West Virginia Mountaineers football
Encyclopedia
The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University
in the NCAA FBS division of college football
. Dana Holgorsen
is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their home games at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia
. On October 28, 2011, the Big 12 Conference
announced that West Virginia University would join the Big 12 beginning in 2012.
With a 697–456–45 record, West Virginia is the winningest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team to have never won a national championship, ahead of Miami University
and Virginia Tech
. Beginning in the 1937-1938 season, West Virginia was classified as a College Division. From 1939–1972, West Virginia was in the University Division. From '73–'77, WVU was Division I, then from 1978–2006 WVU was Division I-A. From 2006–present West Virginia is classified as a Football Bowl Subdivision team.
WVU played mainly as an Independent from 1891 to 1990, with intermittent stints in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1925–1927), and the Southern Conference (1950–1967). Since 1991, after reclassifications as a Division 1 Independent (1973–1977) and a Division 1-A Independent (1978–1990), the team competes in the Big East Conference
. WVU had no team in 1892 and 1918.
West Virginia has had 2 undefeated regular seasons; they went 11-0 in 1988 and 1993. However, West Virginia lost both bowl games, 34–21 to Notre Dame, and 41–7 to Florida. Both undefeated regular seasons were under their coach Don Nehlen
. Back in 1922 WVU had their only completely undefeated season; they went 10-0-1, beating Gonzaga in the inaugural East-West Bowl. WVU's worst season was in 1960, which was a winless record against ten opponents.
WVU has been conference champions 14 times (8 in the Southern Conference, 6 in the Big East Conference). West Virginia's highest-ever poll ranking is #1 (in the Coaches Poll
following Week 13 of the 2007 season). WVU has participated in 29 bowl games; their record stands at 13–16. Major bowls include the Sugar Bowl
(3 times), Peach Bowl
(4 times), Fiesta Bowl
(2 times), and the Gator Bowl
(6 times). The Mountaineers are 2–0 in BCS bowl games, both wins under quarterback Pat White.
The 2005 season
and the 2006 season
produced the first consecutive 11-win seasons in school history. In the 2007 season
, the Mountaineers started the season as the #3-ranked team, the highest preseason ranking in school history. That team eventually was ranked #1 in the Coaches Poll, and finished the season with a third consecutive 11-win season after their Fiesta Bowl
victory.
West Virginia unveiled a new, gold uniform design for the 2007 season
. The uniform has a gold top (instead of blue) with blue stripes (instead of gold). The uniform is currently being featured as the alternative home uniform. Running back Steve Slaton sported the uniform when he attended the 2007 Playboy All-American
honoring at the Playboy Mansion
at the beginning of the pre-season. The uniforms were first used against Mississippi State for homecoming, then they used for WVU's official "Gold Rush" vs. Louisville
.
Four of the Big East's top 5 rushers in conference history are Mountaineers. Avon Cobourne
leads the league with 5,039 yards, while quarterback Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Amos Zereoue
follow behind Rutgers' back Ray Rice
in second place. White and Slaton also own various other Big East and NCAA records together and individually.
WVU has announced they will be joining the Big 12 Conference effective July 1, 2012.
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
is an annual award given to the best team in the East in Division I-A college football. West Virginia has won it 3 times.
{| border="0" width="100%"
| valign="top" |
{| cellpadding="1" border="1" cellspacing="0" width="80%"
!bgcolor="#003366"| Year
!bgcolor="#003366"| Coach
!bgcolor="#003366"| Conference
!bgcolor="#003366"| Overall Record
|- align="center"
|- align="center"
| 1988
|| Don Nehlen
|| Independent || 11-1
|- align="center"
| 1993
|| Don Nehlen || Big East|| 11-1
|-align="center"
| 2007
|| Rich Rodriguez
|| Big East || 11-2
|-align="center"
| colspan=3 bgcolor="#FFCC00"| Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
| colspan=2 bgcolor="#FFCC00"| 3
|}
as the starting quarterback for West Virginia. Only a redshirt-freshman, Harris led the Mountaineers to a Sun Bowl
berth, after a 1–3 start.
The 1988 season opened with coach Don Nehlen
's alma mater, Bowling Green University. The win marked the beginning of the run, winning 62–14. West Virginia beat their next opponent, Cal-State Fullerton, 45–10. West Virginia's first challenge was against the University of Maryland
. West Virginia got behind the Terps 14–0, but pulled away at halftime, winning 55–24.
West Virginia's next game was at the University of Pittsburgh
. The game was a defensive struggle, until running back A.B. Brown, a Pitt transfer, ran a draw for 64-yards and the score. Scoring 14-points in the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers broke away and won 31-10. West Virginia then traveled to rival Virginia Tech
, and won 22–10, even though they produced four fumbles in the game. The next two games, a win at East Carolina University, and a 59-point win at Boston College
, gave West Virginia a 7–0 record.
Next, the late October matchup vs Penn State at Mountaineer Field is widely regarded as one of the greatest games in Mountaineer football history. Before a nationwide CBS
audience, the Mountaineers were up 34–8 before the half. On a draw play, running back Undra Johnson
ran 55 yards for the touchdown to end the half. The game also included a touchdown run by Major Harris, which is remembered in West Virginia lore as "The Run".
The next game was at the University of Cincinnati
, where the Mountaineers started slow in the first half. Receiver Reggie Rembert
scored three times, and the Mountaineers won by scoring 24 points in the third quarter. The Mountaineers traveled to Giants Stadium
to play Rutgers
, who had beat Penn St., Boston College, and Michigan State
. The Mountaineers played poorly, but came out with the win.
The final regular season game of the season was at home, against the Syracuse Orangemen
. The Orangemen were 9–1, while the Mountaineers were 10–0. The highlight of the game was a 49-yard interception by Willie Edwards that was taken for a touchdown. The Mountaineers won 31–9, and took a famous lap around Mountaineer Field to entertain the 65,000 fans in Morgantown.
West Virginia traveled to the Fiesta Bowl
to play the only other undefeated team in the NCAA, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
. Free safety Darrell Whitmore
was out for the Mountaineers, but Nehlen moved star Bo Orlando
from strong safety to free to fill the hole.
West Virginia's offense was doomed from the third play of the game. Major Harris separated his shoulder on the third play when he was slammed to the ground by Irish Linebacker Michael Stonebreaker. He couldn't throw well for the rest of the game. Linemen John Stroia and Bob Kovach were injured for the Mountaineers in that game as well. Notre Dame completely dominated the game. West Virginia only made one serious threat. Willie Edwards picked off a Tony Rice pass in the 3rd quarter. ND led by 13 points at the time. A Harris incompletion and two ND sacks took WVU out of field goal range, and the threat was over. ND opened up a 27 point lead before two late WVU touchdowns made the score respectable. WVU lost 34–21, it was their first loss of the season for the national championship.
West Virginia's '88 team was highlighted with an explosive offense, led by Major Harris. Harris, only a sophomore, threw an exceptional deep ball in addition to his remarkable scrambling ability. Running backs A.B. Brown, Undra Johnson
, Eugene Napoleon, and Craig Taylor at fullback highlighted the run game. The runners were led by Rick Phillips and Brian Smider on the offensive line, along with Stroia and Kovach, while Kevin Koken led the line at center. Early in the season, Keith Winn was moved from receiver to tight end, providing help to the run game, but was more famous as a deep-pass threat. The receivers catching the balls from Harris were led by Reggie Rembert
, who was accompanied by Calvin Phillips and Grantis Bell.
Coach Don Nehlen credited West Virginia's '88 team's defense as being the main factor to their success. The linebacking core included Renaldo Turnbull
, Dale Jackson, Theron Ellis, and Bobby Pickett. Mike Fox and Chris Parker headed the defensive line, along with Chris Haering. The secondary was one of the best in West Virginia history, led by Bo Orlando and Darrell Whitmore
. Orlando had a good pro career with the Houston Oilers and Pittsburgh Steelers
, while Darrell went pro in baseball. Willie Edwards played corner along with Alvoid Mays
, who went pro as well, and Lawrence Drumgoole played solid backup corner.
and Jake Kelchner
were up for the spot, but coach Don Nehlen
decided to have a rotation each game while playing freshman Chad Johnston a few games. Star running back Adrian Murrell
was replaced that season by Robert Walker and All-American center Mike Compton was replaced by Dale Williams. Guard Rich Braham
provided help to Walker in the run game. Young Aaron Beasley
and Mike Logan led the secondary.
The first game against Eastern Michigan University
was an easy win. The next was against the University of Maryland. Kelchner passed for 270 yards and Harold Kidd grabbed a big interception to seal the win, 42–37. The next week, the Mountaineers blew by the University of Missouri
35–3 in Morgantown. In that game, Mike Collins returned a fumble 97 yards for a score and Vann Washington had an interception taken 27-yards for another score.
The next week was a close win against Virginia Tech, 14–13. The Mountaineers won, even though turning the ball over five times, when the Tech kicker missed a 44-yard field goal. The next game was against the University of Louisville
, one of the toughest games of the season. Led by Brian Brohm's older brother, Jeff Brohm
, the Cardinals were undefeated like the Mountaineers. But Robert Walker score three times, and led the Mountaineers to a close 36–34 win. The win led the Mountaineers into the Top 15 in the country. The next game, against the University of Pittsburgh, had a close first quarter. But Robert Walker rushed for over 150 yards and Mike Baker caught a couple of touchdown passes to pull away and win, 42–21.
The next game was a revengeful game. In 1992, West Virginia played the University of Syracuse, when a massive fight occurred. In a controversial decision, three Mountaineers were ejected, while only one Orangeman was ejected. That led to the Syracuse win. In the '93 version of the game, after missing two field goals, the Mountaineers were up 7–0 at halftime. But in the second half, the Mountaineer exploded. After a 90-yard run by Robert Walker, the Mountaineers won 43–0.
After beating Rutgers and Temple University
, the Mountaineers were 9–0. In one of the biggest games in Mountaineer history, the #4 University of Miami
came to Morgantown. The game was close, but Robert Walker won the game when he took a run to the sideline in the fourth quarter. Up 17–14, with four minutes left, Jake Kelchner threw a 40-yard bomb to seal the game.
After the game, Jake Kelchner injured his arm and Vann Washington had leg problems. The next game was against Boston College, where the Mountaineers were almost taken by surprise. Down 11 points with 13 minutes left, Don Nehlen told defensive coordinator Steve Dunlap
to put in Charles Emanuel
and Mike Logan. The next play, Mike Logan hit the fullback, resulting in a fumble which was recovered by the Mountaineers. Darren Studstill drove 63-yards downfield, and hit Eddie Hill
for one of the greatest scores in West Virginia history. West Virginia finished the season 11–0, their second undefeated season.
West Virginia was matched against the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl. The Mountaineers first drive went 80-yards and scored on a pass, then stopped the Gators on their first drive. The next Gator-drive almost went three-and-out, until a personal foul on Steve Perkins gave Florida the momentum. Jake Kelchner was playing a good game, but then Don Nehlen surprised many by putting Studstill in. On the Mountaineers first drive, Studstill threw an interception. Florida ran off with the game after that, winning 41–7.
Coach Don Nehlen said of the game, "We had wanted to play Nebraska in the Orange Bowl
as the only two undefeated teams, but the bowl coalition didn't like the match. Instead, we were slotted to play Texas A&M
in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Instead, the Sugar Bowl
paid more money so the conference and administration wanted us to play Florida."
, Kay-Jay Harris
, Pacman Jones
, and Chris Henry, after having National Championship expectations. Despite a number of starters returning on defense, the question marks on offense lead many to think the '05 season was going to be a rebuilding year with most national publications picking the Mountaineers to finish behind Louisville and Pitt. With Marshall and Harris leaving, the quarterback and halfback positions were open. Adam Bednarik and redshirt-freshman Pat White were competing for the spot, while Coach Rich Rodriguez
was thinking of re-using the '93 quarterback rotation. The halfback spot seemed to be filled by junior Jason Colson, but true freshman Steve Slaton
broke out and took the job. Junior Dan Mozes
led the offensive line at center. Mike Lorello and Jahmile Addae headed the secondary, while junior Kevin "Boo" McLee led the linebacking corps. It also marked the first season for the "new" Big East, welcoming Louisville, Cincinnati, and South Florida into the league following Boston College leaving to join former members Virginia Tech and Miami in the ACC.
The Mountaineers first game was a 15–7 win at Syracuse Orange. Bednarik finished the game with 104 pass yards, while White barely broke the stat sheet. The Mountaineers lacked in the rushing game though, only having 170 yards. Next, the Mountaineers hosted Division I-AA (now known as Division I FCS) Wofford
, which was an easy 35–7 win. Former star of the undefeated '88 team, Darrell Whitmore
, came to see Adam Bednarik throw his first career touchdown pass to receiver Darius Reynaud
, who had 57 yards and his first career touchdown catch. Pat White led the team in rushing with 107 yards, making his first touchdown run off of a 48-yard dash.
The young Mountaineers then traveled to rival Maryland
and picked up a surprisingly easy 31–19 victory, marking the teams first win in College Park since 1997. Adam Bednarik was injured in the third quarter, and Pat White took over. White scored 24 points in the last quarter. Fullback Owen Schmitt
led the rushers with 80 yards, while freshman Jason Gwaltney had 44 yards. Then the Mountaineers hosted East Carolina
and pulled out a close 20–15 victory despite a very uninspired and sloppy performance. Defensive back Antonio Lewis took a punt 76-yards for a score, while Adam Bednarik led passers with 116 yards and a score and Pat White had a touchdown pass as well.
West Virginia's only loss came to a Virginia Tech
team, led by Marcus Vick
, who were determined to win the finale of the Black Diamond Trophy
rivalry. Although the Mountaineers lost 34–17, the game marked the beginning of the tandem of Pat White and Steve Slaton
. Slaton made his first appearance, leading the team with 90 yards on just 11 rushes. White had 85 yards and two touchdown through the air. Vick won the game for the Hokies though, with 177 yards threw the air, and 77 yards on the ground, and totaled 3 touchdowns.
Freshman Steve Slaton made his first ever start the next week against Rutgers
, rushing for 139 yards and a touchdown to win 27–14. Pat White saw little playing time, while Bednarik totaled 78 yards and a score.
The next game was one of the greatest in West Virginia history. Mountaineer Field
hosted Louisville
, led by Brian Brohm
and Michael Bush
. West Virignia went into the half losing 17–0. The Mountaineers overcame a 17-point deficit, led by Steve Slaton and Pat White, to send the game into overtime. Kicker Pat McAfee
made the greatest kick in Mountaineer history, an onside kick that the Mountaineers recovered that led to the game-tying score. West Virginia took it into three overtimes, when Louisville put up the score in the third to make it 46–44. Brian Brohm dropped back on the 2-point conversion, looking for a receiver. He then tried to scramble up the middle, when safety Eric Wicks
hit him short of the endzone to win the game. Steve Slaton ran for 188 yards and a Big East
record six touchdowns, while Pat White totaled 118 all-purpose yards. Michael Bush scored 4 times for Louisville, but the Mountaineers came out victorious.
