DLF Photo Blog – Dan Friend

Tag: wvu-football

  • The TCU game is a measuring-stick game for the direction of the WVU football program in 2026.

    For the West Virginia vs. TCU game, the meaning goes far beyond just one conference matchup. At 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12, WVU is at a crossroads in the 2026 season. A win would keep momentum alive after the exciting victory over Cincinnati and would give the Mountaineers a much-needed road win against a conference opponent.

    From a program perspective, the game matters in several ways:

    Validation of Rich Rodriguez’s rebuilding effort. WVU’s offense has become one of the most productive in the country, but the defense has struggled badly. A win over TCU would show the Mountaineers can beat a quality Big 12 opponent despite those defensive issues.

    Bowl positioning. At 4-3, WVU needs two more wins to become bowl eligible. Winning at TCU would move the Mountaineers to 5-3 and put them firmly on track for postseason play.

    Conference credibility. WVU has lost several Big 12 games and sits near the bottom of the conference standings. A victory would help stop the slide and restore confidence that the program can compete weekly in the Big 12.

    Momentum heading into a difficult stretch. The Mountaineers face more challenging conference games ahead. Winning at TCU would make the second half of the season feel like an opportunity rather than a salvage operation.

    1. Bowl positioning. At 4-3, WVU needs two more wins to become bowl eligible. Winning at TCU would move the Mountaineers to 5-3 and put them firmly on track for postseason play.

    2. Conference credibility. WVU has lost several Big 12 games and sits near the bottom of the conference standings. A victory would help stop the slide and restore confidence that the program can compete weekly in the Big 12.

    3. Momentum heading into a difficult stretch. The Mountaineers face more challenging conference games ahead. Winning at TCU would make the second half of the season feel like an opportunity rather than a salvage operation.

  • WVU football win over Coastal Carolina first game of the season

    West Virginia University officially immortalized Pat White’s legendary career when his iconic No. 5 jersey was retired

    The “White Out” for Pat White at Milan Puskar Stadium gave the crowd plenty to cheer about before the game on a special afternoon honoring the retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey.

    West Virginia University updated its gameday tradition by shifting how the football team enters Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. This change amplifies the pregame atmosphere creating an intense, unified focal point that elevates the crowd’s energy right before kickoff.

    The West Virginia Mountaineers kicked off their 2026 season with a hard‑fought 31–24 victory over Coastal Carolina, a game that showcased explosive early offense and late defensive resilience. WVU stormed out to a commanding 24–0 halftime lead behind dominant performances from Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr., giving the Milan Puskar Stadium crowd plenty to cheer about after a special afternoon honoring the retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey.

    In the first half, WVU looked nearly unstoppable. Cook set the tone immediately with a 72‑yard burst on the opening play, leading to his first of two rushing touchdowns. Hawkins Jr., in his Mountaineer debut, added a 49‑yard touchdown strike to Armoni Weaver‑Bomar and later punched in a rushing score of his own. By halftime, WVU had piled up 336 yards and controlled every phase of the game, leaving Coastal Carolina searching for answers.

    The second half, however, told a different story. Coastal Carolina quarterback Deuce Bailey ignited a furious rally, throwing three touchdown passes and helping the Chanticleers outgain WVU 425–413 by game’s end. A late field goal cut the lead to seven, but WVU secured the win when the ensuing onside kick sailed out of bounds. Despite the shaky finish, the Mountaineers walked away with a season‑opening victory and a clear sense of promise from their new offensive leaders.

    Fans show appreciate to the football players

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