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Rodriguez Cranks Up Pressure in Fall Camp

2025-08-04T11:30:00-04:00

WVU Football

Fall camp’s heating up in Morgantown with Rich Rod pushing for physicality, Geno returns to Seattle this week, Ryan Bergert is set make his Royals debut after being traded at the deadline, and J.J. Wetherholt continues tearing it up in Triple-A. Good morning — this is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily WVU sports roundup.

Welcome to The Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup (that we didn’t already talk about in another article) with some sophomoric humor and daily distractions thrown in for good measure. And if there’s something we missed, be sure to talk about it in the comments.

Rodriguez and Alley are cranking up the pressure early — and there’s no room for softness

West Virginia wrapped up its first week of fall camp, and Rich Rodriguez isn’t easing into anything.

Practice tempo has been fast from the start, with limited downtime and an emphasis on physicality. Players are still adjusting to the pace and learning the difference between thudding and tackling, something Rodriguez has had to correct a few times. After calling the team “soft at times” earlier in the week, he said he saw better intensity and attention to detail by Friday.

A big focus offensively has been downfield blocking and playing in real game situations. Rodriguez said he leans heavily on team periods over individual work because that’s where players learn to actually play football — to read, react, and handle pressure. Defensively, Zac Alley is throwing a lot at the offense early. The goal is to create confusion and stress so that game days feel easier by comparison. Cornerbacks coach Rod West said the goal is to simplify techniques without dumbing things down, and that versatility will go a long way toward getting guys on the field.

With 72 new players and a coaching staff still learning each other, the goal right now is simple: get a lot of reps, play fast, and figure out where things stand before the real install begins.

Mountaineer Roundup

Rodriguez still isn’t tipping his hand on a starting QB. With five scholarship players in the room, he’s open to rotating multiple guys. The key? Don’t repeat mistakes, and be sharp with your reads.
Rich Rod’s slogans are headed for merch. His contract now gives him a cut of anything branded with phrases like “Hold the Rope,” “Hard Edge,” or the now-viral “Pull Weeds.” Expect shirts, hats — maybe even more — in the near future.
RBs coach Larry Porter is fully bought in on Rich Rod’s vision — fast, physical, and detail-oriented. With some backs still working through eligibility and injuries, he’s focused on building execution with the group that’s available now.
EerSports was on hand for Friday morning’s open practice, and Hailey Rogers captured a full gallery of photos from the session.
WVU gymnastics has added two standout freshmen for the 2025-26 season. Joslyn Bryner and Auden Pederson are both Level 10 competitors and All-Stars expected to make an early impact, especially on bars and floor.

Ryan Bergert is set to make his Royals debut Tuesday in Boston. Kansas City acquired the former WVU righty from the Padres at the trade deadline and officially announced he’ll get the ball in Game 2 of the series. Manager Matt Quatraro’s message? “Go out there and compete your butt off.”
Garrett Greene made a highlight reel grab at Bucs training camp, going up in the back of the end zone for a touchdown from Connor Bazelak

Geno Smith returns to Seattle this week as the Raiders face the Seahawks in their preseason opener. After contract talks fell apart, Smith was traded to Vegas—where he reunites with Pete Carroll. Both are expected to get a warm welcome at Lumen Field.
Dante Stills is standing out again for the Arizona Cardinals despite new competition. After leading the team in sacks the past two seasons, his versatility and experience make him key as training camp continues.
J.J. Wetherholt is tearing up Triple-A Memphis. The former WVU star went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBI on Sunday and is now slashing .344/.425/.754 through 16 games. His MLB debut is starting to feel like a matter of when, not if.
The Timberwolves have cut Jesse Edwards. Though he showed promise in the G League with 11.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, Edwards lost his spot due to new center draft picks and a crowded frontcourt featuring Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle.
Alek Manoah is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and will pitch next in Double-A or Triple-A. The Blue Jays’ strong veteran rotation means Manoah’s MLB return in 2025 will likely be limited to a depth role, with bigger plans for 2026.
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said John Means is throwing live batting practice in Arizona and “feeling really good.” The team is targeting a late August or early September return for Means as he recovers from his second Tommy John surgery.

Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson are now head coaches at HBCUs. The former Eagles stars are bringing attention — and expectations — to Norfolk State and Delaware State.
Iowa State extended head coach Matt Campbell through 2032 after the Cyclones’ first-ever 11-win season. He’ll make $5 million per year — but took less to boost staff pay and player revenue-sharing. Campbell is now the winningest coach in program history.
The College Sports Commission has backed off its initial ban on NIL collectives, now allowing deals that show a valid business purpose. But with enforcement still unclear, the 2026 recruiting cycle has slowed to a crawl — and coaches still don’t know the rules.
Former Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley is running for U.S. Senate in Georgia with support from Gov. Brian Kemp. Dooley went 15-21 at UT and now looks to continue the SEC-to-Congress pipeline of failed head coaches.
The Ringer took a deep dive into Luka Doncic’s transformation and how his conditioning, contract, and commitment draw parallels (and contrasts) with Shaq’s Lakers exit. A fascinating look at what this new chapter in L.A. really means.
Cody Rhodes won the WWE Championship from John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, but the night ended with the return of Brock Lesnar. Despite legal troubles and speculation he was done, Lesnar’s back for Cena’s farewell tour.
Can Liam Neeson and The Naked Gun save comedy? That’s the hope behind the new reboot, which plays it straight, dumb, and genuinely funny. The Ringer dives into how the movie came together — and why so much is riding on it.

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Quarterback Battle Wide Open as Fall Camp Gets Rolling

2025-07-31T11:00:00-04:00

WVU Football

Fall camp’s underway in Morgantown with five QBs in the mix, Best Virginia wants a loud crowd in Charleston tonight, and Zach Frazier’s earning praise from Aaron Rodgers. Good morning — this is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily WVU sports roundup.

WVU Kicks Off Fall Camp with Five QBs in the Mix

Rich Rodriguez opened fall camp with a roster full of strangers and a quarterback competition that’s as wide open as it gets. All five scholarship QBs will rotate for now, and he’s in no rush to name a starter. Whoever takes the first snap against Robert Morris on August 30 will be the guy — but that doesn’t mean he’ll be the only one who plays. “If I have three quarterbacks I can win with, I’ll play all three,” Rodriguez said.

It’s part of a larger evaluation process that’ll take up most of the next two weeks. With 115 new players, Rodriguez says the only way to know what he’s got is to make practices more live than he normally would — especially for quarterbacks. It’s a lesson he says he learned back in 2005, when keeping Pat White in bubble wrap cost him valuable reps.

Rodriguez met with the media Wednesday holding a sheet with player names, numbers, and positions — a reminder of just how new this roster is. To help speed up the learning curve, he said the staff is mixing position groups during off-field “fireside chats” to get to know players on a personal level. “Everybody’s new,” he said. “It’s our job as coaches to get them ready to play.”

Mountaineer Roundup

With a spot in the $1 million TBT championship on the line, Best Virginia is calling on WVU fans to bring the noise against Eberlein Drive. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. this evening at the Charleston Coliseum and will air on FS1. Tickets are available here.
Sophia Nickel, a sophomore defender from Golden, Colorado, is joining the Mountaineers after appearing in all 19 matches for Kansas last season. She helped the Jayhawks post eight shutouts and gives the Mountaineers some added depth on the back line.

The Bengals have waived rookie tight end Kole Taylor, the team announced this morning. Taylor signed with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent in May.
Aaron Rodgers is already a big believer in former WVU center Zach Frazier — and thinks he might be the first to start a fight. During The Pat McAfee Show’s visit to Steelers training camp, Rodgers praised Frazier’s intelligence, toughness, and wrestling background, even joking that the Fairmont native is already making calls for him at the line. When asked who might be the first to throw hands in camp, Rodgers didn’t hesitate: “If something starts, whip his ass. Get it on, baby.”

"No fighting but...

If something starts kick his ass" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UkzVnmD6LO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 30, 2025

Geno Smith’s presence is already reshaping the Raiders. The veteran QB has stepped in as the clear leader in Vegas, impressing with his command of the offense — and the locker room. He’s building chemistry with All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, who Smith says he “can’t give the ball enough.”
Kyzir White could be Denver’s final piece. With Drew Sanders injured and linebacker depth shaky, Predominantly Orange suggests the Broncos make a late push for White, who posted 137 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2024 as a full-time starter for Arizona.