Pat White made his first start the next week against UConn
as the team picked up right where it left off against Louisville, winning 45–13. Steve Slaton totaled 71 yards and a score, while White racked up 106 pass yards and a score and 63 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Then the Mountaineers traveled to the University of Cincinnati and won 38–0. Slaton rushed for 129 yards and four touchdowns, while White rushed for 111 yards and passed for 100 yards and a score.
Then Pat White broke loose against Pitt in the annual Backyard Brawl
. White rushed for a record 220 yards and two scores, while Slaton rushed for 179 yards and two scores. Jahmile Addae also had a key interception of Tyler Palko
and took it 40 yards for a score. The win clinched at least a share of the Big East Championship, a Championship WVU would later clinch outright following South Florida's loss to UConn later that weekend. With the BCS bid all sown up the Mountaineers avoided a letdown and capped off the regular season in style with a 28-13 win at South Florida
. Pat White rushed for 177 yards and two scores and Steve Slaton rushed for 112 yards and a score. Addae made another key interception, marking his last regular season game as a Mountaineer.
The team was led by senior defensive backs Addae and Lorello on the defensive side of the ball, and junior center Mozes on the offensive side. The season marked the beginning of the Steve Slaton and Pat White duo, and marked an impressive season for fullback Owen Schmitt.
Steve Slaton totaled 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns in the late games he played in. Slaton was named First-team All-freshman team, Big East rookie of the year, ECAC
rookie of the year, second-team All-Big East, and Nokia Sugar Bowl MVP. Slaton was also a finalist for the Maxwell Award
and Doak Walker Award
. Slaton's 1,128 yards is third for a freshman in West Virginia history also.
Pat White only had 828 yards passing and eight scores, but he totaled 952 yards rushing with 7 scores.
The Mountaineers were the underdog in the match up against the SEC Champion #8 Georgia Bulldogs
in the Sugar Bowl
, which was relocated to Atlanta after Hurricane Katrina
. Most in the national media gave the The Mountaineers little chance in the weeks leading up to the game, some stating they didn't even deserve to be in the game due to the Big East's perceived weakness. The Mountaineers turned heads when they scored four unanswered touchdowns against the Bulldog defense. The Mountaineers went into halftime, leading 31–21. The 52-points in the first half set a BCS
record. The Mountaineers scored again on a 52-yard Slaton touchdown run, giving the Mountaineers a 38–28 advantage. The Bulldogs scored again on a 43 yard pass from D.J. Shockley. Then, in one of the greatest plays in West Virginia history, the game was sealed. Punter Phil Brady lined up in Georgia territory, ready to punt to the Bulldogs with less than two minutes left. He took the snap, and then burst on a run. He ran for the first down, and then slid down in front of two Bulldogs. The run sealed the game as the Bulldogs had no time outs left.
Steve Slaton's 204 yards broke Tony Dorsett
's Sugar Bowl record. Jahmile Addae capped off an impressive career by causing a fumble that led to a Mountaineer score. Mike Lorello also caused a fumble to cap his career. Pat White threw for 120 yards as well as rushing for 77 yards. Georgia QB D.J. Shockley tallied 277 yards and three scores too.
The victory jumped WVU into the Top 10 in the national rankings, finishing #5 in the AP and #6 in the Coaches Poll.
and #6 in the Coaches' poll
. They were #5 in the nation, before losing to #18 South Florida for the second consecutive time. South Florida eventually moved to #2, before dropping out of the Top 25 after losses (though USF would end the regular season ranked at #21). West Virginia dropped to #12 and #13 in the AP and Coaches' poll, respectively, before rebounding with wins against Syracuse, Mississippi State, #25 Rutgers, Louisville
, and #21 Cincinnati
. The Mountaineers eventually defeated #20 Connecticut to clinch the Big East Championship and move to #2 in the BCS
standings and #1 in the Coaches' poll
, both the highest position ever for a Mountaineer football team. WVU's regular season ended at home with a crushing loss in the Backyard Brawl
against Pittsburgh. After the departure of Rodriguez, the Mountaineers went on to defeat University of Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl under interim head coach Bill Stewart.
One of the most recognizable traditions in WVU football is the singing of John Denver
's "Take Me Home, Country Roads
". After every Mountaineer victory, the fans stay in the stands and sing "Country Roads" with the football players.
The pre-game show performed by the Pride of West Virginia
includes such traditions as the 220-beat per minute run-on cadence to start the performance, the playing of the university fight song "Hail, West Virginia
", and the formation of the state of West Virginia.
Also included in the traditions are the "Firing of the Musket" by the Mountaineer mascot to start the game, the first down cheer invented by WVU students, and the "Let's Go...Mountaineers" chant.
|-
! Name !! Position
|-
| Dana Holgorsen
|| Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
|-
| Steve Dunlap
|| Assistant Head Coach/Safeties Coach
|-
| Jeff Casteel
|| Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
|-
|Jake Spavital || Quarterbacks Coach
|-
| Daron Roberts
|| Receivers Coach/Special Teams Coach
|-
| Shannon Dawson || Inside Receivers Coach
|-
| Robert Gillespie || Running Backs Coach
|-
| Bill Kirelawich || Defensive Line Coach
|-
| Bill Bedenbaugh || Offensive Line Coach
|-
| David Lockwood || Defensive Backs Coach
|-
| Mike Joseph || Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Corey Twine || Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Brian Fitzpatrick || Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Kevin McCadam || Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Alex Hammond || Coordinator of Recruiting Operations
|}
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
in the NCAA FBS division of college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
. Dana Holgorsen
Dana Holgorsen
Dana Holgorsen is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at West Virginia University, having succeeded Bill Stewart, who resigned under pressure on June 10, 2011...
is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their home games at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown is a city in Monongalia County, West Virginia. It is the county seat of Monongalia County. Placed along the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown is the largest city in North-Central West Virginia, and the base of the Morgantown metropolitan area...
. On October 28, 2011, the Big 12 Conference
Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference of ten schools located in the Central United States, with its headquarters located in Las Colinas, a community in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Irving...
announced that West Virginia University would join the Big 12 beginning in 2012.
History
Miami RedHawks football
The Miami University RedHawks, known as the Miami Redskins before 1996, are a NCAA Division I FBS college football program that competes in the Mid-American Conference...
and Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Hokies football
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over...
. Beginning in the 1937-1938 season, West Virginia was classified as a College Division. From 1939–1972, West Virginia was in the University Division. From '73–'77, WVU was Division I, then from 1978–2006 WVU was Division I-A. From 2006–present West Virginia is classified as a Football Bowl Subdivision team.
WVU played mainly as an Independent from 1891 to 1990, with intermittent stints in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1925–1927), and the Southern Conference (1950–1967). Since 1991, after reclassifications as a Division 1 Independent (1973–1977) and a Division 1-A Independent (1978–1990), the team competes in the Big East Conference
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
. WVU had no team in 1892 and 1918.
West Virginia has had 2 undefeated regular seasons; they went 11-0 in 1988 and 1993. However, West Virginia lost both bowl games, 34–21 to Notre Dame, and 41–7 to Florida. Both undefeated regular seasons were under their coach Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
. Back in 1922 WVU had their only completely undefeated season; they went 10-0-1, beating Gonzaga in the inaugural East-West Bowl. WVU's worst season was in 1960, which was a winless record against ten opponents.
WVU has been conference champions 14 times (8 in the Southern Conference, 6 in the Big East Conference). West Virginia's highest-ever poll ranking is #1 (in the Coaches Poll
Coaches Poll
The USA Today Coaches' Poll is the current name for a weekly ranking of the top 25 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football and Division I college basketball teams....
following Week 13 of the 2007 season). WVU has participated in 29 bowl games; their record stands at 13–16. Major bowls include the Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
(3 times), Peach Bowl
Chick-fil-A Bowl
The Chick-fil-A Bowl, formerly called the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, and before that simply called the Peach Bowl, is an annual college football bowl game played in Atlanta, Georgia since December 1968. The first three Peach Bowls were played at Grant Field on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta....
(4 times), Fiesta Bowl
Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
(2 times), and the Gator Bowl
Gator Bowl
The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Held continuously since 1946, it is the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally...
(6 times). The Mountaineers are 2–0 in BCS bowl games, both wins under quarterback Pat White.
The 2005 season
2005 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 2005 West Virginia Mountaineers football team completed the season with an 11–1 record. The Mountaineers won their third consecutive Big East Title with a conference record of 7–0...
and the 2006 season
2006 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 2006 West Virginia Mountaineers football team completed the season with a 11–2 record. The Mountaineers had a regular season Big East record of 5–2.-2006 Schedule:-Rankings:- References :...
produced the first consecutive 11-win seasons in school history. In the 2007 season
2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team began play on September 1, 2007. The team was coached by Rich Rodriguez until he announced on December 16, 2007 that he was leaving West Virginia to coach the Michigan Wolverines. The head coaching position remained vacant after his announcement,...
, the Mountaineers started the season as the #3-ranked team, the highest preseason ranking in school history. That team eventually was ranked #1 in the Coaches Poll, and finished the season with a third consecutive 11-win season after their Fiesta Bowl
2008 Fiesta Bowl
The 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl was a college football bowl game sponsored by Tostitos. It was part of the 2007–2008 Bowl Championship Series of the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Played annually since 1971, first at Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe,...
victory.
West Virginia unveiled a new, gold uniform design for the 2007 season
2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team began play on September 1, 2007. The team was coached by Rich Rodriguez until he announced on December 16, 2007 that he was leaving West Virginia to coach the Michigan Wolverines. The head coaching position remained vacant after his announcement,...
. The uniform has a gold top (instead of blue) with blue stripes (instead of gold). The uniform is currently being featured as the alternative home uniform. Running back Steve Slaton sported the uniform when he attended the 2007 Playboy All-American
Playboy
Playboy is an American men's magazine that features photographs of nude women as well as journalism and fiction. It was founded in Chicago in 1953 by Hugh Hefner and his associates, and funded in part by a $1,000 loan from Hefner's mother. The magazine has grown into Playboy Enterprises, Inc., with...
honoring at the Playboy Mansion
Playboy Mansion
The Playboy Mansion is the home of Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner. Located in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles, California, the mansion became famous during the 1970s through media reports of Hefner's lavish parties.-History:The house is described as being in the "Gothic-Tudor" style...
at the beginning of the pre-season. The uniforms were first used against Mississippi State for homecoming, then they used for WVU's official "Gold Rush" vs. Louisville
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. When founded in 1798, it was the first city-owned public university in the United States and one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is mandated by the Kentucky General...
.
Four of the Big East's top 5 rushers in conference history are Mountaineers. Avon Cobourne
Avon Cobourne
Avon Cobourne is a football running back in the Canadian Football League. He currently plays for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
leads the league with 5,039 yards, while quarterback Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Amos Zereoue
Amos Zereoue
Amos Zereoué is an African-born former American football player in the National Football League, who last played for the New England Patriots...
follow behind Rutgers' back Ray Rice
Ray Rice
Raymell Maurice Rice is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers. He is currently ranked as the Baltimore Ravens third all-time rusher in...
in second place. White and Slaton also own various other Big East and NCAA records together and individually.
Conference Affiliation
- 1891-1924: Independent
- 1925-1927: West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceWest Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceThe West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which historically operated exclusively in the state of West Virginia, but has now expanded into Pennsylvania...
- 1928-1949: Independent
- 1950-1967: Southern ConferenceSouthern ConferenceThe Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
- 1968-1990: Independent
- 1991-2011: Big East ConferenceBig East ConferenceThe Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
- 2012: Big 12 ConferenceBig 12 ConferenceThe Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference of ten schools located in the Central United States, with its headquarters located in Las Colinas, a community in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Irving...
WVU has announced they will be joining the Big 12 Conference effective July 1, 2012.
Conference championships
West Virginia has won or shared a conference title 14 times, including 6 Big East titles.
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| † Denotes co-champions | ||||
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
The ECACEastern College Athletic Conference
The Eastern College Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference comprising schools that compete in 21 sports . It has 317 member institutions in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, ranging in location from Maine to North Carolina and west to Illinois...
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
The Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy is an annual award given to the best team in the Northeast in Division I FBS college football.The Lambert Trophy was established by brothers Victor and Henry Lambert in memory of their father, August. The Lamberts were the principals in a distinguished Madison Avenue...
is an annual award given to the best team in the East in Division I-A college football. West Virginia has won it 3 times.
{| border="0" width="100%"
| valign="top" |
{| cellpadding="1" border="1" cellspacing="0" width="80%"
!bgcolor="#003366"| Year
!bgcolor="#003366"| Coach
!bgcolor="#003366"| Conference
!bgcolor="#003366"| Overall Record
|- align="center"
|- align="center"
| 1988
1988 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 1988 West Virginia Mountaineers football team completed the regular season with a 11–0 and traveled to the Fiesta Bowl to decide the National Championship, where they lost to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34–21.-1988 Schedule:-1988 season:...
|| Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
|| Independent || 11-1
|- align="center"
| 1993
1993 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 1993 West Virginia Mountaineers football team completed the regular season with a 11–0 and won the school's first Big East Conference championship. The team traveled to the , where they lost to the Florida Gators, 41–7. WVU finished the season 11–1.-Schedule:-season:The 1993 season began with...
|| Don Nehlen || Big East|| 11-1
|-align="center"
| 2007
2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team began play on September 1, 2007. The team was coached by Rich Rodriguez until he announced on December 16, 2007 that he was leaving West Virginia to coach the Michigan Wolverines. The head coaching position remained vacant after his announcement,...
|| Rich Rodriguez
Rich Rodriguez
Richard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
|| Big East || 11-2
|-align="center"
| colspan=3 bgcolor="#FFCC00"| Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy
| colspan=2 bgcolor="#FFCC00"| 3
|}
1988 season
The 1987 season was the beginning of Major HarrisMajor Harris
Major Harris is a former college football quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1980s. Harris was a 1989 All American and finished third and fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and 1989, respectively. He was also the ECAC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989...
as the starting quarterback for West Virginia. Only a redshirt-freshman, Harris led the Mountaineers to a Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl
The Sun Bowl is an annual U.S. college football bowl game that is usually played at the end of December in El Paso, Texas. The Sun Bowl, along with the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl are the second-oldest bowl games in the country, behind the Rose Bowl...
berth, after a 1–3 start.
The 1988 season opened with coach Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
's alma mater, Bowling Green University. The win marked the beginning of the run, winning 62–14. West Virginia beat their next opponent, Cal-State Fullerton, 45–10. West Virginia's first challenge was against the University of Maryland
Maryland Terrapins football
The Maryland Terrapins football team represents the University of Maryland in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Terrapins compete within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
. West Virginia got behind the Terps 14–0, but pulled away at halftime, winning 55–24.
West Virginia's next game was at the University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Panthers football
Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
. The game was a defensive struggle, until running back A.B. Brown, a Pitt transfer, ran a draw for 64-yards and the score. Scoring 14-points in the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers broke away and won 31-10. West Virginia then traveled to rival Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech Hokies football
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over...
, and won 22–10, even though they produced four fumbles in the game. The next two games, a win at East Carolina University, and a 59-point win at Boston College
Boston College Eagles football
The Boston College Eagles football team is the collegiate football program of Boston College. The team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, a Division I Bowl Subdivision league governed by the NCAA. Within the ACC, the Eagles are one of six teams in the Atlantic Division...
