Twelve Impact Offensive Players To Watch In The Big 12: West Virginia Running Back Andrew Buie

If a single game could define a player's college football legacy it would be the type of game that Andrew Buie had against the Texas Longhorns last fall. Several running backs enjoyed career performances against the not so vaunted Texas defense last season but perhaps none were as spectacular as Buie's. Averaging 6.7 yards per carry, Buie racked up 207 yards and two touchdowns in the Mountaineers' 48-45 win in Austin.

Now as West Virginia looks to reload in 2013, following the departures of Geno Smith, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, it may be Buie who the Mountaineers look to in order to get their offense in rhythm while the new crop of playmakers get caught up to speed.

Buie rushed for a team-high 851 yards and seven touchdowns, on 179 carries, last season. He is the most experienced player among West Virginia's most experienced offensive skill position set. While he may be West Virginia's returning leading rusher, he's not necessarily a shoe-in to carry that same role this fall. Dustin Garrison will be returning from a knee injury and looking push Buie in the same manner that he has since the two were freshmen. JUCO transfer Dreamius Smith also looks to get in the mix after having a solid spring.

The Mountaineers must show a strong rushing attack in 2013 until they show that they either have a defense that can contain Big 12 offenses or an offense capable of matching conference opponents blow-for-blow. Until then its imperative that they chew up yards and clock on the ground, and at this point Andrew Buie looks like their most qualified candidate to make that happen.

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