Much like those around the world have been unable to escape “Take Me Home, Country Roads” over the past month (which is not a problem, by the way), keep an eye out in the right place and you’ll see other Mountaineer representatives. WVU Football Head Coach Rich Rodriguez and former-punter-extraordinaire-turned-ESPN-cash-cow Pat McAfee have been in the spotlight for some time now.
From taking shots to calling shots, the dynamic duo is representing the very nature of WVU and the state itself — gritty, wild, and determined.
Many say all PR is good PR. That is simply not true. Luckily, it is in this case. Read more: The traveling (good) PR department: Rich Rodriguez and Pat McAfee.
In the public eye
We’re less than two days removed from the pair popping up on stage at a Riley Green concert in Pittsburgh, having a cold one with the country star. It’s no Rocco’s, but at least a check didn’t bounce this time. Side note: read up on that debacle from Omaha, it’s a trip.
I know we have the classic conundrum of Mountaineer mainstays getting cheers in the Steel City, considering which school hangs around town. If anything, the rousing support once again shows that unless you went to said school or live within two blocks of it, it’s essentially WVU country.
Related: Party like it’s 2008: whiteout theme returns
Some fans could argue — with validity — they should stick to getting this team out of the gutter it was in last year. A late start, crushing losses, and simply no “hard edge” that was promised, at least outside of the Backyard Brawl. It has to return now.
You could even argue it’s not the best look for the current head coach and an ESPN analyst to be in the public eye so much.
But when there are talks that the latter could be pouring in eight figures to the athletic department and WVU is wanting to take the next step into making itself legitimate on the gridiron again, let ’em party.
Program on their shoulders
You take away the fun and focus on reality for a second… these guys are doing their best to instill pride back into the Flying WV logo.
Everywhere they go.
Whether it be in Morgantown, Omaha, Pittsburgh, or outer space — people see it. People see two guys having fun, promoting their school with genuine love, and (hopefully) recruiting players and fans along the way.
Related: The road leads home: how “Country Roads” became part of WVU
In that case, pile on the bandwagon and prepare for a fun fall in the Mountain State.
After all, the worst day at Milan Puskar Stadium is better than any day being the second best football team in an NFL stadium.
All in good fun
Slow summer days bring out the true editorial style out in some of us.
Set aside your stats and preconceived notions for the moment, and enjoy the PR while we have it.
The world is singing our song, the ball coach is having good clean fun, and a top media personality in the world is completely bought into his Alma Mater. Not too shabby, I’d say.
Related: Former WVU pitcher finds new home, stays in Big 12
Related: WVU Volleyball completes 2026 schedule with non-conference slate
Cheers, a certain drink of choice, and Mountaineers, everyone.
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