, gave West Virginia a 7–0 record.
Next, the late October matchup vs Penn State at Mountaineer Field is widely regarded as one of the greatest games in Mountaineer football history. Before a nationwide CBS
SEC on CBS
The SEC on CBS is a presentation of the college football television package owned by CBS Sports...
audience, the Mountaineers were up 34–8 before the half. On a draw play, running back Undra Johnson
Undra Johnson
Undra Jerome Johnson is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys.-High school career:...
ran 55 yards for the touchdown to end the half. The game also included a touchdown run by Major Harris, which is remembered in West Virginia lore as "The Run".
The next game was at the University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bearcats football
The Cincinnati Bearcats football program represents the University of Cincinnati in a college football. They compete at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level as members of the Big East Conference. The Bearcat football program is one of the nation's oldest, having fielded a team as...
, where the Mountaineers started slow in the first half. Receiver Reggie Rembert
Reggie Rembert
Reginald Bernard "Reggie" Rembert is a retired American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played college football at West Virginia.Rembert played only three of four seasons in the NFL...
scored three times, and the Mountaineers won by scoring 24 points in the third quarter. The Mountaineers traveled to Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...
to play Rutgers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights football
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represents Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision play...
, who had beat Penn St., Boston College, and Michigan State
Michigan State Spartans football
The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level...
. The Mountaineers played poorly, but came out with the win.
The final regular season game of the season was at home, against the Syracuse Orangemen
Syracuse Orange football
The Syracuse Orange football program is a college football team that represents Syracuse University. The team is a member of the Big East Conference, which is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I conference that is part of the Football Bowl Subdivision...
. The Orangemen were 9–1, while the Mountaineers were 10–0. The highlight of the game was a 49-yard interception by Willie Edwards that was taken for a touchdown. The Mountaineers won 31–9, and took a famous lap around Mountaineer Field to entertain the 65,000 fans in Morgantown.
Fiesta Bowl
West Virginia traveled to the Fiesta Bowl
1989 Fiesta Bowl
The 1989 Sunkist Fiesta Bowl, played on January 2, 1989, was the 18th edition of the Fiesta Bowl. The game featured the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the West Virginia Mountaineers....
to play the only other undefeated team in the NCAA, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
1988 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
The 1988 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1988 college football season. The Irish, coached by Lou Holtz, ended the season with 12 wins and no losses, winning the national championship...
. Free safety Darrell Whitmore
Darrell Whitmore
Darrell Lamont Whitmore is a former American Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins and was a college football and baseball player for the West Virginia Mountaineers....
was out for the Mountaineers, but Nehlen moved star Bo Orlando
Bo Orlando
Joseph John "Bo" Orlando is a retired American football safety player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Oilers, San Diego Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals.-High school career:...
from strong safety to free to fill the hole.
West Virginia's offense was doomed from the third play of the game. Major Harris separated his shoulder on the third play when he was slammed to the ground by Irish Linebacker Michael Stonebreaker. He couldn't throw well for the rest of the game. Linemen John Stroia and Bob Kovach were injured for the Mountaineers in that game as well. Notre Dame completely dominated the game. West Virginia only made one serious threat. Willie Edwards picked off a Tony Rice pass in the 3rd quarter. ND led by 13 points at the time. A Harris incompletion and two ND sacks took WVU out of field goal range, and the threat was over. ND opened up a 27 point lead before two late WVU touchdowns made the score respectable. WVU lost 34–21, it was their first loss of the season for the national championship.
Team
West Virginia's '88 team was highlighted with an explosive offense, led by Major Harris. Harris, only a sophomore, threw an exceptional deep ball in addition to his remarkable scrambling ability. Running backs A.B. Brown, Undra Johnson
Undra Johnson
Undra Jerome Johnson is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys.-High school career:...
, Eugene Napoleon, and Craig Taylor at fullback highlighted the run game. The runners were led by Rick Phillips and Brian Smider on the offensive line, along with Stroia and Kovach, while Kevin Koken led the line at center. Early in the season, Keith Winn was moved from receiver to tight end, providing help to the run game, but was more famous as a deep-pass threat. The receivers catching the balls from Harris were led by Reggie Rembert
Reggie Rembert
Reginald Bernard "Reggie" Rembert is a retired American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played college football at West Virginia.Rembert played only three of four seasons in the NFL...
, who was accompanied by Calvin Phillips and Grantis Bell.
Coach Don Nehlen credited West Virginia's '88 team's defense as being the main factor to their success. The linebacking core included Renaldo Turnbull
Renaldo Turnbull
Renaldo Antonio Turnbull is a former professional American football player who played for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League Was the Saints 1st round in the 1990 NFL Draft. Turnbull, a 6'4",...
, Dale Jackson, Theron Ellis, and Bobby Pickett. Mike Fox and Chris Parker headed the defensive line, along with Chris Haering. The secondary was one of the best in West Virginia history, led by Bo Orlando and Darrell Whitmore
Darrell Whitmore
Darrell Lamont Whitmore is a former American Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins and was a college football and baseball player for the West Virginia Mountaineers....
. Orlando had a good pro career with the Houston Oilers and Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, while Darrell went pro in baseball. Willie Edwards played corner along with Alvoid Mays
Alvoid Mays
Alvoid Wilson Mays is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers...
, who went pro as well, and Lawrence Drumgoole played solid backup corner.
1993 season
The 1993 season began with an uncertainty at quarterback. Both Darren StudstillDarren Studstill
Darren Studstill is a former starting quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1990s. He was part of the mountaineers undefeated 1993 team. In 1994 he was drafted 191st overall in the 6th round by the Dallas Cowboys to play in the defensive backfield. He is now pursuing a career in...
and Jake Kelchner
Jake Kelchner
Jake Kelchner is a former starting quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1990s. He was part of the mountaineers undefeated 1993 team...
were up for the spot, but coach Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen
Don Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
decided to have a rotation each game while playing freshman Chad Johnston a few games. Star running back Adrian Murrell
Adrian Murrell
Adrian Byran Murrell is a former professional American football running back who was drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft after playing collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers...
was replaced that season by Robert Walker and All-American center Mike Compton was replaced by Dale Williams. Guard Rich Braham
Rich Braham
Rich Braham is a former National Football League center who played for the Cincinnati Bengals.-High school career:Braham attended University High School in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he lettered in both football and basketball...
provided help to Walker in the run game. Young Aaron Beasley
Aaron Beasley
Aaron Bruce Beasley is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League. He played collegially at West Virginia University...
and Mike Logan led the secondary.
The first game against Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan Eagles football
The Eastern Michigan Eagles are a college football program at Eastern Michigan University. They compete in Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mid-American Conference...
was an easy win. The next was against the University of Maryland. Kelchner passed for 270 yards and Harold Kidd grabbed a big interception to seal the win, 42–37. The next week, the Mountaineers blew by the University of Missouri
Missouri Tigers football
The Missouri Tigers football team represents the University of Missouri in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The team has competed in the North Division of the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996...
35–3 in Morgantown. In that game, Mike Collins returned a fumble 97 yards for a score and Vann Washington had an interception taken 27-yards for another score.
The next week was a close win against Virginia Tech, 14–13. The Mountaineers won, even though turning the ball over five times, when the Tech kicker missed a 44-yard field goal. The next game was against the University of Louisville
1993 Louisville Cardinals football team
The 1993 Louisville Cardinals football team represented the University of Louisville in the 1993 college football season. The team played their home games in Cardinal Stadium and were Liberty Bowl champions.-Schedule:-Team Players in the NFL:...
, one of the toughest games of the season. Led by Brian Brohm's older brother, Jeff Brohm
Jeff Brohm
Jeffrey Scott Brohm is an Assistant Coach and the Quarterbacks Coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team...
, the Cardinals were undefeated like the Mountaineers. But Robert Walker score three times, and led the Mountaineers to a close 36–34 win. The win led the Mountaineers into the Top 15 in the country. The next game, against the University of Pittsburgh, had a close first quarter. But Robert Walker rushed for over 150 yards and Mike Baker caught a couple of touchdown passes to pull away and win, 42–21.
The next game was a revengeful game. In 1992, West Virginia played the University of Syracuse, when a massive fight occurred. In a controversial decision, three Mountaineers were ejected, while only one Orangeman was ejected. That led to the Syracuse win. In the '93 version of the game, after missing two field goals, the Mountaineers were up 7–0 at halftime. But in the second half, the Mountaineer exploded. After a 90-yard run by Robert Walker, the Mountaineers won 43–0.
After beating Rutgers and Temple University
Temple Owls football
The Temple Owls football team participates in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference...
, the Mountaineers were 9–0. In one of the biggest games in Mountaineer history, the #4 University of Miami
1993 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 1993 Miami Hurricanes represented the University of Miami in the 1993 NCAA Division I-A football season.-Schedule:-Team players drafted into in the NFL:-External links:...
came to Morgantown. The game was close, but Robert Walker won the game when he took a run to the sideline in the fourth quarter. Up 17–14, with four minutes left, Jake Kelchner threw a 40-yard bomb to seal the game.
After the game, Jake Kelchner injured his arm and Vann Washington had leg problems. The next game was against Boston College, where the Mountaineers were almost taken by surprise. Down 11 points with 13 minutes left, Don Nehlen told defensive coordinator Steve Dunlap
Steve Dunlap
Steve Dunlap is the current assistant head coach and Safeties Coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team. Dunlap has been with the Mountaineers on and off throughout his 33 year coaching career on the defensive side of the football...
to put in Charles Emanuel
Charles Emanuel
Charles Edward Emanuel is a former safety in the National Football League. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at West Virginia.-External links:*...
and Mike Logan. The next play, Mike Logan hit the fullback, resulting in a fumble which was recovered by the Mountaineers. Darren Studstill drove 63-yards downfield, and hit Eddie Hill
Eddie Hill
Eddie Hill is a retired American drag racer who won numerous drag racing championships on land and water. Hill had the first run in the four second range , which earned him the nickname "Four Father of Drag Racing." His other nicknames include "The Thrill", "Holeshot Hill", and "Fast Eddie"...
for one of the greatest scores in West Virginia history. West Virginia finished the season 11–0, their second undefeated season.
Sugar Bowl
West Virginia was matched against the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl. The Mountaineers first drive went 80-yards and scored on a pass, then stopped the Gators on their first drive. The next Gator-drive almost went three-and-out, until a personal foul on Steve Perkins gave Florida the momentum. Jake Kelchner was playing a good game, but then Don Nehlen surprised many by putting Studstill in. On the Mountaineers first drive, Studstill threw an interception. Florida ran off with the game after that, winning 41–7.
Coach Don Nehlen said of the game, "We had wanted to play Nebraska in the Orange Bowl
1994 Orange Bowl
The 1994 Orange Bowl a 1993–1994 college football bowl game was played on January 1, 1994, for the national championship. This 60th edition to the Orange Bowl featured the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the Florida State Seminoles. Florida State came into the game 11-1, and ranked first in the nation....
as the only two undefeated teams, but the bowl coalition didn't like the match. Instead, we were slotted to play Texas A&M
Texas A&M Aggies football
The Texas A&M Aggies football team represents Texas A&M University in college football. The Aggies have competed in the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996. They will join the Southeastern Conference in July 2012. Texas A&M football has earned one national title and 18...
in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Instead, the Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
paid more money so the conference and administration wanted us to play Florida."
2005 season
The 2005 season followed a disappointing 2004 campaign, where the Mountaineers were led to an 8–4 record with Rasheed MarshallRasheed Marshall
Rasheed Malik Marshall is an American football wide receiver that is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League. He was formerly a wide receiver and kick returner in the National Football League for the St. Louis Rams...
, Kay-Jay Harris
Kay-Jay Harris
Kevin Jermaine "Kay-Jay" Harris is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at West Virginia....
, Pacman Jones
Adam Jones (American football)
Adam "Pac-Man" Bernard Jones is an American cornerback and return specialist who is currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted in the first round with the sixth-overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He played college football at West Virginia.Jones has also...
, and Chris Henry, after having National Championship expectations. Despite a number of starters returning on defense, the question marks on offense lead many to think the '05 season was going to be a rebuilding year with most national publications picking the Mountaineers to finish behind Louisville and Pitt. With Marshall and Harris leaving, the quarterback and halfback positions were open. Adam Bednarik and redshirt-freshman Pat White were competing for the spot, while Coach Rich Rodriguez
Rich Rodriguez
Richard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
was thinking of re-using the '93 quarterback rotation. The halfback spot seemed to be filled by junior Jason Colson, but true freshman Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
broke out and took the job. Junior Dan Mozes
Dan Mozes
Daniel Mozes is an American football Center who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was unselected in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
led the offensive line at center. Mike Lorello and Jahmile Addae headed the secondary, while junior Kevin "Boo" McLee led the linebacking corps. It also marked the first season for the "new" Big East, welcoming Louisville, Cincinnati, and South Florida into the league following Boston College leaving to join former members Virginia Tech and Miami in the ACC.
The Mountaineers first game was a 15–7 win at Syracuse Orange. Bednarik finished the game with 104 pass yards, while White barely broke the stat sheet. The Mountaineers lacked in the rushing game though, only having 170 yards. Next, the Mountaineers hosted Division I-AA (now known as Division I FCS) Wofford
Wofford College
Established in 1854 and related to the United Methodist Church, Wofford College is an independent, Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts college of 1,525 students located in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States. The historic campus is recognized as a national arboretum and features “The...
, which was an easy 35–7 win. Former star of the undefeated '88 team, Darrell Whitmore
Darrell Whitmore
Darrell Lamont Whitmore is a former American Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins and was a college football and baseball player for the West Virginia Mountaineers....
, came to see Adam Bednarik throw his first career touchdown pass to receiver Darius Reynaud
Darius Reynaud
Darius Reynaud is an American football running back / wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia....
, who had 57 yards and his first career touchdown catch. Pat White led the team in rushing with 107 yards, making his first touchdown run off of a 48-yard dash.
The young Mountaineers then traveled to rival Maryland
2005 Maryland Terrapins football team
The 2005 Maryland Terrapins football team represented the University of Maryland in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football season. It was the Terrapins' 53rd season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and its first within the...
and picked up a surprisingly easy 31–19 victory, marking the teams first win in College Park since 1997. Adam Bednarik was injured in the third quarter, and Pat White took over. White scored 24 points in the last quarter. Fullback Owen Schmitt
Owen Schmitt
-Seattle Seahawks:Schmitt was drafted in the fifth round in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He was the second Mountaineer selected in the draft, behind Steve Slaton in the third round to the Houston Texans. Schmitt signed a four-year $1.87 million contract that included a $158,000...
led the rushers with 80 yards, while freshman Jason Gwaltney had 44 yards. Then the Mountaineers hosted East Carolina
East Carolina Pirates
The East Carolina Pirates are the intercollegiate sports teams representing East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. All varsity-level sports teams sponsored by the university compete in NCAA Division I as a member of Conference USA...
and pulled out a close 20–15 victory despite a very uninspired and sloppy performance. Defensive back Antonio Lewis took a punt 76-yards for a score, while Adam Bednarik led passers with 116 yards and a score and Pat White had a touchdown pass as well.
