3 Guys Before The Game

The Big 12's most productive rushing offense is about to meet its toughest run defense.

Something has to give.West Virginia leads the conference in rushing. TCU leads the league in stopping it. Saturday's collision in Fort Worth will test the strength of both units — and could go a long way toward determining the direction of each team's season.

For the Mountaineers, another victory would keep their pursuit of bowl eligibility on track. The Horned Frogs, meanwhile, are searching for consecutive wins for the first time in more than a month.

But for one Mo...

Irish eyes were smiling on the West Virginia football team Saturday.

Jack Cassidy, a kicker from Derry, Ireland, who admits he didn't know the rules of American football when he arrived, became the unlikely hero of the Mountaineers' thrilling 45-42 victory over Cincinnati.

In a game filled with offensive fireworks and defensive frustration, it was a single stop that ultimately made the difference.

After surrendering points throughout much of the afternoon, the WVU defense delivered when it mattered most, setting the stage for Cassidy to write the final chapter.

And what a...

Cincinnati is rested. West Virginia is restless.

The Bearcats and Mountaineers enter Saturday's matchup in Morgantown from very different places, but both have something to prove.

WVU is desperate to end a three-game losing streak fueled by historically poor defensive performances. Cincinnati, meanwhile, returns from a week off looking to rebound from its first loss of the season at Arizona.

Both teams are built to run the football. Both want to control the tempo. And both know that the ability to stop the opposing ground game could determine Saturday's outcome.

For West...

The frustration is growing. The answers remain elusive. And the numbers are becoming impossible to ignore.

West Virginia's 52-31 loss to Arizona on Saturday was another painful chapter in a season increasingly defined by defensive struggles.

The Mountaineers have now surrendered a staggering 138 points in their last three games. Three consecutive Big 12 losses have transformed early-season optimism into mounting concern throughout Mountaineer Nation.

So, where does WVU go from here?

Coach Rich Rodriguez isn't hiding his frustration. He acknowledges the problems and vows to continue searching for solutions. But with the conference...

Opportunity and urgency will collide Saturday in Morgantown.

After consecutive Big 12 losses, West Virginia returns home needing a response. Waiting for the Mountaineers is Arizona — and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football.

Noah Fifita is already the Wildcats’ all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. He now gets his opportunity against a WVU defense that has surrendered 86 points over the last two games.
It’s a matchup that could define where West Virginia’s season goes next.

But the challenge works both ways.

Arizona’s ultra-aggressive defense must conte...

Saturday was memorable for the West Virginia football team — for all the wrong reasons.

The Mountaineers scored 42 points on the road and still came home without a victory.

Iowa State repeatedly overwhelmed the WVU defense on its way to a 45-42 win, handing West Virginia its second consecutive Big 12 loss and turning an early-season concern into an increasingly urgent question.

Can the Mountaineers stop anyone?

After opening the season with encouraging signs, WVU has reached a pivotal point. The offense produced enough points to win in Ames. The defense could not produce en...

October has arrived, and with it comes West Virginia’s first Big 12 road test.

The leaves may still be on the trees, but Saturday’s trip to Iowa State could tell us plenty about where the Mountaineers fit in the conference landscape.

Was last week’s disappointing loss to Oklahoma State simply a bad night? Or did it expose problems that must be corrected before WVU can establish itself in the upper half of the Big 12?

Ames should provide some answers.In this episode, the “Guys” take a deep dive into the Cyclones under first-year...

Well, that was painful.

One week after West Virginia energized Mountaineer Nation with an impressive victory over No. 25 Virginia, the momentum disappeared in a 41-24 loss to Oklahoma State.

The result was more than a disappointing start to Big 12 play. It exposed problems that must be addressed quickly and left the Mountaineers facing an unavoidable question:

Now what?

There’s little time to dwell on the answer. West Virginia must identify what went wrong, correct it and prepare for its first Big 12 road test Saturday at Iowa State.

In this ep...

Things are about to get very interesting for the Mountaineer football team.

Saturday night’s Big 12 Conference opener against Oklahoma State gives WVU a chance to match last season’s win total before September is over.

It’s a clash of contrasting styles—and two teams that have recorded statement wins. WVU’s run-heavy attack blossomed in last week’s victory over No. 25 Virginia, while Oklahoma State arrives with a win over No. 8 Oregon on its résumé.

In this episode, the “Guys” break down the key matchups and what it will take for the Mountaineers t...

Can you hear that?

