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Slaton, White, West Virginia look to run past Western Michigan

Sep 1, 2007 - 12:09 PM Western Michigan at No. 3 West Virginia 3:30 pm EDT

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia (Ticker) -- Unfortunately for Western Michigan and the rest of the nation, Steve Slaton and Pat White are back for another season at West Virginia.

Slaton and White bring their fleet feet back to Morgantown as the third-ranked Mountaineers begin their new season against the Broncos on Saturday.

Last year, the Mountaineers had the nation's second-best rushing attack, averaging 303 yards. Then sophomores, Slaton avaraged better than 134 yards and White, a quarterback, more than 101.

In addition to Slaton and White, Mountaineers fans and coach Rich Rodriguez have high hopes for true freshman Noel Devine, a burner from Florida who may pair with White and Slaton in the backfield.

West Virginia went 11-2 last season, finishing in a tie for second place in the Big East Conference (5-2) with Rutgers, one game behind Louisville.

Western Michigan, meanwhile, was 8-5 in 2006, coming in second in the Mid-American Conference West Division at 6-2. Entering their third season under coach Bill Cubit, the Broncos are coming off their first bowl appearance in 18 years.

The Mountaineers won the lone prior meeting between the teams, 34-6 in 1996.