West Virginia's only loss came to a Virginia Tech
2005 Virginia Tech Hokies football team
The 2005 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season...
team, led by Marcus Vick
Marcus Vick
Marcus Vick is a former college and professional football player. He is the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who also began playing high school football in Newport News Public Schools. After accepting a full scholarship to attend Virginia Tech, Marcus played...
, who were determined to win the finale of the Black Diamond Trophy
Black Diamond Trophy
The Black Diamond Trophy was a college football trophy that annually went to the winner of the West Virginia University and Virginia Tech football game...
rivalry. Although the Mountaineers lost 34–17, the game marked the beginning of the tandem of Pat White and Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton
Steve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
. Slaton made his first appearance, leading the team with 90 yards on just 11 rushes. White had 85 yards and two touchdown through the air. Vick won the game for the Hokies though, with 177 yards threw the air, and 77 yards on the ground, and totaled 3 touchdowns.
Freshman Steve Slaton made his first ever start the next week against Rutgers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights football
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represents Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision play...
, rushing for 139 yards and a touchdown to win 27–14. Pat White saw little playing time, while Bednarik totaled 78 yards and a score.
The next game was one of the greatest in West Virginia history. Mountaineer Field
Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium
Mountaineer Field is the football stadium for the West Virginia Mountaineers, an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision team. The stadium is located in Morgantown, West Virginia, on the health sciences campus of West Virginia University....
hosted Louisville
2005 Louisville Cardinals football team
The 2005 Louisville Cardinals football team represented the University of Louisville in the 2005 college football season. The team, led by Bobby Petrino in his third year at the school, played their home games in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium...
, led by Brian Brohm
Brian Brohm
Brian Joseph Brohm is an American football quarterback for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
and Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Michael Bush is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
. West Virignia went into the half losing 17–0. The Mountaineers overcame a 17-point deficit, led by Steve Slaton and Pat White, to send the game into overtime. Kicker Pat McAfee
Pat McAfee
Patrick "Pat" McAfee is an American football punter for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was a placekicker, punter, and soccer player at West Virginia.-Freshman season:...
made the greatest kick in Mountaineer history, an onside kick that the Mountaineers recovered that led to the game-tying score. West Virginia took it into three overtimes, when Louisville put up the score in the third to make it 46–44. Brian Brohm dropped back on the 2-point conversion, looking for a receiver. He then tried to scramble up the middle, when safety Eric Wicks
Eric Wicks
Eric Wicks is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia.-Early years:...
hit him short of the endzone to win the game. Steve Slaton ran for 188 yards and a Big East
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
record six touchdowns, while Pat White totaled 118 all-purpose yards. Michael Bush scored 4 times for Louisville, but the Mountaineers came out victorious.
Pat White made his first start the next week against UConn
Connecticut Huskies football
The Connecticut Huskies football team is a collegiate football team that competes in NCAA Division I-A and the Big East Conference. Connecticut first fielded a team in 1896, and participated in Division I-AA until 1999. The Huskies began their two-year Division I-A transition period in 2000, and...
as the team picked up right where it left off against Louisville, winning 45–13. Steve Slaton totaled 71 yards and a score, while White racked up 106 pass yards and a score and 63 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Then the Mountaineers traveled to the University of Cincinnati and won 38–0. Slaton rushed for 129 yards and four touchdowns, while White rushed for 111 yards and passed for 100 yards and a score.
Then Pat White broke loose against Pitt in the annual Backyard Brawl
Backyard Brawl
The Backyard Brawl is an annual football game between the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. The term "Backyard Brawl" has also been used to refer to college basketball games played annually or semi-iannually and may also be used to refer to other...
. White rushed for a record 220 yards and two scores, while Slaton rushed for 179 yards and two scores. Jahmile Addae also had a key interception of Tyler Palko
Tyler Palko
Tyler Palko is an American football player and starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football for the University of Pittsburgh.Palko was the starting quarterback...
and took it 40 yards for a score. The win clinched at least a share of the Big East Championship, a Championship WVU would later clinch outright following South Florida's loss to UConn later that weekend. With the BCS bid all sown up the Mountaineers avoided a letdown and capped off the regular season in style with a 28-13 win at South Florida
South Florida Bulls football
The South Florida Bulls are a Division I FBS college football program that plays its home games in Tampa, Florida. The team began playing in 1997, holding its first team meeting under a shade tree as the school had no proper football facilities on campus...
. Pat White rushed for 177 yards and two scores and Steve Slaton rushed for 112 yards and a score. Addae made another key interception, marking his last regular season game as a Mountaineer.
Team
The team was led by senior defensive backs Addae and Lorello on the defensive side of the ball, and junior center Mozes on the offensive side. The season marked the beginning of the Steve Slaton and Pat White duo, and marked an impressive season for fullback Owen Schmitt.
Steve Slaton totaled 1,128 yards and 17 touchdowns in the late games he played in. Slaton was named First-team All-freshman team, Big East rookie of the year, ECAC
Eastern College Athletic Conference
The Eastern College Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference comprising schools that compete in 21 sports . It has 317 member institutions in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, ranging in location from Maine to North Carolina and west to Illinois...
rookie of the year, second-team All-Big East, and Nokia Sugar Bowl MVP. Slaton was also a finalist for the Maxwell Award
Maxwell Award
The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
and Doak Walker Award
Doak Walker Award
The Doak Walker Award, first awarded in 1990, honors the United States's top college football running back. It is named after the Southern Methodist and Detroit Lions football player Doak Walker...
. Slaton's 1,128 yards is third for a freshman in West Virginia history also.
Pat White only had 828 yards passing and eight scores, but he totaled 952 yards rushing with 7 scores.
2006 Sugar Bowl
The Mountaineers were the underdog in the match up against the SEC Champion #8 Georgia Bulldogs
2005 Georgia Bulldogs football team
The 2005 Georgia Bulldogs football team completed the season with a 10-3 record. Winning 10 games for the fourth year in a row, Georgia tied its own record for consecutive 10 win seasons. The Bulldogs, with a regular season SEC record of 6-2, won the SEC East and advanced to the 2005 SEC...
in the Sugar Bowl
2006 Sugar Bowl
The 2006 Nokia Sugar Bowl game was played on January 2, 2006, as part of the Bowl Championship Series. This 72nd edition of the Sugar Bowl featured the West Virginia Mountaineers, champions of the Big East, and the Southeastern Conference Champion Georgia Bulldogs...
, which was relocated to Atlanta after Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
. Most in the national media gave the The Mountaineers little chance in the weeks leading up to the game, some stating they didn't even deserve to be in the game due to the Big East's perceived weakness. The Mountaineers turned heads when they scored four unanswered touchdowns against the Bulldog defense. The Mountaineers went into halftime, leading 31–21. The 52-points in the first half set a BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
record. The Mountaineers scored again on a 52-yard Slaton touchdown run, giving the Mountaineers a 38–28 advantage. The Bulldogs scored again on a 43 yard pass from D.J. Shockley. Then, in one of the greatest plays in West Virginia history, the game was sealed. Punter Phil Brady lined up in Georgia territory, ready to punt to the Bulldogs with less than two minutes left. He took the snap, and then burst on a run. He ran for the first down, and then slid down in front of two Bulldogs. The run sealed the game as the Bulldogs had no time outs left.
Steve Slaton's 204 yards broke Tony Dorsett
Tony Dorsett
Anthony "Tony" Drew Dorsett is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.-Early years:...
's Sugar Bowl record. Jahmile Addae capped off an impressive career by causing a fumble that led to a Mountaineer score. Mike Lorello also caused a fumble to cap his career. Pat White threw for 120 yards as well as rushing for 77 yards. Georgia QB D.J. Shockley tallied 277 yards and three scores too.
The victory jumped WVU into the Top 10 in the national rankings, finishing #5 in the AP and #6 in the Coaches Poll.
2007 Season
The Mountaineers started the 2007 season ranked #3 in the AP pollAssociated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
and #6 in the Coaches' poll
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
. They were #5 in the nation, before losing to #18 South Florida for the second consecutive time. South Florida eventually moved to #2, before dropping out of the Top 25 after losses (though USF would end the regular season ranked at #21). West Virginia dropped to #12 and #13 in the AP and Coaches' poll, respectively, before rebounding with wins against Syracuse, Mississippi State, #25 Rutgers, Louisville
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. When founded in 1798, it was the first city-owned public university in the United States and one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is mandated by the Kentucky General...
, and #21 Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
. The Mountaineers eventually defeated #20 Connecticut to clinch the Big East Championship and move to #2 in the BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
standings and #1 in the Coaches' poll
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
, both the highest position ever for a Mountaineer football team. WVU's regular season ended at home with a crushing loss in the Backyard Brawl
Backyard Brawl
The Backyard Brawl is an annual football game between the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. The term "Backyard Brawl" has also been used to refer to college basketball games played annually or semi-iannually and may also be used to refer to other...
against Pittsburgh. After the departure of Rodriguez, the Mountaineers went on to defeat University of Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl under interim head coach Bill Stewart.
Notable games
- 1893, West Virginia 12, Mt. PleasantMount Pleasant, PennsylvaniaMount Pleasant is a borough in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It stands 45 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Population in 1900, 4,745 people; in 1910, 5,812 people; and in 1940, 5,824 people...
0: The second game in West Virginia history, the first win in history. - 1894, West Virginia 16, Mt. PleasantMount Pleasant, PennsylvaniaMount Pleasant is a borough in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It stands 45 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Population in 1900, 4,745 people; in 1910, 5,812 people; and in 1940, 5,824 people...
0: West Virginia's first win at home. - 1914, West Virginia 37, Duquesne UniversityDuquesne UniversityDuquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
0: The 100th win of the West Virginia football program. - 1915, West Virginia 92, Marshall UniversityMarshall UniversityMarshall University is a coeducational public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, United States founded in 1837, and named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States....
6: The largest amount of points that the Mountaineers have ever scored in a single game. - 1922, West Virginia 14, Washington & JeffersonWashington & Jefferson Presidents footballThe Washington & Jefferson Presidents football team represents Washington & Jefferson College in collegiate level football. The team competes in NCAA Division III and is affiliated with the Presidents' Athletic Conference...
0: West Virginia's first Homecoming victory and the second-ever Homecoming game. - 1922, West Virginia 21, Gonzaga UniversityGonzaga UniversityGonzaga University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Spokane, Washington, United States. Founded in 1887 by the Society of Jesus, it is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and is named after the young Jesuit saint, Aloysius Gonzaga...
13: The Mountaineers won the San Diego East-West Christmas ClassicSan Diego East-West Christmas ClassicThe San Diego East-West Christmas Classic was an annual series of two post-season college American football bowl games played at Balboa Stadium in San Diego, California, in 1921 and 1922.-Game results:...
, which was the first bowl win in the school's history. - 1924, West Virginia 21, West Virginia WesleyanWest Virginia Wesleyan CollegeWest Virginia Wesleyan College is a regionally accredited private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia, United States. It has an enrollment of about 1,400 students from 35 U.S. states and 26 countries. The school was founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Conference of...
6: The first-ever victory at Old Mountaineer Field. - 1932, West Virginia 34, Marquette UniversityMarquette UniversityMarquette University is a private, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1881, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities...
7: The 200th win of the West Virginia football program. - 1938, Sun BowlSun BowlThe Sun Bowl is an annual U.S. college football bowl game that is usually played at the end of December in El Paso, Texas. The Sun Bowl, along with the Sugar Bowl and the Orange Bowl are the second-oldest bowl games in the country, behind the Rose Bowl...
, West Virginia 7, Texas Tech UniversityTexas Tech UniversityTexas Tech University, often referred to as Texas Tech or TTU, is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and originally known as Texas Technological College, it is the leading institution of the Texas Tech University System and has the...
6: WVU's first January bowl win. - 1947, West Virginia 17, PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
2: West Virginia snapped the longest streak in the Backyard BrawlBackyard BrawlThe Backyard Brawl is an annual football game between the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. The term "Backyard Brawl" has also been used to refer to college basketball games played annually or semi-iannually and may also be used to refer to other...
's history, which lasted for 15 games. This was the first time that West Virginia beat Pittsburgh since 1928. - 1950, West Virginia 46, University of RichmondUniversity of RichmondThe University of Richmond is a selective, private, nonsectarian, liberal arts university located on the border of the city of Richmond and Henrico County, Virginia. The University of Richmond is a primarily undergraduate, residential university with approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate...
7: West Virginia's first-ever conference victory. Before the 1950 season, West Virginia was an Independent team. Both West Virginia and Richmond were a part of the Southern ConferenceSouthern ConferenceThe Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
during this meeting. - 1951, West Virginia 89, GenevaGeneva CollegeGeneva College is a Christian liberal arts college in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, United States, north of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1848, in Northwood, Ohio, the college moved to its present location in 1880, where it continues to educate a student body of about 1400 traditional undergraduates in...
0: West Virginia's record largest margin of victory in a single game. - 1953, West Virginia 40, Washington & Lee University 14: The 300th win of the West Virginia football program.
- 1959 West Virginia 10, George Washington UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityThe George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States...
8: West Virginia's 30th-straight in-conference victory, setting the school record for most consecutive conference wins. The last time West Virginia lost a conference game was in the 1952 season-opener against FurmanFurman UniversityFurman University is a selective, private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Furman is one of the oldest, and more selective private institutions in South Carolina...
. - 1964 West Virginia 28, #9 SyracuseSyracuse UniversitySyracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
27: The Orangemen had already received an invitation to the Sugar Bowl1965 Sugar BowlThe 1965 edition to the Sugar Bowl featured the 7th ranked LSU Tigers, and the unranked Syracuse Orangemen.Syracuse jumped on top following a 23 yard Smith field goal taking a 3-0 lead. When Syracuse got the ball next, LSU's defense forced a safety, making it 3-2. Syracuse's Clarke returned a...
, but were stunned by an unranked West Virginia team in their last game. Despite the victory, Syracuse was still able to make it into the Sugar Bowl. - 1969 Peach Bowl, West Virginia 14, South CarolinaUniversity of South CarolinaThe University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
3: Jim CarlenJim Carlen-External links:...
's coaching skills led the Mountaineers en route to victory, and the team handled the Gamecocks very well in a hard-fought game. This bowl win ended West Virginia's longest bowl drought, which lasted 20 years. - 1970, West Virginia 24, Colorado State UniversityColorado State UniversityColorado State University is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university is the state's land grant university, and the flagship university of the Colorado State University System.The enrollment is approximately 29,932 students, including resident and...
21: The 400th win of the West Virginia football program. - 1973, West Virginia 20, MiamiUniversity of MiamiThe University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
14: Backup quarterback Ben Williams led the Mountaineers to the upset at Miami, ending with a 32-yard bomb to win the game for the Mountaineers. - 1975, Peach Bowl, West Virginia 13, NC StateNorth Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public, coeducational, extensive research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. Commonly known as NC State, the university is part of the University of North Carolina system and is a land, sea, and space grant institution...