Former WVU deputy AD Keli Zinn, who spent more than a decade in Morgantown, has been named Rutgers’ new athletic director. She takes over after a year-long vacancy and most recently served in the same role at LSU.
Deion Sanders is back at Colorado’s fall camp after undergoing surgery for bladder cancer. Players and coaches told ESPN his presence has already lifted the team. As our friends at Heartland College Sports noted, Sanders’ return is big not just for the Buffs, but for the Big 12
Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is today at 6 p.m., and SB Nation has a full rundown of the biggest rumors and moves so far.
Shohei Ohtani left his pitching start early Wednesday night after throwing six straight balls and showing signs of discomfort in the fourth inning. The Dodgers pulled him after just 51 pitches, but he remained in the game as the designated hitter. LA is calling it precautionary.
Gilbert Arenas has been charged by the DOJ for allegedly running an illegal high-stakes poker ring out of his LA mansion. The operation, known as “Arenas Poker Club,” allegedly took a cut from each hand — making it illegal under federal law. Arenas faces up to five years in prison.

Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Drop it in the comments or holler at us on social media.

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Rich Rod’s First Fall Camp Back Starts Today

2025-07-30T11:00:00-04:00

WVU Football

It’s a light news day, but fall camp is officially underway in Morgantown with a roster that barely resembles last year’s. Good morning — this is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup.

Day One

Fall camp opens this morning with a completely rebuilt roster — 72 newcomers and four more still waiting on clearance. Rich Rodriguez isn’t interested in nostalgia. As he told John Antonik, his focus is on one thing: the first play against Robert Morris.

The offense might look familiar, but it’s evolved — just like he has. The tempo and spread are less unique now, but the goal’s the same: physical football, played hard. “It’s not what you call,” he said. “It’s what you can execute.”

Five Storylines to Watch as Camp Gets Rolling

Now that camp’s officially underway, we’re starting to get a better look at what this team actually is — or at least what the coaching staff wants it to be. Gold and Blue Nation laid out five storylines to track over the next few weeks, including the quarterback battle, Jahiem White’s fit in Rich Rod’s offense, and whether the revamped secondary can hold up in a Big 12 full of quarterbacks who can sling it.

West By Pod wraps up the Rich Rod Rewatchables with the one we’ve all tried to forget — 13-9. Jordan and Joel relive the disaster, sort through the fallout, and draft their top WVU moments of the 21st century to end things on a higher note.

Mountaineer Roundup

Jordan Harrison says it’s strange not having JJ Quinerly around, but she’s ready to step up — and so is Sydney Shaw. After leading WVU in threes last year, Shaw’s aiming to do more on the ball this season.
WVU women’s basketball will face Duke this season — not in Morgantown, but at The Greenbrier. The game will be played Friday, Nov. 14 in Colonial Hall, with limited seating and tickets going on sale Aug. 21.
Best Virginia’s win on Monday locked in the program’s first-ever trip to the TBT semifinals — but don’t expect them to celebrate it. “It’s championship or bust,” head coach Jarrod West said. Next up is Eberlein Drive, one of TBT’s most experienced squads and a legit offensive threat. Winner moves one step closer to the $1 million.
Toby Okani’s been a problem on defense all tournament — second in blocks, top ten in defensive boards, and a constant disruptor. He’ll be a key piece again Thursday evening.
WVU Golf’s Todd Duncan and Kaleb Wilson were named Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars by the GCAA.
Big Timber is teaming up with WVU for a new officially licensed craft beer called Mountain Beer. It’s a 4.5% pale ale built for tailgates, and it hits shelves (and stadiums) later this week.

Wetherholt Homers Again in Memphis Win

JJ Wetherholt led off Tuesday night with a homer and added another RBI in Memphis’ 10-4 win — his fourth home run in the last six games. The former WVU star is batting .333 with a 1.153 OPS since getting called up to Triple-A, and it’s starting to feel like just a matter of time.

Ryan Bergert made his return to the Padres rotation Tuesday night and looked sharp early, tossing four scoreless innings with plenty of swing-and-miss stuff. He ran into trouble in the fifth, but still gave San Diego a solid boost in his first outing back from Triple-A.
Still Curtain thinks Zach Frazier got snubbed from NFL.com’s early list of “Protector of the Year” candidates.

