last season and finished with 69 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. He understands his role and should excel in it if his body heals and allows him to get back in top shape.

Senior Arthur Harrison (5-8, 185) is a quick, physical player who will play the bandit spot. Harrison is a natural playmaker who had an outstanding spring. He will have a big year if he is able to eliminate mental mistakes.

The Mountaineers return experience at the cornerback position as juniors Lance Frazier (5-10, 185) and Brian King (6-0, 175) and senior Lewis Daniels (6-0, 190) rotated as the starters last season. Frazier made 49 tackles and broke up seven passes while showing some big-play ability by forcing three fumbles. King made 34 tackles and broke up eight passes and Daniels was in on 23 stops and broke up three passes. Red-shirt freshman Anthony Mims (6-0, 170) has all of the physical tools and is looking to build off a strong showing in spring drills by contributing this fall.

Senior Mark Fazzolari (5-11, 190) was second-team All-Big East as a freshman and sophomore, but struggled adjusting from a three-step drop to a two-step drop last season. He was replaced by James for the final six games.

Fazzolari has a very strong leg and has improved his understanding of placement and coverage schemes. He has a career average of 41.6 yards, including 42.4 last season. James averaged 40.7 yards on 32 punts in 2001 and is more than capable as a backup.

The biggest challenge will be finding a replacement for Terry, who ranked second in the Big East, on kickoff returns. Braxton and Page are the top candidates. Frazier is more steady than spectacular in his role as the top punt return man.

The Mountaineers do have a steady long snapper in sophomore Scott Fleming (5-11, 220) and a very effective kickoff man in James.

This group could go a long way toward shaping the Mountaineers in Rodriguez’s mold as 30 new players are coming in. Rodriguez and his staff are spreading their recruiting search as evidenced by signings from Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi, etc. Jones could be the star of the class and should provide immediate help at receiver along with newcomers Garvin and Perry.

Fred Blueford (6-5, 280), a defensive lineman from Arkansas, running back Kevin "Boo" McLee (6-2, 230) of Uniontown, Pa., and tight end Adam Serena (6-3, 223) of McKeesport, Pa., could also make an immediate impact.

For as big as it is, the class includes only two offensive linemen -- center Jeremy Hines (6-2, 280) of Lakewood, Ohio, and Dan Mozes (6-3, 290) of Washington, Pa.

The group includes plenty of potential, but Mountaineer fans shouldn’t expect too much too soon. It takes time for young players to develop and it isn’t a good sign if too many freshmen, regardless of how talented they are, are on the field in any given season.

The Mountaineers have not had back-to-back losing seasons since enduring four straight sub-.500 years from 1976-79 under Frank Cignetti. With so many changes being made, it could be difficult for WVU to avoid that plight this season.

The out-of-conference schedule features difficult games at Wisconsin and Cincinnati and at home against Maryland. The Mountaineers play Syracuse and Miami at home in back-to-back weeks but close the season with a rough stretch at home against Boston College and on the road at Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.

The Mountaineers could be -- and should be -- better, but the Big East isn’t the kind of conference where big jumps in the standings are commonplace. Expect some improvement, but not a lot.