Mountaineer Nation is still buzzing after West Virginia delivered its most complete performance of the young season, imposing its will on No. 25 Virginia in Saturday night’s 38-27 victory in Charlotte.

For a rebuilt WVU roster that had shown promise but lacked consistency in victories over Coastal Carolina and UT Martin, this felt different.

The Mountaineers were physical. They were productive. And, perhaps most importantly, they offered the clearest evidence yet of what this team could become.

Now comes the next test.

In this episode, the “Guys...

A big game deserves a big show.

With West Virginia preparing to face No. 25 Virginia on Saturday in Charlotte, the “Guys” explore the matchup and what it could reveal about the Mountaineers.

Starting offensive lineman Nick Krahe joins the program to assess WVU’s first two games and discuss the challenge ahead against the Cavaliers. WVU Athletics Director Wren Baker details contract extensions for three Mountaineer head coaches, shares the latest on the Protect College Sports Act and recounts a recent painful encounter with a copperhead snake.

Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, while Brad digs i...

Mission accomplished. Now the stakes rise.

West Virginia improved to 2-0 Saturday with a commanding 52-7 victory over UT Martin. The Mountaineers scored on the third play of their opening drive and never looked back, giving Rich Rodriguez the opportunity to put his reserves to work throughout the second half.

It was the result WVU expected. Next comes a much tougher test: a Saturday night showdown with No. 25 Virginia in Charlotte. Both teams enter at 2-0, but how ready are the Mountaineers for the step up in competition?

In this episode, the “Guys” break down...

One win. Two very different halves. Plenty to clean up.

The Mountaineers return to Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday with a clear objective: put together a complete game against the UT Martin Skyhawks.WVU’s season-opening victory over Coastal Carolina showcased an efficient, productive first half.

The second half raised more questions than answers. Now, the heavily favored Mountaineers have an opportunity to correct their mistakes and build consistency against their FCS visitors.

In this episode, Brad Howe (@bradhowe07) and the “Guys” break down the matchup with Spreads on Stats. Hoppy Kercheval (@HoppyKercheval) delivers Obviou...

Rain and sunshine greeted the Mountaineers in Saturday’s season opener. Their performance followed a similar forecast.

WVU’s 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina delivered the desired result, but the path to it revealed plenty that needs immediate correction.

In this episode, the “Guys” return to Sunday morning recaps to break down what worked in the first half, what went wrong in the second and what the Mountaineers must fix moving forward.

Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, Brad digs into the stats and analytics, and listener questions and comments close the show with Textual Healing.

FINALLY … it’s here.

At long last, West Virginia will open its 134th football season Saturday when the Mountaineers host Coastal Carolina.

Along with the traditional optimism surrounding a season opener, the game will feature the formal retirement of legendary quarterback Pat White’s No. 5.

In this episode, the “Guys” examine the biggest storylines surrounding Saturday’s matchup. Brad digs deep into the numbers with Spreads on Stats, Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listeners have their say in Textual Healing.

The crew returns Sunday with a complete Coastal Carolina recap.

The first game of the college football season always brings optimism, but that feeling is even stronger at West Virginia as Rich Rodriguez and his retooled roster prepare to open the season.

Saturday’s opener against Coastal Carolina carries added significance as legendary quarterback Pat White has his number retired during a pregame ceremony.

In this episode, the “Guys” preview Week 1 and visit with Coastal Carolina play-by-play announcer Chris Burgin. Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments fuel another round of Textual Healing.

The crew returns Thursday with its complete preview of Sat...

The final major scrimmage of the preseason is complete. Now, the soundtrack is changing.

The sounds drifting across the West Virginia University campus belong to the Pride of West Virginia, as the marching band prepares for next week’s season opener against Coastal Carolina.

The drums are getting louder. Game day is getting closer.

In this episode, the “Guys” unveil their final batch of preseason Over/Under propositions. Brad zeroes in on an intriguing offensive category and a critical defensive statistic that rarely receives the attention it deserves.

The numbers have been set. T...

Classes are underway at West Virginia University, signaling another important turn on the football calendar.

The Mountaineers have officially moved beyond the isolation of preseason camp — morning practices and long days spent inside the Puskar Center — and into the rhythm of a normal game week.

Afternoon practices have arrived, preparations are intensifying, and the season opener is now less than three weeks away.

So, what should we expect from Rich Rodriguez’s offense?

In this episode, the “Guys” unveil the first installment of their annual preseason over/under propositions. The opening focus is on a WV...