Seranthony Domínguez got traded during Tuesday’s Orioles-Blue Jays doubleheader — from Baltimore to Toronto. He switched clubhouses between games, then came out and struck out two of his former teammates in the seventh inning.
SB Nation tested Bath & Body Works’ new “Football Season” candle so you don’t have to. Verdict? Smells good — just not like football.
It’s been 30 years since Waterworld hit theaters — and The Ringer thinks it might be time we gave it some credit.

Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Drop it in the comments or holler at us on social media.

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West By Pod: Rich Rod Rewatchables | 13-9

2025-07-30T09:30:00-04:00

Photo by Bob Leverone/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images

It’s the “He Who Must Not Be Named” game for all Mountaineer fans. Jordan and Joel break down the nightmare that happened on December 1, 2007 and all the fallout that followed. And as ear bleach, enjoy our draft of top Mountaineer moments of the 21st century.

Listen to this episode and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @smokingmusket and @West_By_Pod to stay updated on future episodes and exciting content.

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Twitter: @smokingmusket, Joel at @WVStatsGuy, and Jordan at @Gameday_Shorts
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Jahiem White lands on Maxwell Award Watch List

2025-07-29T11:00:00-04:00

Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Best Virginia keeps dancing in Charleston, Alek Manoah’s working his way back to the bigs, and WVU’s star running back is getting some early love. Good morning — this is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup.

Welcome to The Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup (that we didn’t already talk about in another article) with some sophomoric humor and daily distractions thrown in for good measure. And if there’s something we missed, be sure to talk about it in the comments.

Jahiem White Named to Maxwell Award Watch List

Junior running back Jahiem White was one of just four Big 12 running backs named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list on Monday.

White is coming off a breakout sophomore season where he nearly doubled his rushing touchdown total and more than tripled his receiving production. His 7.72 yards per carry as a freshman remains a program record. Now entering his third season, White is expected to lead WVU’s backfield under Rich Rodriguez. He’s rushed for 1,687 yards and 11 scores on 258 carries so far in his career.

Best Virginia heads to the TBT final four

Best Virginia turned up the pressure and never looked back in a 74–61 win over Shell Shock, locking up a spot in the TBT semifinal for the first time. James Reese stayed hot with 24 points — his fourth straight 20+ point game — and the defense set the tone early, holding Shell Shock scoreless for the first five minutes. They’ll be back on the Civic Center floor Thursday night against Eberlein Drive with a shot at the $1 million game on the line. Tickets for the game, which tips at 6PM, are available through Ticketmaster.

And if you want to hear more about the game, Josh was there and recaps it all on the latest episode of Unreasonable Doubt.

Mountaineer Roundup

WVU women’s hoops is reloading after the departures of JJ Quinerly and Kyah Watson. Mark Kellogg says this might be his deepest team yet, with portal additions like Sydney Shaw, Kierra Wheeler, and Carter McCray expected to make an immediate impact.
WVU Volleyball’s 2025 promo schedule is out, featuring highlights like the Halloween “Spiketacular” on Oct. 30 with costumes and candy for kids, and a Gold Rush matchup with Kansas on Nov. 1. Season tickets are on sale now for all 12 regular-season home matches.

Ryan Bergert is expected to start for the Padres today against the Mets, giving Yu Darvish an extra day of rest. The former WVU standout has impressed in 10 MLB outings this season with a 2.84 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.
Alek Manoah is inching closer to a return, tossing a 45-pitch sim game over the weekend and hitting 95 on the gun. The former WVU star is scheduled for another rehab outing with Single-A Dunedin later this week as he works his way back from elbow surgery.
Victor Scott II joined Cardinals teammates Matthew Liberatore and Thomas Saggese — along with broadcaster Chip Caray — to coach at this year’s Rainbows for Kids All-Star Game. The event supports St. Louis-area children with cancer and is a longtime community tradition.
Orioles reliever Kade Strowd made headlines Monday for all the wrong reasons, when a 96-mph fastball struck George Springer in the head during the ninth inning in Baltimore. Springer was down for over a minute before walking off under his own power. Thankfully, he was alert and communicating with medical staff immediately, and further evaluation was underway postgame.
Steelers Depot questions whether Beanie Bishop Jr. can carve out a role in Pittsburgh’s deep secondary. With Jalen Ramsey and Chuck Clark joining the mix, Bishop’s best shot could come on special teams — where he logged 175 snaps last year.
Miles McBride says he’s excited for a fresh start under new Knicks head coach Mike Brown. The former WVU guard had a rocky start under Tom Thibodeau but eventually earned his trust off the bench. Now he’s hoping to build on that momentum heading into a contract year.
Jesse Edwards made the most of his Summer League run with the Timberwolves, capping things off with an 18-point, 8-rebound, 4-block performance in the finale against Houston. The former WVU big man averaged 6.8 points and 1.4 blocks over five games — a solid showing as he fights for a roster spot behind Rudy Gobert.