10: Bobby BowdenBobby BowdenRobert Cleckler "Bobby" Bowden is a retired college football coach. He coached the Florida State Seminoles football team from the 1976 to 2009 seasons...
was coaching West Virginia when Lou HoltzLou HoltzLouis Leo "Lou" Holtz is a retired American football coach, and active sportscaster, author, and motivational speaker in the United States...
was coaching NC State. The game was won by West Virginia when Scott MacDonald, a tight end, caught a 50 yard pass. Bill CowherBill CowherWilliam Laird "Bill" Cowher is a former American football coach and player. Cowher resigned after 15 seasons as the Steelers' coach on January 5, 2007, 11 months to the day after winning 2005–06's Super Bowl XL...
, later famous for coaching the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, was playing linebacker for NC State. - 1977, West Virginia 24, #11 MarylandUniversity of MarylandWhen the term "University of Maryland" is used without any qualification, it generally refers to the University of Maryland, College Park.University of Maryland may refer to the following:...
16: The Mountaineers ventured into Byrd StadiumByrd StadiumCapital One Field at Byrd Stadium , is an outdoor athletic stadium on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. It is the home of the Maryland Terrapins football and lacrosse teams, which compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference...
and kept the Terrapins off the scoreboard in the first half, with a commanding 24-0 lead. Maryland rallied in the second half, holding West Virginia to no scores in the second half. However, the Mountaineers held on to win by 8 points, resulting in one of the biggest upsets in the 1977 season1977 college football seasonThe 1977 college football season was one in which the top five teams all finished with records of 11-1-0. Notre Dame, which beat a #1 ranked Texas team in the Cotton Bowl Classic, became the national champion. The year 1977 was the last before NCAA's Division I was divided into I-A and I-AA...
. - 1979, West Virginia 34, Virginia TechVirginia Tech Hokies footballThe Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over...
23: West Virginia's final victory at the Old Mountaineer Field. - 1980, West Virginia 41, CincinnatiCincinnati Bearcats footballThe Cincinnati Bearcats football program represents the University of Cincinnati in a college football. They compete at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level as members of the Big East Conference. The Bearcat football program is one of the nation's oldest, having fielded a team as...
27: Mountaineer Field hosts its first game. Also, the Flying WV logo makes its debut while John DenverJohn DenverHenry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
makes a live appearance to lead Mountaineer Nation in the singing of Country RoadsTake Me Home, Country Roads"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a song written by John Denver, Taffy Nivert, and Bill Danoff and initially recorded by John Denver. It was included on his 1971 breakout album Poems, Prayers and Promises; the single went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
. - 1980, West Virginia 45, VirginiaVirginia Cavaliers footballVirginia Cavaliers football is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
21: The first homecoming game held at Mountaineer field that was a successful win for West Virginia. - 1981 Peach Bowl, West Virginia 26, Florida 6: Don Nehlen coached the Mountaineers to a Peach Bowl win during his second year as head coach. West Virginia showed dominance over Florida and the Mountaineers won by a point-spread of 20. This was also Don Nehlen's first bowl win as head coach.
- 1982, West Virginia 41, #9 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners footballThe Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
27: West Virginia opened their season off upsetting Oklahoma as an underdog. Jeff HostetlerJeff HostetlerWilliam Jeffrey Hostetler is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the New York Giants, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins. His nickname is "Hoss".-Penn State:...
helped win the game with his passing game. After the game, West Virginia players were escorted by police onto the bus, out of Norman, OklahomaNorman, OklahomaNorman is a city in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, United States, and is located south of downtown Oklahoma City. It is part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, Norman was to have 110,925 full-time residents, making it the third-largest city in Oklahoma and the...
. - 1982, #17 West Virginia 19, MarylandMaryland Terrapins footballThe Maryland Terrapins football team represents the University of Maryland in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Terrapins compete within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
18: A week after the win at Oklahoma, kicker Paul WoodsidePaul WoodsidePaul Woodside is an American football placekicker who played college football at West Virginia University where he earned first-team All-America honors and set numerous placekicking and scoring records...
kicks four field goals, while Maryland fails the game-winning two-point conversion due to a Darryl TalleyDarryl TalleyDarryl Victor Talley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
blitz. - 1983, #7 West Virginia 24, PittsburghPittsburgh Panthers footballPittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
21: With Jeff Hostetler passing for a touchdown with 6:27 left in the game and then run around the right side for a six-yard score, West Virginia lifted themselves over Pittsburgh and into the #7 spot in the polls. This was West Virginia's first victory over Pittsburgh in seven years. - 1983 Hall of Fame Classic Bowl,#18 West Virginia 20, KentuckyKentucky Wildcats footballThe Kentucky Wildcats football team is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the East Division of the Southeastern Conference.-History:Paul "Bear" Bryant Era...
16: The Mountaineers trailed 10-3 at halftime, but managed to take the lead in the second half. Kentucky had one last shot to win the game, but the quarterback missed an open receiver who could have scored a touchdown. - 1984, #20 West Virginia 21, #4 Boston College 20: West Virginia entered the half trailing 20-6. Their second half ended with 15 points to come from behind to upset Boston College. This would be the fourth straight time that Boston College HeismanHeisman TrophyThe Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
winner Doug FlutieDoug FlutieDouglas Richard "Doug" Flutie is a former American and Canadian football quarterback. Flutie played college football at Boston College, and played professionally in the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and United States Football League...
had failed to defeat West Virginia. - 1984, #18 West Virginia 17, #19 Penn State 14: Only a week after upsetting Boston College, West Virginia upset then ranked 19, Penn State. West Virginia running back Pat Randolph scored in what Jack Fleming called, “The most important 22 yards a Mountaineer running back has ever gained!” That would be the first time West Virginia had beat Penn State since 1955 and it lifted West Virginia to 12 in the polls.
- 1985, West Virginia 27, Rutgers 0: The 500th win in West Virginia football history.
- 1988, #7 West Virginia 51, Penn State 30: West Virginia, ranked 7 at the time, scored 41 points in the first half to roll over the Nittany Lions. It was the most first half points ever allowed by a Joe PaternoJoe PaternoJoseph Vincent "Joe" Paterno is a former college football coach who was the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions for 46 years from 1966 through 2011. Paterno, nicknamed "JoePa," holds the record for the most victories by an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision football coach with...
coached team and the most ever had scored in its history. West Virginia's win was also credited widely to Major HarrisMajor HarrisMajor Harris is a former college football quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1980s. Harris was a 1989 All American and finished third and fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and 1989, respectively. He was also the ECAC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989...
, who had a touchdown run which is forever known in West Virginia history as "the Play". - 1988, #4 West Virginia 31, #14 Syracuse 9: West Virginia wrapped up a perfect 11-0 season with a win over the Orangemen, setting up a Fiesta Bowl showdown with Notre Dame for the National Championship. After the game had ended and the team cleared the field, they returned to take a now famous victory lap around Mountaineer Field.
- 1993, #24 West Virginia 35, University of MissouriUniversity of MissouriThe University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
3: Mike Collins led West Virginia's blowout of the Missouri team by ripping the ball from the Mizzou back and taking it 97-yards for the score. - 1993, #9 West Virginia 17, #4 MiamiUniversity of MiamiThe University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...
14: With a school record 70,222 fans attending to watch West Virginia, the Mountaineers came from behind to defeat Miami. Robert Walker of West Virginia scored the game winning touchdown in the 4th quarter to help Number 9 West Virginia remain unbeaten and advance in the polls. It was West Virginia's first victory over Miami in twenty years. - 1993, #5 West Virginia 17, #11 Boston College 14: Eddie Hill, a receiver of West Virginia, scored the game winning touchdown with a leaping catch in the endzone in the final seconds for No. 5 West Virginia to win their final regular season game with an 11-0 record. West Virginia advanced to the Sugar BowlSugar BowlThe Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
, only to lose to No. 8 Florida. - 1994, West Virginia 21, #17 Boston College 20: WVU linebacker Matt Taffoni on fourth and inches with 1:17 left in the game, to cap a huge comeback against the ranked Boston College team.
- 1995, West Virginia 31, Boston CollegeBoston CollegeBoston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early...
19: The 1000th game in West Virginia football history; at Chesnut HillChestnut Hill, MassachusettsChestnut Hill is a wealthy New England village located six miles west of downtown Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Like all Massachusetts villages, Chestnut Hill is not an incorporated municipal entity, but unlike most of them, it encompasses parts of three separate municipalities, each of...
. - 1997, #21 West Virginia 30, #19 Virginia Tech 17: Amos ZereoueAmos ZereoueAmos Zereoué is an African-born former American football player in the National Football League, who last played for the New England Patriots...
ran for 153 yards with the Big East title on the line, to upset to Number 19 Hokies and end the 3 game losing streak to VT. - 1998, West Virginia 35, #15 Syracuse 28: Ending a two-game losing streak, the Mountaineers upset the Orangemen, who were led by Donovan McNabbDonovan McNabbDonovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
, at Mountaineer Field. The Orangemen finished the season by winning the Big East title, with the loss to West Virginia their only conference loss. - 2000, West Virginia 28, University of IdahoUniversity of IdahoThe University of Idaho is the State of Idaho's flagship and oldest public university, located in the rural city of Moscow in Latah County in the northern portion of the state...
16: The 600th win of the West Virginia football program. - 2000, West Virginia 31, Rutgers 24: The first overtime win in WVU's history. It lasted two overtimes.
- 2000, West Virginia 42, East Carolina 24: This was Don Nehlen's last game at Mountaineer Field. He led the team to an 18-point victory over the Pirates and was carried off the field by his players.
- 2000 Music City BowlMusic City BowlThe Music City Bowl is a post-season American college football bowl game certified by the NCAA that has been played in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1998.-Site:The first Music City Bowl was played at Vanderbilt Stadium in 1998...
, West Virginia 49, Ole MissUniversity of MississippiThe University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public, coeducational research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Founded in 1844, the school is composed of the main campus in Oxford, four branch campuses located in Booneville, Grenada, Tupelo, and Southaven as well as the...
38: West Virginia scored 25 first half points to upset favored Mississippi in coach Don NehlenDon NehlenDon Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
's last game coaching West Virginia. West Virginia's Brad Lewis, quarterback, scored a bowl-record 5 touchdown passes and their whole offense racked up 432 total yards on offense. - 2001 West Virginia 20, Ohio UniversityOhio UniversityOhio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
3: West Virginia and the new head coach Rich RodriguezRich RodriguezRichard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
showed a very impressive display of dominance. They bounced back after having lost to Boston College in their season opener. This game was Rodriguez's first win at West Virginia. - 2002, West Virginia 37, East Carolina UniversityEast Carolina UniversityEast Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
17: Avon CobourneAvon CobourneAvon Cobourne is a football running back in the Canadian Football League. He currently plays for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
rushed for 260 yards to gain the all-time career rushing record at West Virginia, while Quincy Wilson ran for 198 yards to beat ECU. - 2002, West Virginia 21, #13 Virginia TechVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech , is a public land-grant university with the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia with other research and educational centers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, and internationally.Founded in...
18: Quincy WilsonQuincy WilsonQuincy Wilson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown and West Virginia held Virginia Tech on the goalline to win the game. It was West Virginia's first victory over a nationally ranked team on the road since defeating Boston College 17-14 in 1993, and the first win over a ranked team since defeating Syracuse 35-28 in 1998. - 2002, #24 West Virginia 24, #17 PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
17: The largest crowd to see a sporting event in the city of Pittsburgh in the modern era watched as West Virginia picked up back-to-back road wins over ranked teams and locked down a second place finish in the Big East - 2003, West Virginia 28, #3 Virginia Tech 7: West Virginia's victory was the biggest in school history. No. 3 Virginia Tech was the highest ranked team West Virginia had beaten on the football field and was Rich RodriguezRich RodriguezRichard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
' first win over a Top 10 team. Virginia Tech's only score was on a controversial fumble return Touchdown. (Some fans refer the final score to the game as 28-"7", or West Virginia 28 - Referees 7 - Virginia Tech 0) - 2003, West Virginia 52, #16PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
31: Quincy Wilson rushed for 208 yards as West Virginia continued its late season surge on its way to a share of the Big East Championship - 2004, #7 West Virginia 19, #19 Maryland 16: A sold-out crowd at Mountaineer Field witnessed West Virginia attain a thrilling victory over Maryland in overtime. The Mountaineers snapped a 4-game losing streak to the Terrapins.
- 2005 West Virginia 46, #19 Louisville 44: West Virginia was down 24-7 late in the fourth quarter, and nobody had picked them to win the game. Adam Bednarik, the then starting quarterback for the Mountaineers, injured his foot late in the fourth, and redshirt freshman Pat White took over on a fourth-and-ten. He, along with RB Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, engineered 3 scoring drives for the Mountaineers in the last 7 minutes, tying the game 24-24. In a triple-overtime thriller, the Mountaineers prevent Louisville's two-point conversion try, and win it 46-44. - 2006 Sugar BowlSugar BowlThe Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
, #11 West Virginia 38, #8 GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaThe University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
35: In what is considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of BCS bowl games, West Virginia scored 21 points in the first quarter (and 28 points in the first 20 minutes) to jump ahead early. Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, a true freshman running back, won the MVP award and broke Tony DorsettTony DorsettAnthony "Tony" Drew Dorsett is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.-Early years:...
's Sugar Bowl record of 204 rushing yards. The play of the game was when in the 4th quarter Rich Rodriguez called a fake punt which caught the Bulldogs punting unit off-guard to get the first down and run out the clock to win. The win would jump the Mountaineers to a #5 finish in the final AP Poll. - 2006 #15 West Virginia 41, #13 Rutgers 39: After losing to LouisvilleUniversity of LouisvilleThe University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. When founded in 1798, it was the first city-owned public university in the United States and one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is mandated by the Kentucky General...
and USFUniversity of South FloridaThe University of South Florida, also known as USF, is a member institution of the State University System of Florida, one of the state's three flagship universities for public research, and is located in Tampa, Florida, USA...
, West Virginia had a chance to finish 2nd in the Big East with a win at Louisville. After beating Louisville, but losing to CincinnatiUniversity of CincinnatiThe University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
, Rutgers needed to win this to win a portion of the Big East, and the tiebreaker, since they would have shared it with a Louisville team that they had already beaten. Louisville didn't lose, and Rutgers didn't win. Losing to West Virginia in three overtimes, on the 2-point conversion pass to Ray RiceRay RiceRaymell Maurice Rice is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers. He is currently ranked as the Baltimore Ravens third all-time rusher in...
, much in the same fashion that Louisville lost to WVU in the 2005 matchup. Backup quarterback Jarrett BrownJarrett BrownJarrett Brown is an American football quarterback who is currently with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia, and was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent following the 2010 NFL Draft...
filled in for an injured Pat White, Brown totaled 244 pass yards and a score, and 73 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown. Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns. - 2007 Gator BowlGator BowlThe Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game played at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. Held continuously since 1946, it is the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally...
