And just like that, the West Virginia football team is on a winning streak. The Mountaineers gutted out a 29-22 victory over Colorado on Saturday. That’s now two straight victories, and more importantly, three consecutive games where they were competitive.
It wasn’t pretty – not even close – but the Mountaineers gutted out a 29–22 win over Colorado on Virginia has played with confidence, toughness and direction. Read more: WVU Football is playing for more than pride
“The weather was terrific. Our crowd was unbelievable. They were here. They were loud,” said coach Rich Rodriguez after the game. “They really made an impact. We have one more home game. I know it’s Thanksgiving, but we’re playing one of the best teams in the country and I hope they can pack it in here and make an impact. Very thankful for West Virginia fans.”
On a sunny afternoon in Morgantown – with members of the 2005 Sugar Bowl team in attendance – the Mountaineers kept their bowl hopes very much alive.
Playing with purpose
Yes, you read that right.
The same team that was blown out by UCF earlier this season is still playing for something in November. Bowl eligibility remains on the table. It may be a long shot with Arizona State and Texas Tech looming, but opportunity is sitting right in front of this group.
And that’s despite the Mountaineers battling through injuries to their best playmakers – running back Jahiem White and wide receiver Jaden Bray – and losing starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol for the season. In a twist, that setback may prove to be a blessing in disguise, as freshman Scotty Fox Jr. is starting to look like the future of the program.
“I’m not going to apologize for any win at this point,” said coach Rich Rodriguez. “Our guys are battling back a little bit. Believe it or not, we still got a chance to go to a bowl game. I mean, really? We gotta win out.”
Right now, they don’t need speeches about “the future” or “culture building.” They don’t need slogans. The motivation is simple:
Play spoiler. Stay alive. Believe.
Past meets present
One win over Arizona State puts West Virginia within striking distance of six wins and a bowl game – something that didn’t seem realistic just weeks ago.
And that’s where the inspiration of the 2005 Sugar Bowl team matters. That season marked the moment Rodriguez’s program truly took shape. Seeing Pat White, Steve Slaton and Owen Schmitt back in Morgantown wasn’t just nostalgia – it was a reminder of what WVU can be when identity, player development and confidence align.
RELATED: West Virginia wins second straight, defeating Colorado 29-22
And how can you not feel echoes of that now?
This team, written off early, is still fighting. Still improving. Still chasing something meaningful in November. That’s growth. That’s progress. And the beginning of something – even if the final form isn’t here yet. And it’s not going unnoticed around college football.
“I love what their head coach is doing right now. He’s giving them that attitude that they need, and I’m a big fan of his,” said coach Sanders after the loss.
No one is declaring a fairytale ending. But there’s now a spark. A pulse. A direction.
For the first time this season, there’s clarity – and a reason to believe the best chapters may be ahead.