After months of speculation, Deion Sanders revealed he recently underwent surgery to remove his bladder after doctors found a cancerous tumor. The procedure was successful, and Coach Prime has since been declared cancer-free. Sanders said the tumor was discovered during a routine vascular exam due to his history with blood clots. He lost roughly 25 pounds during recovery and has undergone a lifestyle adjustment following the surgery — but he’s been medically cleared to coach this season.
Marshall has a new AD. Gerald Harrison, who spent the last seven years at Austin Peay, will replace Christian Spears after his contract wasn’t renewed. Harrison oversaw 13 championships and a conference move at APSU, and previously held roles at Duke and Tennessee.
A gunman who killed four people at a Manhattan office building Monday was reportedly trying to target NFL headquarters but entered the wrong elevator. A league employee was injured, and the shooter left behind a note blaming the NFL for his alleged CTE.
Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg passed away Monday at age 65 after a long battle with cancer. The Hall of Famer was one of MLB’s best second basemen and a beloved figure in Chicago, where his No. 23 is retired and his statue stands outside Wrigley Field.

Spinal Tap is reuniting for one final concert in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, and the trailer is exactly as ridiculous as it should be. Rob Reiner’s back behind the camera, trying once again to document the world’s loudest, least functional band as they prep for one final concert (assuming their 12th drummer survives).

Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Drop it in the comments or holler at us on social media.

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Unreasonable Doubt: Best Virginia is in the The Basketball Tournament Final Four!

2025-07-29T09:45:00-04:00

Which Final Four is more memorable for John Flowers? What have been the constant’s in Best Virginia’s four wins? Are people saying that there’s magic in the Civic Center? Let’s talk about Best Virginia advancing to the The Basketball Tournament Semifinals!

Listen to this episode and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @smokingmusket and @imjoshwhitt to stay updated on future episodes.

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What If... The Seasons That Could’ve Changed Everything (But Didn’t)

2025-07-28T13:30:00-04:00

WVU’s had plenty of great teams. But which one of them left the most on the table?

What’s the biggest “What If” team in WVU football history?

That’s the question masterofawesomeness asked in our Discord the other day, and it immediately felt like the perfect way to kick off some preseason discussion. I’ve put together a quick summary of the teams that were mentioned the most and added a little bit of context. The ones where everything was in place… and then fell apart.

I’m leaving 2007 team out of this conversation for obvious reasons. That wasn’t a “What If” — it was a “We Know Exactly What,” and I don’t have the emotional bandwidth or the desire to talk about it again. If you’re here expecting 13-9, you aren’t getting it. Officially, the game never happened. Because of the war. Thanks for understanding.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the teams that didn’t get their hearts ripped out at the finish line, but slowly unraveled before they got there.

What If Jeff Mullen Had Never Touched the Playbook? (2008)

Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Coming off three straight 11-win seasons and fresh off a Fiesta Bowl upset of Oklahoma, West Virginia entered 2008 ranked No. 8 with legitimate national title aspirations with the eighth-best odds to win it all (+2000). Pat White returned for his senior year. Noel Devine was ready to break out. The offensive line was veteran and physical. And the defense — led by Jeff Casteel — was loaded, finishing the year ranked 11th nationally in scoring defense. The roster was still built in Rich Rodriguez’s image. All they needed was to keep the formula intact.

Instead, Bill Stewart got the head coaching job after the Fiesta Bowl win and handed the keys to the offense to Jeff Mullen, a man who called plays like he was actively trying to smother Pat White’s legacy with a pillow. The tempo slowed. The creativity vanished. Drives died at 3rd‑and‑long. The run game was bland. Play design felt random. West Virginia scored 21 or fewer points five times, despite having one of the most explosive backfields in college football. Mullen’s system neutered what should have been a top-tier offense, and the result was a 9–4 season that included losses to East Carolina, Colorado, and Cincinnati. Frankly, Jeff Mullen should have to answer for his crimes.