,#13 West Virginia 38, Georgia Tech 35: It was the sixth time WVU had played in the Gator Bowl but just the first win. Owen Schmitt and Pat White stepped up as Slaton would sit out after only 3 carries. Schmitt ran 52 yards on WVU's first play of the game. He would score twice before halftime to cut the deficeit to 11. Georgia Tech took an 18 point lead with an early 2nd half TD 35-17. White stepped up and would throw for 2 TDs and run for another in a 9 minute span to give WVU a 38-35 lead and the win, locking up a second straight top 10 finish. - 2007 #3 West Virginia 66, #20 ConnecticutUniversity of ConnecticutThe admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
21: The victory for the Mountaineers was led by Pat White as the team clinched a Big East Championship and moved to the #2 position in the BCS standingsBowl Championship SeriesThe Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
and the program's first #1 ranking in the USA Coaches Poll. The game marked the most points given up by a Huskie team since 2000. White and Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
became only the third pair of teammates in the Football Bowl Subdivision to surpass 1,000 yards rushing in consecutive seasons, matching Arkansas' Darren McFaddenDarren McFaddenDarren McFadden is an American football running back who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Arkansas from 2005 to 2007...
and Felix JonesFelix JonesFelix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
in 2006–07 and Minnesota's Marion Barber IIIMarion Barber IIIMarion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
and Laurence MaroneyLaurence MaroneyLaurence Maroney is an American football running back who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 21st overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota.-Early years:Maroney attended Normandy Senior High School in St...
in 2003-2004. "West Virginia just scored again" would become a running joke in Connecticut's student newspaper. - 2008 Fiesta BowlFiesta BowlThe Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
, #9 West Virginia 48, #3 Oklahoma 28: In West Virginia's second attempt in the Fiesta Bowl,(the first being the 1989 National Championship vs. Notre Dame) they were matched with Big 12 Champion Oklahoma. Under interimInterimInterim is an album by British rock band The Fall, compiled from live and studio material and released in 2004. It features the first officially released versions of "Clasp Hands", "Blindness" and "What About Us?" — all of which were later included on the band's next studio album Fall Heads Roll —...
head coach Bill Stewart, West Virginia was a decided underdog, with most sports analysis picking Oklahoma to easily win. However, West Virginia opened the scoring with a Pat McAfeePat McAfeePatrick "Pat" McAfee is an American football punter for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was a placekicker, punter, and soccer player at West Virginia.-Freshman season:...
field goal and never trailed in the contest. West Virginia was dominant on both sides of the ball with Oklahoma having no answer for the speed of the Big East Champion Mountaineers. Pat White was stellar in leading the high power offense and was chosen the Offensive MVP. Reed Williams led a dominating performance from the defensive unit and was chosen as Defensive MVP. - 2008, West Virginia 35, Louisville 21: Pat White became the NCAA's all-time rushing leader with 4,292 yards total. He also became the Big EastBig East ConferenceThe Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
leader for most career touchdowns, surpassing Donovan McNabbDonovan McNabbDonovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
's record. - 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl, West Virginia 31, North Carolina 30: Pat White ended his tenure at WVU with a career high 332 passing yards, earned player of the game honors, and became the only quarterback in college football history to post a 4–0 record in bowl games. After trailing 30–24 in the 4th quarter Pat White led an offensive charge that culminated in a 20 yard touchdown reception to Alric Arnett that put the Mountaineers up for good as WVU's defense would hold on for the win.
- 2009 West Virginia 19 #8 PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
16: West Virginia's Tyler Bitancurt kicked a 43 yard field goal as time expired to give WVU an upset win in the 102nd Backyard BrawlBackyard BrawlThe Backyard Brawl is an annual football game between the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. The term "Backyard Brawl" has also been used to refer to college basketball games played annually or semi-iannually and may also be used to refer to other...
Traditions
See also: WVU Pageantry, WVU Sports Traditions, and WVU Band TraditionsOne of the most recognizable traditions in WVU football is the singing of John Denver
John Denver
Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
's "Take Me Home, Country Roads
Take Me Home, Country Roads
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a song written by John Denver, Taffy Nivert, and Bill Danoff and initially recorded by John Denver. It was included on his 1971 breakout album Poems, Prayers and Promises; the single went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
". After every Mountaineer victory, the fans stay in the stands and sing "Country Roads" with the football players.
The pre-game show performed by the Pride of West Virginia
West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band
The Mountaineer Marching Band, known as The Pride of West Virginia, is the official marching band of West Virginia University located in Morgantown, West Virginia. The band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 1997.-History:The band was formed in 1901...
includes such traditions as the 220-beat per minute run-on cadence to start the performance, the playing of the university fight song "Hail, West Virginia
Hail, West Virginia
"Hail, West Virginia" is the fight song for West Virginia University. It was composed by WVU alumni Earl Miller and Ed McWhorther in 1915. The lyrics were written by Fred B. Deem, who later became a lawyer in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The "Pride of West Virginia" performs the second verse of...
", and the formation of the state of West Virginia.
Also included in the traditions are the "Firing of the Musket" by the Mountaineer mascot to start the game, the first down cheer invented by WVU students, and the "Let's Go...Mountaineers" chant.
Current
- West Virginia vs PittsburghUniversity of PittsburghThe University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
in the Backyard BrawlBackyard BrawlThe Backyard Brawl is an annual football game between the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. The term "Backyard Brawl" has also been used to refer to college basketball games played annually or semi-iannually and may also be used to refer to other...
, the school's primary football rivalry - 39-61-3 - West Virginia vs SyracuseSyracuse UniversitySyracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
(play for the Ben Schwartzwalder TrophyBen Schwartzwalder TrophyThe Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy is a college football trophy that annually goes to the winner of the West Virginia University and Syracuse University football game. The trophy was introduced in 1993 and is named after former WVU football player and Syracuse head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who had died...
) - 27-31 - West Virginia vs LouisvilleLouisville-West Virginia rivalryThe Louisville–West Virginia rivalry is a new rivalry football game between the University of Louisville and West Virginia University. The rivalry was introduced in 2005, as Louisville left Conference USA and moved into the Big East conference...
- 10-3 - West Virginia vs MarshallMarshall UniversityMarshall University is a coeducational public research university in Huntington, West Virginia, United States founded in 1837, and named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States....
in the Friends of Coal BowlFriends of Coal BowlThe Friends of Coal Bowl is an annual college football game played between the West Virginia University Mountaineers and the Marshall University Thundering Herd. The game is sponsored by the Friends of Coal, a coal industry trade group...
for the Governor's Cup. - 11-0 - West Virginia vs Maryland - 25-21-2
Inactive
- West Virginia vs Virginia TechVirginia Tech Hokies footballThe Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over...
in the Battle for the Black Diamond TrophyBlack Diamond TrophyThe Black Diamond Trophy was a college football trophy that annually went to the winner of the West Virginia University and Virginia Tech football game...
(ended run in 20052005 NCAA Division I-A football seasonThe 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with the least amount of controversy surrounding the Bowl Championship Series title game in many years.To an extent it was a return to classic football...
season, WVU finished with a 28-22-1 lead in the series.) - West Virginia vs Penn StatePenn State-West Virginia rivalryThe Penn State–West Virginia football rivalry is a dormant American college football rivalry game that was played by the Penn State Nittany Lions football team of Pennsylvania State University and the West Virginia Mountaineers football team of West Virginia University. The rivalry began in...
(a bitter rivalry last played in 1992. Penn State would later join the Big Ten in 1994. Penn State holds a 48-9-2 lead in the series.) - West Virginia vs Virginia (a series no longer considered a true rivalry. The two programs' most recent encounter occurred in the 2002 Continental Tire Bowl. Virginia has a 12-10-1 lead in the series.)
Logos and uniforms
Current coaching staff
{| class="wikitable"|-
! Name !! Position
|-
| Dana Holgorsen
Dana Holgorsen
Dana Holgorsen is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at West Virginia University, having succeeded Bill Stewart, who resigned under pressure on June 10, 2011...
|| Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
|-
| Steve Dunlap
Steve Dunlap
Steve Dunlap is the current assistant head coach and Safeties Coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team. Dunlap has been with the Mountaineers on and off throughout his 33 year coaching career on the defensive side of the football...
|| Assistant Head Coach/Safeties Coach
|-
| Jeff Casteel
Jeff Casteel
Jeff Casteel is the current defensive coordinator for the West Virginia Mountaineers football team. Casteel also is the linebackers coach for the Mountaineers.-Early Life and Coaching:...
|| Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach
|-
|Jake Spavital || Quarterbacks Coach
|-
| Daron Roberts
Daron Roberts
Daron K. Roberts is an American football special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach at West Virginia University Previously he was an assistant secondary coach with the Detroit Lions...
|| Receivers Coach/Special Teams Coach
|-
| Shannon Dawson || Inside Receivers Coach
|-
| Robert Gillespie || Running Backs Coach
|-
| Bill Kirelawich || Defensive Line Coach
|-
| Bill Bedenbaugh || Offensive Line Coach
|-
| David Lockwood || Defensive Backs Coach
|-
| Mike Joseph || Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Corey Twine || Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Brian Fitzpatrick || Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Kevin McCadam || Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
|-
| Alex Hammond || Coordinator of Recruiting Operations
|}
Past coaches
- Frederick Lincoln EmoryFrederick Lincoln EmoryFrederick Lincoln Emory was the first head college football coach for the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginia and he held that position for the 1891 season. His coaching record at West Virginia was 0 wins, 1 loss, and 0 ties...
1891 - F. William RaneF. William RaneF. William "John" Rane was the second head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for two seasons, from 1893 until 1894....
1893–94 - Harry McCroryHarry McCroryHarry McCrory was the third head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for the 1895 season.His coaching record at West Virginia was 5 wins, 1 loss, and 0 ties...
1895 - Thomas TrenchardThomas Trenchard-External links:...
1896 - George KrebsGeorge KrebsGeorge R. Krebs was the fifth head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for the 1897 season.His coaching record at West Virginia was 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie...
1897 - Harry AndersonHarry Anderson (coach)Harry M. Anderson was the sixth head college football coach for the West Virginia University Mountaneers located in Morgantown, West Virginia and he held that position for the 1898 season.His coaching record at West Virginia was 6 wins, 1 loss, and 0 ties...
1898 - Louis YeagerLouis YeagerLouis Yeager was the seventh head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for three seasons, from 1899 until 1902....
1899 - Dr. John E. HillJohn Hill (coach)Dr. John Ethan Hill was the eighth head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for the 1900 season....
1900 - Louis YeagerLouis YeagerLouis Yeager was the seventh head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for three seasons, from 1899 until 1902....
1901–02 - Harry E. TroutHarry E. TroutHarry E. Trout was the ninth head college football coachfor the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginiaand he held that position for the 1903 season.His coaching record at West Virginia was 7 wins, 1 loss, and 0 ties...
1903 - Anthony ChezAnthony ChezAnthony W. Chez was a college football head coach at University of Cincinnati, and West Virginia University. From 1902 to 1903, he served as the head football coach at Cincinnati, where he compiled a 5-10-2 record...
1904 - Carl ForkumCarl ForkumCarl S. Forkum was an American football and baseball coach. He served as the 11th head football coach for the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginia and he held that position for two seasons, from 1905 until 1906. His coaching record at West Virginia was 13...
1905–06 - Clarence W. RussellClarence W. RussellClarence W. Russell was the 12th head football coach for the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginia and he held that position for the 1907 season. His coaching record at West Virginia was 6 wins, 4 losses, and 0 ties...
1907 - C. A. LuederC. A. Lueder-External links:...
1908–11 - William Edmunds 1912
- Edwin SweetlandEdwin SweetlandEdwin Regur Sweetland was a coach and athletic administrator at several American universities. During his coaching career he was head coach of many sports including basketball, track and field and crew, but the majority of for his coaching work was in football. Though mainly known for football, he...
1913 - Sol MetzgerSol MetzgerSol S. Metzger was an American football player, coach of football and basketball, college athletics administrator, and sports journalist...
1914–15 - Mont H. "Tubby" McIntyreMont McIntyreMont H. McIntire, also spelled McIntyre, was the 17th head college football coach of the West Virginia University Mountaineers located in Morgantown, West Virginia. He held that position for four seasons, from 1916 until 1920....
– (1915–20) - Clarence SpearsClarence SpearsDr. Clarence Wiley "Doc" Spears was an American football player, coach, and doctor. He was an All-American guard at Dartmouth College and served as the head football coach at Dartmouth , West Virginia University , the University of Minnesota , the University of Oregon...
– (1921–24) - Greasy Neale 1931-1933
- Marshall GlennMarshall Glenn-External links:*...
– (1937–39) - Dudley DeGrootDudley DeGrootDudley Sargent "Dud" DeGroot was an American athlete and coach, primarily of American football. He served as the head coach for the NFL's Washington Redskins from 1944 and 1945, tallying a mark of 14–5–1; his winning percentage of .737 is the best in franchise history for coaches with...
– (1948–49) - Art LewisArt LewisArthur Everett "Pappy" Lewis was an American football player and coach. He played college football as a lineman at Ohio University from 1932 to 1935 and then in the National Football League with the New York Giants in 1936 and the Cleveland Rams from 1938 to 1939...
– (1950–59) - Gene CorumGene Corum-External links:*...
– (1960–65) - Jim CarlenJim Carlen-External links:...
– (1966–69) - Bobby BowdenBobby BowdenRobert Cleckler "Bobby" Bowden is a retired college football coach. He coached the Florida State Seminoles football team from the 1976 to 2009 seasons...
– (1970–75) - Frank Cignetti, Sr. – (1975–79)
- Don NehlenDon NehlenDon Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
– (1980–00) - Rich RodriguezRich RodriguezRichard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
– (2001–07) - Bill Stewart – (2008–10)
- Dana HolgorsenDana HolgorsenDana Holgorsen is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at West Virginia University, having succeeded Bill Stewart, who resigned under pressure on June 10, 2011...
– (2011–Present)
School records
- Consecutive Wins: 14, 2005–2006
- Consecutive Regular Season Wins: 13, 1952–1953, 2005–2006
- Most Points Scored in a Game: 92, Marshall - 1915
- Largest Margin of Victory: 89, Geneva - 1951
- Most Points Scored in a Season: 515, 2007
- Most Rushes in a Season: 712, 2002
- Most Passes in a Season: 460, 2011
- Most Passing Yards in a Season: 3,865, 2011
Individual records
- Most Career Total Offense: 10,529, Pat White
- Most Total Offense in a Season: 3,662, Geno SmithGeno SmithEugene "Geno" Smith is an American football quarterback. He currently plays for the West Virginia Mountaineers in his junior year...
- 2011 - Most Total Offense in a Game: 463, Geno Smith- LSULouisiana State UniversityLouisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
- 20112011 West Virginia Mountaineers football teamThe 2011 West Virginia Mountaineer football team will represent West Virginia University in the 2011 college football season as members of the Big East Conference. The Mountaineers are led by Dana Holgorsen, who is entering his first season as head coach... - Most Career Total Touchdowns Accounted for: 141, Pat White
- Most Career Total Points: 377, Pat McAfeePat McAfeePatrick "Pat" McAfee is an American football punter for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was a placekicker, punter, and soccer player at West Virginia.-Freshman season:...
