Expectations for Jarret Doege as WVU's Starting QB
The battle for the starting quarterback job is officially over. On Thursday, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown announced that redshirt junior Jarret Doege will be the team's starter for their season opener next Saturday vs Eastern Kentucky.
Doege beat out redshirt senior Austin Kendall, who won the job out of fall camp a year ago. Kendall played much of the season with an injured hand, but also struggled in the decision making department. Doege gave the Mountaineers an added boost at the tail end of last season although it was not a stark contrast in points and yardage per game.
He's not a dual-threat by any means, but Doege does have the athleticism to move around in the pocket and extend plays if needed, which is what gives this offense that extra spark. One of the most impressive things that stood out last year was his footwork. It was clean, precise, and he had a high level of comfortability throwing on the run or off-balanced. This is something Doege brings to the table that Kendall ultimately could not do. Kendall could run, but he's not the most mobile guy in the world.
There are several things that Doege still needs to improve on to become one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but the potential is certainly there. With a full year in Neal Brown's system, Doege should be more prepared to take the reigns of this offense, which will ultimately lead to better results.
A lot of it is still going to depend on the pass protection up front and the ability to run the football. The rushing attack drug the offense into the dirt because they had no resemblance of a running game. West Virginia finished 128th out of 130 teams in rushing yards per game.
So with that said, what can we expect from Doege in 2020?
Improved Passing Game
Stats-wise, you're probably going to see Doege finish somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,200-3,400 yards and 20-25 touchdowns. Again, he has the ability to post much bigger numbers than that but remember, this is his first year as a full-time starter in the Big 12 - give him some time.
Efficient Aerial Attack
Turnovers were very costly to the Mountaineers a year ago and although Doege threw three interceptions against TCU, he took really good care of the football outside of that - granted it was just two others games. He knows when to throw it away and when to maybe test it a little with a shot down the field into coverage. He takes calculated risks and isn't ashamed to check down to his backs out of the backfield or to go to his third or sometimes fourth read on a play.
Competitive Football
Another reason Doege won the starting job is because of his incredible leadership. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and has an extra edge to him, which makes it easier to win over a locker room. Not many folks believe West Virginia will be competitive in 2020, but with Doege leading the way, finishing 4th or 5th in the Big 12 is without a doubt in reach.
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