What If a Playoff-Caliber Offense Had Literally Any Help at All? (2012)

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

In their first season in the Big 12 and the Orange Bowl win, Dana Holgorsen’s No. 11 ranked Mountaineers entered, started 5–0 and climbed to No. 5 in the AP Poll. Geno Smith threw 24 touchdowns with zero interceptions in that stretch, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey put up video game numbers, and the offense averaged over 50 points per game. They dropped 70 points on No. 25 Baylor in an absolutely unhinged shootout in Morgantown, then followed it with a win over No. 11 Texas in Austin that felt like a program-defining moment. At that point, West Virginia looked like a legitimate national title contender.

And then the defense fell apart. From mid-October through mid-November, WVU gave up 49, 55, 39, 55 (again), and 50 points in five straight losses. Defensive coordinator Joe DeForest’s unit was completely lost — blown assignments, missed tackles, no depth, and no adjustments. Holgorsen, to his discredit, did little to intervene. The offense kept swinging, but even Tavon Austin couldn’t keep pace with what was happening on the other side of the ball. West Virginia finished 7–6 after getting run over by Syracuse in a miserably cold, snowy Pinstripe Bowl.

What If the Fiesta Bowl Hangover Never Happened? (1989)

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Coming off the program’s first national-title appearance in 1988, expectations for West Virginia in 1989 were sky-high. Head coach Don Nehlen returned a veteran core, and Major Harris came back as a decorated All-American and Heisman finalist. The team entered the season ranked No. 17, started 4–0, and climbed to No. 9. With no conference title game to navigate and a manageable schedule, the idea of back-to-back runs didn’t feel unrealistic.

But then came the Pitt collapse. West Virginia led 31–9 in the fourth quarter and somehow tied, 31–31, as Pitt’s Ed Frazier knocked through a 42-yard field goal on the final play of the game. That wrecked the season’s momentum. The very next week, WVU slogged through a brutal 12–10 loss to Virginia Tech, where the offense looked out of sync and out of rhythm. Penn State beat them again. And the year ended with a 27–7 loss to Clemson in the Gator Bowl, where the offense never got off the bus. The defense held strong, but the team never found its footing after that collapse in Pittsburgh. What looked like the start of a golden era quickly became just another “almost.”

What If They Had Just Finished the Job? (2018)

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

With Dana Holgorsen in Year 8 and Jake Spavital in Year 2 as offensive coordinator, West Virginia entered the season with a senior-heavy roster built to win. Will Grier, David Sills, Gary Jennings, and Yodny Cajuste headlined one of the most experienced and explosive offenses in the country. Through early November, it showed. WVU climbed as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll, and a wild 42–41 win over No. 17 Texas in Austin — capped by Grier’s walk-off two-point conversion — felt like a defining moment. Win the last two, and the Mountaineers would be in the Big 12 Championship Game with a shot at the College Football Playoff.

One week later, Kyler Murray and Oklahoma came to Morgantown and dropped 59 points in one of the highest-scoring games in FBS history. West Virginia actually scored enough to win — Grier threw for 539 yards and four touchdowns, while Jennings and Sills combined for over 350 yards and four scores — but two Grier fumbles were returned for Oklahoma touchdowns. That was the difference. And with the season on the line, a conservative three-man rush on 4th-and-5 allowed Murray to extend the final drive and ice the game.

WVU finished the year 8–4. Grier sat out the bowl game and left for the NFL. The Mountaineers got embarrassed by Syracuse — again, this time in the Camping World Bowl. Dana stayed in Florida after the bowl game. Days later, Tilman Fertitta flew in to pick him up on a private jet and headed to the Caribbean. Not long after, he was officially off to Houston with a massive new deal in hand. A season that had the look of something special turned into a collapse that closed the book on one of the most talented rosters WVU’s ever had.

What If They Didn’t Waste a Wide Open Big East? (2004)

Paul Chapman-Imagn Images

This was supposed to be Rich Rodriguez’s first “complete” team. West Virginia entered the season ranked No. 10 after a Gator Bowl appearance and brought back key starters on both sides of the ball. Rasheed Marshall had experience. Kay-Jay Harris was a grown man at running back. Chris Henry was nearly impossible to cover. And with Miami and Virginia Tech gone to the ACC, the Big East was wide open. It was all there: a soft schedule, a proven offensive system, and a clear runway to a BCS bowl.