Passing
- Most Career Passing Yards: 8,153, Marc BulgerMarc BulgerMarc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Most Passing Yards in a Season: 3,741, Geno Smith - 2011
- Most Passing Yards in a Game: 463, Geno Smith - LSULSU TigersThe LSU Tigers are the athletic teams of Louisiana State University. They participate in the NCAA's Division I, in the Southeastern Conference. It fields teams in 14 varsity sports . Its official team nickname is the Fighting Tigers and the school mascot is Mike the Tiger...
, 2011 - Most Career Pass Completions: 630, Marc Bulger
- Most Pass Completions in a Season: 291, Geno Smith - 2011
- Highest Career Completion Percentage: 64.8%, Pat White
- Highest Completion Percentage in a Season: 66.7%, Dan Kendra - 1977
- Highest Completion Percentage in a Game: 90%, Pat White - East CarolinaEast Carolina PiratesThe East Carolina Pirates are the intercollegiate sports teams representing East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. All varsity-level sports teams sponsored by the university compete in NCAA Division I as a member of Conference USA...
, 2007 - Most Career Touchdown Passes: 59, Marc Bulger
- Most Touchdown Passes in a Season: 31, Marc Bulger - 1998
- Most Touchdown Passes in a Game: 6, Marc Bulger - Pittsburgh, 1998
- Highest Career Passing Efficiency: 150.08, Pat White
- Highest Passing Efficiency in a Season: 164.02, Jake KelchnerJake KelchnerJake Kelchner is a former starting quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1990s. He was part of the mountaineers undefeated 1993 team...
- 1993
Rushing
- Most Career Rushing Yards: 5,164, Avon CobourneAvon CobourneAvon Cobourne is a football running back in the Canadian Football League. He currently plays for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
- Most Rushing Yards in a Season: 1,744, Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- 2006 - Most Rushing Yards in a Game: 337, Kay-Jay HarrisKay-Jay HarrisKevin Jermaine "Kay-Jay" Harris is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at West Virginia....
- East CarolinaEast Carolina UniversityEast Carolina University is a public, coeducational, engaged doctoral/research university located in Greenville, North Carolina, United States. Named East Carolina University by statute and commonly known as ECU or East Carolina, the university is the largest institution of higher learning in...
, 2004 - Most Career All-Purpose Yards: 5,623, Avon Cobourne
- Most All-Purpose Yards in a Season: 2,104, Steve Slaton - 2006
- Most Career Rushing Yards by a Quarterback: 4,385, Pat White (NCAA Record)
- Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback in a Season: 1,335, Pat White - 2007
- Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback in a Game: 247, Pat White - Syracuse, 2006
- Most Career Rushing Yards by a Fullback: 1,773, Walter Easley
- Most Rushing Yards by a Fullback in a Season: 843, Jim BraxtonJim BraxtonJames Robert Braxton was a professional American football fullback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.-Collegiate career:...
- 1969 - Most Career Rushing Attempts: 1,050, Avon Cobourne
- Most Rushing Attempts in a Season: 335, Avon Cobourne - 2002
- Most Career Rushing Touchdowns: 50, Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- Most Rushing Touchdowns in a Season: 19, Ira RodgersIra Rodgers-External links:*...
- Most Career 100-yard Rushing Games: 28, Avon Cobourne
- Most Career 200-yard Rushing Games: 4, Pat White
Receiving
- Most Career Receiving Yards: 2,608, David Saunders
- Most Receiving Yards in a Game: 209 Chris Henry-SyracuseSyracuse UniversitySyracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
,2003 - Most Receiving Yards in a Season: 1,117, Stedman Bailey - 2011
- Most Career Receptions: 201, Jock Sanders
- Most Receptions in a Season: 82, Tavon Austin - 2011
- Most Receptions in a Game: 12, Mickey Walczak, Pat Greene, Shawn ForemanShawn ForemanShawn Foreman is a former American football Wide receiver. He played collegiately at West Virginia....
, David Saunders, & Jock Sanders - 1981, 1997, 1997, 1998, & 2009 - Most Career Touchdown Receptions: 23, Cedric Thomas
- Most Touchdown Receptions in a Season: 12, Chris Henry & Darius ReynaudDarius ReynaudDarius Reynaud is an American football running back / wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia....
- 2004 & 2007 - Most Career Yards per Reception: 20.88, Danny BuggsDanny BuggsDaniel "Danny" Buggs is a former American football wide receiver for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins of the National Football League, the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, and the Tampa Bay Bandits and San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States Football...
- Most Yards per Reception in a Season: 26.24, Rich Hollins - 1982
Defensive
- Most Tackles in a Career: 492, Grant WileyGrant WileyGrant Wiley is a retired American football Linebacker who played for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia...
- Most Tackles for a Loss in a Career: 47.5, Grant Wiley
- Most interceptions- Steve Newberry
Punting
- Highest Career Punting Average: 46.22, Todd SauerbrunTodd SauerbrunTodd Scott Sauerbrun is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft...
- Highest Punting Average in a Season: 48.57, Todd Sauerbrun - 1994
- Most Punts in a Career: 267, Steve Superick
- Most Punts in a Season: 76, Steve Superick - 1985
Punt return
- Most Career Punt Return Yards: 1,191, Willie DrewreyWillie DrewreyWillie Drewrey is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for nine seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
- Most Punt Return Yards in a Season: 479, Vaughn Rivers - 2007
- Highest Career Punt Return Average: 14.99, John Mallory
- Highest Punt Return Average in a Season: 20.79, Lance Frazier - 2003
Individual award winners
- Consensus All-AmericansCollege Football All-America TeamThe College Football All-America Team is an honor given annually to the best American college football players at their respective positions. The original usage of the term All-America seems to have been to the 1889 College Football All-America Team selected by Casper Whitney and published in This...
- Ira RodgersIra Rodgers-External links:*...
- Fullback, 1919 - Bruce BosleyBruce BosleyBruce Lee Bosley is a former American football offensive tackle who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons in a fourteen year career in which he was selected to appear in 4 Pro Bowls , and was named All-Pro 4 times .-Collegiate Career:Bosley was a third team Class B all-state...
- Tackle, 1955 - Darryl TalleyDarryl TalleyDarryl Victor Talley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Linebacker, 1982 - Brian JozwiakBrian JozwiakBrian Joseph Jozwiak is a former American football offensive lineman who played college football at West Virginia University before playing professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League....
- Offensive Tackle, 1985 - Mike Compton - Center, 1992
- Todd SauerbrunTodd SauerbrunTodd Scott Sauerbrun is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft...
- Punter, 1994 - Aaron BeasleyAaron BeasleyAaron Bruce Beasley is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League. He played collegially at West Virginia University...
- Cornerback, 1995 - Canute CurtisCanute CurtisCanute Curtis is a former linebacker in the NFL. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1997 to 2002...
- Linebacker, 1996 - Grant WileyGrant WileyGrant Wiley is a retired American football Linebacker who played for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia...
- Linebacker, 2003 - Dan MozesDan MozesDaniel Mozes is an American football Center who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was unselected in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Center, 2006 - Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- Running Back, 2006
- Ira Rodgers
- Dave Rimington TrophyDave Rimington TrophyThe Dave Rimington Trophy is awarded to the player considered to be the best center in college football. Dave Rimington was a center who played at the University of Nebraska from 1979-1982....
- Dan MozesDan MozesDaniel Mozes is an American football Center who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was unselected in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- 20062006 NCAA Division I-A football seasonThe 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on August 31, 2006 and, aside from all-star exhibition games that followed, concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game on January 8, 2007 in Glendale, Arizona, where the #2 Florida...
- Archie Griffin AwardArchie Griffin AwardThe Archie Griffin Award, named after the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history Archie Griffin, was first presented to Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick in 1999. The specially designed ring is one of the few college football awards presented after all bowl games are completed and...
- Pat White - 2007
Active
- Anthony BechtAnthony BechtAnthony G. Becht is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets 27th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia. He has Swedish relatives, brother Francis and nephew Carl and...
- Avon CobourneAvon CobourneAvon Cobourne is a football running back in the Canadian Football League. He currently plays for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
(currently active in the Canadian Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
) - Brandon HoganBrandon HoganBrandon Hogan is an American football cornerback and return specialist for the Carolina Panthers. He started at cornerback at West Virginia University.-Early life:...
- Mortty IvyMortty IvyMortty Ivy is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Adam JonesAdam Jones (American football)Adam "Pac-Man" Bernard Jones is an American cornerback and return specialist who is currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted in the first round with the sixth-overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He played college football at West Virginia.Jones has also...
- Pat McAfeePat McAfeePatrick "Pat" McAfee is an American football punter for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was a placekicker, punter, and soccer player at West Virginia.-Freshman season:...
- Corey McIntyreCorey McIntyreCorey McIntyre is an American football fullback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
- Ryan MundyRyan MundyRyan Gregory Mundy is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- Chris NeildChris NeildChris Neild is an American football nose tackle for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Redskins in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia. He attended Stroudsburg High School in Stroudsburg,...
- Robert SandsRobert SandsRobert Sands may refer to:*Robert Sands , American artist*Robert Sands , conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir*Bobby Sands , member of the Irish Republican Army...
- Owen SchmittOwen Schmitt-Seattle Seahawks:Schmitt was drafted in the fifth round in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He was the second Mountaineer selected in the draft, behind Steve Slaton in the third round to the Houston Texans. Schmitt signed a four-year $1.87 million contract that included a $158,000...
- Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- J.T. ThomasJ. T. Thomas (linebacker)J.T. Thomas is an American football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft...
Inactive/retired
- Robert Alexander
- Bill Anderson
- Alex AttyAlex AttyAlexander George Atty was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Cleveland Rams. He played one season in 1939, and was drafted out of West Virginia in 1939. He is also listed on the all-time roster of the Detroit Lions as a guard in 1941. He was born in...
- Alex BaileyAlex BaileyAlex Bailey is a professional footballer.A right-back, Bailey began as an Arsenal trainee, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2001, but was released by the Gunners and signed by Chesterfield prior to the start of the 2004–05 season...
- Al BaisiAl BaisiAl Baisi was a professional American football player who played offensive lineman for four seasons for the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles....
- Kantroy BarberKantroy BarberKantroy Barber is a former running back in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins. He was drafted in the 4th round with the 124th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft out of West Virginia.-External...
- Pete Barnum
- Scott BarrowsScott BarrowsScott Barrows is a former offensive lineman in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted in the 1986 NFL Draft out of West Virginia.-External links:...
- Charlie BaumannCharlie BaumannBruce Charles "Charlie" Baumann is a former professional American football placekicker in the National Football League and the Arena Football League. He played college football for West Virginia and was acquired through free agency in 1991 by the Miami Dolphins...
- Aaron BeasleyAaron BeasleyAaron Bruce Beasley is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League. He played collegially at West Virginia University...
- Carl BeckCarl BeckCarl Linnwood Beck was a professional football player from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After attending high school, Beck attended the West Virginia University, Bucknell University and Lafayette College. He made his professional debut in the National Football League in 1921 with the Buffalo...
- Sean BertonSean Berton-General information:Sean Berton is a former American football tight end in the National Football League. He was undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft out of NC State University. The Minnesota Vikings signed him to a 3-year minimum rookie contract in 2003, but he was released on September 3, 2005...
- Bruce BosleyBruce BosleyBruce Lee Bosley is a former American football offensive tackle who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons in a fourteen year career in which he was selected to appear in 4 Pro Bowls , and was named All-Pro 4 times .-Collegiate Career:Bosley was a third team Class B all-state...
- Rich BrahamRich BrahamRich Braham is a former National Football League center who played for the Cincinnati Bengals.-High school career:Braham attended University High School in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he lettered in both football and basketball...
- Jim BraxtonJim BraxtonJames Robert Braxton was a professional American football fullback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.-Collegiate career:...
- Walt BrewsterWalt BrewsterWalt Southgate Brewster was a professional American football player with the National Football League's Buffalo Bisons in 1929. Brewster was the starting right offensive tackle in seven games of the eight game season, listed as 6'1 195 lbs...
- A.B. Brown
- Antonio Brown
- John BrowningJohn Browning (American football)* Kansas City Chiefs * Denver Broncos John Edward Browning is an American football defensive tackle who is currently retired. He played in 24 regular season games for West Virginia University, tallying 78 tackles, 8 sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection...
- Woody Bruder
- Danny BuggsDanny BuggsDaniel "Danny" Buggs is a former American football wide receiver for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins of the National Football League, the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, and the Tampa Bay Bandits and San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States Football...
- Marc BulgerMarc BulgerMarc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Rex BumgardnerRex BumgardnerRex Bumgardner is a former running back in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills, and the Cleveland Browns. He was drafted in the 1948 NFL Draft out of West Virginia....
- Mark Burke
- Red Chenoweth
- Harry Clark
- Avon CobourneAvon CobourneAvon Cobourne is a football running back in the Canadian Football League. He currently plays for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
- Mike Compton
- Merl ConditMerl ConditMerlyn Edwin Condit , nicknamed "Merlyn the Magician," was an American football H-back in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Washington Redskins, and the Brooklyn Dodgers...
- Carl CrennellCarl CrennellCarl Crennel is a former linebacker in the National Football League, and the Canadian Football League. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL, and for several different teams in the CFL. He was drafted in the 1970 NFL Draft out of West Virginia...
- Canute CurtisCanute CurtisCanute Curtis is a former linebacker in the NFL. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1997 to 2002...
- Travis CurtisTravis CurtisTravis Fenner Curtis is a former American football defensive back in the National Football League for the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, and the New York Jets. He played college football at West Virginia University....
- Carl DavisCarl DavisCarl Davis CBE is an American born conductor and composer who has made his home in the UK since 1961. In 1970 he married the English actress Jean Boht....
- James Davis
- John DenvirJohn DenvirJohn Denvir is a former professional American football guard. He played for the Denver Broncos of the American Football League during the 1962 AFL season....
- Dick DollyDick DollyJohn Richard "Dick" Dolly was a wide receiver in the National Football League. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He graduated from West Virginia with a degree in agriculture.-External links:...
- Willie DrewreyWillie DrewreyWillie Drewrey is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for nine seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
- Mike DurretteMike DurretteMike Durrette is a former offensive lineman in the NFL. He played for the Los Angeles Express in the USFL, and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. He was drafted in the 1986 NFL Draft out of West Virginia....
- Keilen DykesKeilen DykesKeilen Lee Dykes is an American football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals, he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia.-Early years:...
- Walt EasleyWalt EasleyWalt Easley is a former fullback in the NFL, and USFL. He played for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, and the Chicago Blitz and Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL/ He was drafted in the 1981 NFL Draft out of West Virginia.-External...
- Chris EdmondsChris EdmondsChris Edmonds is a former fullback in the NFL. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2001 NFL Draft out of West Virginia.-External links:*...
- Gus Ekberg
- Charles EmanuelCharles EmanuelCharles Edward Emanuel is a former safety in the National Football League. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at West Virginia.-External links:*...