Call it Christmas in August. Ho, ho, ho.

West Virginia’s men’s basketball roster unwrapped a very special gift Wednesday when Brenen Lorient announced he'll return to the Mountaineers for another season.

The unexpected development follows the NCAA’s recent decision to grant athletes five years of eligibility. Although the matter still awaits final resolution in court, Lorient and other players appear to be moving closer to receiving an additional season.

In this episode, the "Guys" are joined by WVU basketball coach Ross Hodge who explains Lorient’s situation and what his return would me...

The countdown to the start of the West Virginia University football season is officially underway.

The Mountaineers held their first formal preseason workout on Wednesday as head coach Rich Rodriguez begins his second season with hopes of returning WVU to its winning ways.

In this episode, the “Guys” recap the opening day of practice and welcome athletic director Wren Baker, who shares his thoughts on the Antero Resources uniform announcement.

Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listeners join the conversation with questions and comments on Textual Healing.

The relationship between a university president and an athletic department often determines far more than wins and losses. When leadership shares a common vision, the entire institution benefits.

At West Virginia University, that partnership appears to be taking shape. President Michael Benson believes athletic success can elevate the university’s reputation, strengthen enrollment, energize alumni and create momentum that extends well beyond the playing field.

In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with President Benson to reflect on his first year in Morgantown. They discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, the changing economics of college athlet...

Cam Cook doesn't arrive in Morgantown with potential. He arrives with production.

The senior running back from Round Rock, Texas, led all of college football in rushing last season, piling up 1,659 yards and turning himself into one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.

Now, Cook brings that talent to West Virginia, where he'll be counted on as a centerpiece of Rich Rodriguez's high-powered offense.

In this episode, the "Guys" sit down with Cook to trace his remarkable journey—from an underutilized recruit to the nation's leading rusher—and learn what fuels his...

The founder of Pro Football Talk returns for his annual visit with the “Guys,” delivering the sharp analysis, quick wit and unapologetic opinions that have made him one of football’s most recognizable voices.
 
With NFL training camps about to open, Florio breaks down the league’s biggest storylines, identifies the teams under the most pressure, and shares what he’s watching as another unpredictable season begins.

The conversation also shifts to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, where Florio offers his perspective on the legal battles, financial realities and seismic changes continuing to reshape the games we lo...

In today’s era of college football, loyalty has become one of the rarest traits in the game.
 
West Virginia linebacker Ben Cutter chose a different path.
 
The North Carolina native arrived in Morgantown as a freshman and never looked back. While countless players chased new opportunities through the transfer portal, Cutter stayed committed to the Mountaineers, growing into one of the leaders of West Virginia’s defense.
 
Now entering the final season of his collegiate career, Cutter hopes years of patience, perseverance and development will produce his best football yet.
 
In this epi...

College sports no longer have an off-season.

West Virginia’s historic run to the College World Series carried the Mountaineers deep into June, while preparations for the 2026-27 athletic year are already underway. Summer workouts have begun, fall camps open in just a few weeks, and the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace. 

In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Mountaineer athletics. Baker reflects on an unforgettable year for WVU sports, discusses the momentu...

WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins doesn’t command attention with volume.
 
Instead, he exudes something far more powerful — quiet confidence.
 
The former Oklahoma signal caller arrived in Morgantown carrying the expectations that come with being one of the nation’s most coveted high school recruits. After experiencing the realities and challenges of major college football, Hawkins now finds himself in position to lead the Mountaineers into a new era.
 
As preseason camp approaches, there is a growing belief that Hawkins is prepared to translate potential into production.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with the...

The greatest season in West Virginia University baseball history has reached its conclusion.

Over the course of four remarkable months, the 2026 Mountaineers accomplished what no team in the previous 134 seasons had ever achieved. They won the program’s first College World Series game, captured the imagination of an entire state and elevated WVU baseball to a level once thought unattainable.

The sting of elimination in Omaha will eventually fade. The memories, milestones and momentum created by this team will not.

In this episode, the “Guys” reflect on a season unlike any other and discuss what t...

The challenge is familiar. The stakes have never been higher.

West Virginia’s quest for a national championship took an unexpected turn Sunday when North Carolina handed the Mountaineers a loss that leaves no margin for error. To reach the College World Series championship series, WVU must now win three consecutive elimination games.

It’s a scenario that feels remarkably familiar.

Just two weeks ago, the Mountaineers found themselves in a similar position after dropping their second game of the NCAA Regi...