And then they choked. Back-to-back November losses to Boston College and Pitt knocked them out of the rankings and out of contention. Both games were winnable. Chris Henry was ejected during the Rutgers game for unsportsmanlike conduct and then suspended for the Pitt game after violating team rules. The offense slowed to a crawl. A 30–18 loss to a very average Florida State team in the Gator Bowl capped it off. The Mountaineers finished the year 8–4 (4–2 Big East) — a great start, a forgettable finish, and a team with real potential that played small in big moments.

What if WVU Had Just Finished One of Those Games? (1998)

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Coming off a solid 1997 campaign, Don Nehlen’s 1998 squad returned key pieces on both sides of the ball. Marc Bulger was at quarterback, Amos Zereoué was back for his junior (and final) year, and the defense was stout. Expectations were high. The Mountaineers entered the season with a No. 11 ranking, a manageable schedule, and one of the most talented rosters Nehlen ever had. This was supposed to be the year he finally broke through in a major bowl. The Mountaineers stayed in the mix for the Big East title all season and had the firepower to get it done.

But they couldn’t close. WVU lost 34–31 at Miami, then 27–13 at No. 20 Virginia Tech a week later — two critical games that swung the conference race. Both were winnable, especially with the offensive talent on hand, but the Mountaineers came up short in big moments yet again.

We remember these teams because they felt like they could’ve been something — and that only stings because we cared. You don’t feel that kind of letdown unless you are invested. But over the last few years, the intrigue dried up — at least, in my opinion. The games felt flat. WVU football stopped feeling dangerous, exciting, or even all that relevant — and that might’ve been the worst part of all.

That’s not a shot at any one coach or staff — every season has its own context, and none of this is about assigning blame. It’s just about what it felt like as a fan. And when that sense of possibility vanishes, you feel it.

(OK, maybe I am assigning blame with Jeff Mullen.)

This year’s team probably isn’t destined for a “What If” conversation, but with Rich Rodriguez back on the sideline, the vibe has shifted. It doesn’t guarantee wins. It doesn’t mean WVU is suddenly a Big 12 contender out of the gate. But it does mean the offense might finally have an identity again. It means there’s a coach on the headset who won’t flinch when the moment gets big. It means national outlets are at least looking Morgantown’s way again — and for the first time in a while, fans aren’t just hoping for progress, we’re curious about potential.

So who’s your pick?

Vote below for the biggest “What If?” team in WVU history — and if I missed one that still keeps you up at night, drop it in the comments. Misery loves company.

WVU Set to Open Fall Camp with Ticket Sales at 10-Year High

2025-07-28T10:00:00-04:00

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images for ONIT

WVU kicks off fall camp this week, Best Virginia is three wins from $1 million, and former WVU stars are turning heads across the pros. Good morning — this is the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup.

Camp Starts Wednesday

Preseason camp opens this week with ticket sales at their highest point since 2013. Rich Rodriguez isn’t tiptoeing around expectations — or the effort he saw out of last year’s team. “We did not play as hard as we can play. There is never an excuse for that.” he told John Antonik. Now? It’s about effort, toughness, and finishing what he started 17 years ago. Antonik’s full piece dives into the energy shift.

Best Virginia’s Back — and Three Wins from a $1 Million

Best Virginia takes the floor tonight at 6 p.m. on FS1 for a TBT quarterfinal matchup against Shell Shock. It’s their second-ever trip to the quarterfinals, and a win would keep them in Charleston for Thursday’s semifinal.

James Reese has led the team in scoring in all three games, with 11 made threes. JD Weatherspoon has been dominant in the paint, hitting 10 of 11 shots over the last two rounds. Tre Mitchell and Keddy Johnson have also scored in double figures every game so far, combining for 92 points across the first three rounds.

Shell Shock enters with three close wins and could get a boost if former Maryland guards Melo Trimble and Eric Ayala make their tournament debuts.