- Dale Farley
- Charles FisherCharles Fisher (American football)Charles Fisher is a former American football cornerback and is currently a scout for the Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
- Garrett Ford, Sr.Garrett Ford, Sr.Garrett William Ford, Sr. is an assistant athletics director at West Virginia University. He was previously the first African American assistant coach in school history, is a member of the West Virginia Hall of Fame, and played for the Denver Broncos for two seasons.Ford's son, Garrett Ford, Jr.,...
- Garrett Ford, Jr.Garrett Ford, Jr.Garrett Ford, Jr. was an American football running back for the West Virginia Mountaineers. His father, Garrett Ford, Sr., was the first African American assistant coach in school history, is a member of the West Virginia Hall of Fame and played for the Denver Broncos for two seasons.-Collegiate...
- Dennis Fowlkes
- Mike Fox
- Lance FrazierLance FrazierElance "Lance" Frazier is an American Canadian football safety for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League, as well as a Wide Receiver / Defensive Back for the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League...
- Ken Fryer
- Hank Goodman
- Tod GoodwinTod GoodwinCharles Tod Goodwin December 5, 1911January 7, 1997) was a professional American football End in the National Football League. He played two seasons for the New York Giants ....
- Fred GrahamFred Graham (American football)Frederick Hartley Graham was a professional football player in the National Football League who played in 1926 with the Providence Steam Roller and the Frankford Yellow Jackets....
- David GrantDavid Grant (American football)David John Grant is a former professional American football player who played defensive end for six seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers....
- Steve GrantSteve GrantStephen Mitchell "Steve" Grant is a former American football linebacker for the West Virginia Mountaineers and Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League. Grant is currently the chaplin for the Texas Tech University football program in Lubbock , Texas.-Freshman season:Steve Grant enrolled...
- Barrett GreenBarrett GreenBarrett Nicholas Green is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played college football for West Virginia and was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions in the 2000 NFL Draft.-Early years:Green was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and...
- Bob GreshamBob GreshamRobert Clark "Bob" Gresham is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He played for the New Orleans Saints, the Houston Oilers, and the New York Jets...
- Dick Guesman
- Mike Gussie
- Rudy Hagberg
- Chuck HarrisChuck HarrisChuck Harris is a former player in the National Football League. He played for the Chicago Bears during the 1987 NFL season.-References:...
- Harry HarrisHarry Harris (American football)Harry Frank Harris was an American football blocking back and quarterback who played for the Akron Pros during the 1920 season, where the Pros won the first NFL Championship. He went to West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia University for his college career.-References:...
- Kay-Jay HarrisKay-Jay HarrisKevin Jermaine "Kay-Jay" Harris is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Steve Hathaway
- Gene HeeterGene HeeterEugene Elwood Heeter was an American college and professional football player. Born April 19, 1941 in Windber, Pennsylvania, he played tight end at West Virginia University, and professionally in the American Football League for the New York Jets from 1963 through 1965...
- Chris Henry
- Ken HerockKen HerockKen Herock was an American college and professional football player who played tight end. He played collegiately at West Virginia and professionally in the American Football League, where he played for the AFL Champion Oakland Raiders in the second AFL-NFL World Championship Game, held after the...
- John HolifieldJohn HolifieldJohnathan Mark Holifield was an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers.-High school career:...
- Jerry HolmesJerry HolmesJerry Holmes is an American football coach and former defensive back. He played ten seasons in the National Football League, mainly for New York Jets but also with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. He also played in the USFL for the New Jersey Generals and the Pittsburgh Maulers...
- Jeff HostetlerJeff HostetlerWilliam Jeffrey Hostetler is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the New York Giants, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins. His nickname is "Hoss".-Penn State:...
- Chuck HowleyChuck HowleyCharles Louis "Chuck" Howley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League...
- Sam HuffSam HuffRobert Lee "Sam" Huff is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982....
- Leon JenkinsLeon JenkinsLeon Jenkins is a former defensive back in the NFL. He played for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted in the 1972 NFL Draft out of West Virginia.-External links:...
- James JettJames JettJames S. Jett , is a former American football wide receiver and Olympic sprinter who played nine seasons for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders from 1993 to 2002, in the National Football League...
- Undra JohnsonUndra JohnsonUndra Jerome Johnson is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys.-High school career:...
- Brian JozwiakBrian JozwiakBrian Joseph Jozwiak is a former American football offensive lineman who played college football at West Virginia University before playing professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League....
- Bill KarrBill KarrWilliam Morrison Karr Jr. was an end who played six seasons in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears. Karr attended West Virginia University....
- Tom KeaneTom KeaneThomas Lawrence Keane was an American football cornerback.-High school:Keane played football and graduated from Linsly Military Institute in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1944. During his high school career he was an All-OVAC selection in football and basketball in 1943 and 1944...
- Curtis KeatonCurtis KeatonCurtis Isaiah Keaton is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft and also played for the New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the James Madison Dukes and West Virginia...
- Jake KelchnerJake KelchnerJake Kelchner is a former starting quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1990s. He was part of the mountaineers undefeated 1993 team...
- Frank Kimble
- Andy "Rip" KingRip KingAndrew "Rip" King was a professional American football player who played running back for six seasons for the Akron Pros, Chicago Cardinals, and Hammond Pros....
- Larry Krutko
- Gordon LambertGordon LambertC. Gordon Lambert was an Irish art collector who, in 1992, donated over 300 paintings to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. He had earlier campaigned for an Irish national modern art collection to be established and had been a prominent figure in the Irish art scene. He spent almost all of his...
- Kevin LandoltKevin LandoltKevin Landolt is an American football Defensive Tackle in the National Football League. Landolt was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1999 NFL Draft with the 121st pick overall. He is currently a free agent...
- Ellis LanksterEllis LanksterEllis Lankster is an American football cornerback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
- Ron LeeRon LeeRonald Henry Lee was an All-American basketball player for the University of Oregon, and epitomized the "Kamikaze Kids" under coach Dick Harter with his all-out, fearless hustle and relentless desire to win. Lee played four seasons for the Ducks between 1972 and 1976...
- Dick LeftridgeDick LeftridgeJack Richard "Dick" Leftridge was an American football player. He played fullback for a single season in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers....
- Jack Linn
- Mike Logan
- Bill Lopasky
- Jeff LucasJeff LucasJeff Lucas is a popular international author, speaker and broadcaster.-Career:Jeff Lucas is an international speaker, author and broadcaster. He is a teaching pastor at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. He broadcasts on radio - In Good Company [Premier Radio], and daily thoughts on UCB...
- Johnny Lucente
- Oliver LuckOliver LuckOliver Luck is the athletic director of West Virginia University, his alma mater. Luck is a retired American football player who spent four seasons in the National Football League as a quarterback for the Houston Oilers . He was also the first president and general manager of the Houston Dynamo...
- Walter MahanWalter MahanWalter Everett Mahan was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926 NFL season. Mahan won the 1926 NFL championship with the Yellow Jackets....
- Armin MahrtArmin MahrtArmin Richard Mahrt was a professional football player from Dayton, Ohio. He played during the early years of the National Football League for the Dayton Triangles and the Pottsville Maroons over the course of his 3 year career. Marht made his NFL debut in 1924 with the Triangles...
- John MalloryJohn MallorySir John Mallory was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1640 to 1642. He fought on the Royalist side in the English Civil War....
- Billy Joe MantoothBilly Joe MantoothBilly Joe Mantooth was an American football linebacker from Clendenin, West Virginia, known as "The Man-Eater" during his playing days. He started his career at Ferrum College; after being honored as an NJCAA All-American in 1970, he transferred to West Virginia University...
- Joe MarconiJoe MarconiJoseph George "Joe" Marconi was an American football fullback who played professionally for the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears in the National Football League....
- Harry Marker
- Rasheed MarshallRasheed MarshallRasheed Malik Marshall is an American football wide receiver that is currently a free agent. He previously played for the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League. He was formerly a wide receiver and kick returner in the National Football League for the St. Louis Rams...
- Alvoid MaysAlvoid MaysAlvoid Wilson Mays is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers...
- Harry Merdon
- Russ Meredith
- Jim Merritts
- Jeff MerrowJeff MerrowJeffrey Colin Merrow was a defensive lineman who played nine seasons in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons. Merrow played collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers...
- Kelly Moan
- Gary MullenGary MullenOne Night of Queen is a touring two-hour stage show, paying tribute to the stage theatrics and music of Queen. It is performed by Gary Mullen and The Works, a five piece band headed by Stars in Their Eyes winner and Freddie Mercury sound-alike Gary Mullen on vocals, with Davie Brockett on Guitar,...
- Adrian MurrellAdrian MurrellAdrian Byran Murrell is a former professional American football running back who was drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft after playing collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers...
- Browning NagleBrowning NagleBrowning Nagle was a quarterback for the National Football League's New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons. He also played as a quarterback for the Arena Football League's Orlando Predators and Buffalo Destroyers.-Career:...
- Nick NardacciNick NardacciNicholas James "Nick" Nardacci was an American football halfback and quarterback. Nardacci was born in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated from Rayen High School in Youngstown. He played college football for the West Virginia University teams that compiled a record of 25–2–2 in Nardacci's three years...
- Lance NimmoLance NimmoLance Nimmo is a former American football offensive tackle of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- Aaron Oliker
- Bo OrlandoBo OrlandoJoseph John "Bo" Orlando is a retired American football safety player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Oilers, San Diego Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals.-High school career:...
- Wes OursWes OursWes Ours is an Arena football Running back / Linebacker for the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. He played collegiately at West Virginia University. He was nicknamed "Wes Express" in college because of his ability to run over other players...
- Artie OwensArtie OwensArthur Gene Owens was an American football running back, return specialist, and receiver that played collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He was also a track runner for the Mountaineers...
- Solomon PageSolomon PageSolomon Page is a former American football guard and tackle of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
- Bill Parriott
- Jerry Porter
- Tom PridemoreTom PridemoreLarry Thomas Pridemore is a former safety from West Virginia who played eight seasons in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and a legislator.-College:...
- Lovett PurnellLovett PurnellLovett Shaizer Purnell is a former American football tight end in the National Football League. Purnell attended Seaford High but graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania before attending West Virginia University...
- John RayJohn RayJohn Ray was an English naturalist, sometimes referred to as the father of English natural history. Until 1670, he wrote his name as John Wray. From then on, he used 'Ray', after "having ascertained that such had been the practice of his family before him".He published important works on botany,...
- Reggie RembertReggie RembertReginald Bernard "Reggie" Rembert is a retired American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played college football at West Virginia.Rembert played only three of four seasons in the NFL...
- Darius ReynaudDarius ReynaudDarius Reynaud is an American football running back / wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Bernard Russ
- Clarence Ryan
- Todd SauerbrunTodd SauerbrunTodd Scott Sauerbrun is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft...
- Charley SeabrightCharley SeabrightCharles Seabright was an American Football player from Wheeling, West Virginia, where he spent the majority of his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seabright played both offense and defense with the Steelers from 1946–1950, including stints as the starting quarterback...
- Ed Seibert
- John Shonk
- Henry Slay
- Fred SmallsFred SmallsFred Smalls ia a former American football linebacker who played in the Arena Football League and collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers.-Collegiate career:...
- Matt Smith
- Bill SortetBill SortetWilbur John "Bill" Sortet was an end who played eight seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Pirates/Steelers. Sortet attended West Virginia University....
- Dave StephensonDave StephensonDave Stephenson is a former guard in the National Football League. He was drafted in the fifteenth round of the 1950 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams and played that season with the team. The next five seasons he would play with the Green Bay Packers....
- Gary StillsGary StillsGary Stills is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Darren StudstillDarren StudstillDarren Studstill is a former starting quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1990s. He was part of the mountaineers undefeated 1993 team. In 1994 he was drafted 191st overall in the 6th round by the Dallas Cowboys to play in the defensive backfield. He is now pursuing a career in...
- Joe StydaharJoe StydaharJoseph "Jumbo Joe" Lee Stydahar was an American football offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears from 1936 to 1942 and 1945 to 1946 and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was born and raised about east of Pittsburgh in the small mining community of Kaylor, Pennsylvania in Armstrong...
- Steve Superick
- Joe Taffoni
- Darryl TalleyDarryl TalleyDarryl Victor Talley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- John Talley
- Craig Taylor
- Jay TaylorJay TaylorJames "Jay" Taylor is an American professional football kicker for the Orlando Predators in the Arena Football League. He played collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers.-High school years:...
- John Thornton
- Elgie TobinElgie TobinElza Williams Tobin was a professional football player with the independent Youngstown Patricians and a player-coach with the Akron Pros of the American Professional Football Association where he wore number 8. Tobin played with Patricians from 1915 until 1919. When the team folded, Tobin joined...
- Renaldo TurnbullRenaldo TurnbullRenaldo Antonio Turnbull is a former professional American football player who played for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League Was the Saints 1st round in the 1990 NFL Draft. Turnbull, a 6'4",...
- Calvin Turner
- Mike VanderjagtMike VanderjagtMichael John "Mike" Vanderjagt , is a professional American and Canadian football placekicker and punter who has played in the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League and National Football League...
- Fulton Walker
- Robert Walker
- Pat WhitePat WhitePat, Patrick or Patricia White may refer to:*Patricia White, British Tenpin Bowling Association chairman*Patrick White , Nobel prize winning Australian author*Pat White , American professional baseball and football player...
- Quincy WilsonQuincy WilsonQuincy Wilson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Ron WolfleyRon WolfleyRonald Paul Wolfley was an American football fullback who played for the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals from 1985 to 1991. He was selected four times to the Pro Bowl as a special teams captain. Wolfley played collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers...
- Tom Woodeshick
- Fred WyantFred WyantFrederick Mount "Fred" Wyant, Jr. is a former American football quarterback who went on to serve as an American football official in the National Football League for 27 years with 19 of those years as a referee...
- Amos ZereoueAmos ZereoueAmos Zereoué is an African-born former American football player in the National Football League, who last played for the New England Patriots...
College Football Hall of Famers
- Bruce BosleyBruce BosleyBruce Lee Bosley is a former American football offensive tackle who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons in a fourteen year career in which he was selected to appear in 4 Pro Bowls , and was named All-Pro 4 times .-Collegiate Career:Bosley was a third team Class B all-state...
- Bobby BowdenBobby BowdenRobert Cleckler "Bobby" Bowden is a retired college football coach. He coached the Florida State Seminoles football team from the 1976 to 2009 seasons...
- Major HarrisMajor HarrisMajor Harris is a former college football quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1980s. Harris was a 1989 All American and finished third and fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and 1989, respectively. He was also the ECAC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989...
- Sam HuffSam HuffRobert Lee "Sam" Huff is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982....
- Don NehlenDon NehlenDon Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
- Ira RodgersIra Rodgers-External links:*...
- Joe StydaharJoe StydaharJoseph "Jumbo Joe" Lee Stydahar was an American football offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears from 1936 to 1942 and 1945 to 1946 and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was born and raised about east of Pittsburgh in the small mining community of Kaylor, Pennsylvania in Armstrong...
- Darryl TalleyDarryl TalleyDarryl Victor Talley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Fielding H. Yost