MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia’s revised playbook might be the only thing between Pat White and his chance to become the top rushing quarterback in major-college football.

First-year coach Bill Stewart wants the speedy White to throw more this season as the No. 8 Mountaineers try to balance out a potent but one-dimensional offense that crumbled at the worst possible time in 2007.

West Virginia needed a win at home over bitter rival Pittsburgh in early December to earn a spot in the national championship game. Instead, WVU was held to 104 yards rushing — one-third its usual total. Pittsburgh won 13-9 and the Mountaineers settled for the Fiesta Bowl.

That loss isn’t talked about, but the changes it brought on offense are.

By getting additional work for his arm instead of his legs this season, White calls it ‘‘spreading the love.’’ And Stewart has no doubt that White, 26-4 as a starter, can make the transition to throwing more often.

‘‘Patrick White’s the greatest winner in college football today,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘The guy will find a way to beat you.’’

Last year West Virginia was good for only 20 pass attempts and 159 yards passing per game. But the longest play from scrimmage was a 79-yard touchdown pass from White to Tito Gonzales in the 48-28 bowl win over Oklahoma.

White will need to find some new receiving connections.