Mountaineer Roundup

CBS Sports spotlighted some of the more unique perks in new college football coaching contracts — including golf club memberships and branded phrase royalties. Rich Rodriguez made the list.
Ross Hodge broke down WVU’s completely overhauled roster — the fourth in four years — and explained why junior college experience might actually be an advantage in today’s transfer portal era.
WVU women’s basketball opened summer workouts this week, with Mark Kellogg looking to replace JJ Quinerly’s production by committee. The Mountaineers return a deep roster, including Jordan Harrison at point and Texas Tech transfer Loghan Johnson, as they continue building a fast-paced, pressure-heavy identity.
Planet Fitness is now the Official Fitness Center of WVU Athletics, thanks to a new multi-year partnership secured through Learfield.
Bryson Thacker (1.88 ERA, .149 BAA) and Tucker DeLisle (33 K, 2.28 ERA) are standing out in the Appalachian League. With WVU rebuilding its rotation, both could factor in big next spring.

Javon Small might be draft steal for the Grizzlies

After hearing his name called in the second round of the NBA Draft, former WVU point guard Javon Small is already turning heads in Memphis. The 6-foot-1 floor general returned from a groin injury to average 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7 assists over his final two Summer League games. He’s still on a two-way deal, but the way he’s running Tuomas Iisalo’s offense already has fans wondering how long he’ll stay in the G League.

Miles McBride in line for larger role with Knicks under Mike Brown

New head coach Mike Brown is expected to lean more on his bench this season, and that could mean heavier minutes for McBride. SNY reports the former Mountaineer could share the floor often with new additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele after averaging 9.5 points and 37% from three last year.

JJ Wetherholt is slashing .364/.432/.879 with four homers in his first nine Triple-A games as Cardinals fans wonder how soon he’ll get the call.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton suffered a torn Achilles in Giants camp Sunday and is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.
Doug Nester is battling for a spot with the Steelers after re-signing with the team this offseason. The former WVU lineman says reconnecting with fellow Mountaineers Zach Frazier and Beanie Bishop has made the transition to the NFL a little easier.
Zach Frazier has had a few shaky snaps in Steelers camp, with Pittsburgh coaches downplaying early jitters but noting the need for quick improvement.
Kyzir White visited the Lions this week as the former Cardinals captain looks for a new home in free agency.
Rasul Douglas reportedly turned down multiple contract offers from the Dolphins this offseason. The former WVU star, who helped Buffalo go 3-0 against Miami during his time with the Bills, remains one of the top free-agent corners on the market.
Former WVU All-American Darius Stills is starting his coaching career back home, joining Fairmont State as an assistant defensive line coach and recruiting analyst.
Ryan Bergert is reportedly drawing trade interest ahead of the deadline with a 2.84 ERA in 10 outings.
Kade Strowd is back in the bigs after Baltimore placed closer Felix Bautista on the IL. The former WVU righty has a 4.15 ERA in three MLB outings this season
Former Mountaineer wideout Winston Wright Jr. signed with the Browns after going undrafted this spring.
Erik Stevenson is emerging as the Heat’s next potential sharpshooting project, hitting 54.5% from deep in Summer League and drawing comparisons to past Miami success stories like Duncan Robinson.

Kansas head coach Bill Self says he’s feeling strong and ready for the season after being hospitalized with chest tightness earlier this month. It’s his second health scare in the past year, but he says the Jayhawks are recharged and ready to roll.
North Carolina Central coach Trei Oliver says a Virginia Tech assistant showed up on his sideline last season to recruit star running back J’Mari Taylor — who later transferred to Virginia. Oliver said his staff had to calm him down and called the move “pretty bold.” Virginia Tech says it’s reviewing the claim.
Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing his Cabinet to develop a plan that would restrict college athletes from becoming employees or receiving pay-for-play deals. The order pushes for stricter limits on NIL deals, ties athletic scholarships to department revenue, and calls for federal oversight to protect non-revenue sports. Critics argue the move undercuts athlete rights just as schools prepare to pay players under the historic antitrust settlement.
Hulk Hogan died. SB Nation’s James Dator argues he did more harm than good to the wrestling business.

For my fellow wrestling sickos — the WCW YouTube channel is marathoning every pay-per-view in company history. That means all-timers like Starrcade ‘89, absolute chaos like Halloween Havoc ‘95, and whatever the hell Greed 2001 was supposed to be. Want to watch Hulk Hogan get ambushed by a seven-foot mummy named The Yeti while Tony Schiavone desperately pretends it’s normal? Fire it up.

Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Drop it in the comments or holler at us on social media.

We’ll be back for more tomorrow.

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