The West Virginia Mountaineers have given their fans plenty to celebrate through the first three weeks of the season, but Rich Rodriguez believes there is something special about Morgantown that no scoreboard can fully explain.
With Oklahoma State coming to town Saturday night, the WVU coach is preparing to showcase one of college football’s most passionate environments to a significant group of prospective recruits. His latest comments should resonate with anyone who has experienced a Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
According to Spencer Ripchik of The Dominion Post, Rodriguez expects approximately 35 to 40 high school recruits to attend West Virginia’s Big 12 home opener. The Mountaineers are coming off a 38-27 victory over No. 25 Virginia, improving to 3-0 for the first time since 2018. Now, Rodriguez has an opportunity to introduce prospective players to the atmosphere surrounding a program that suddenly has plenty of momentum. The timing couldn’t be better.
Rich Rodriguez Makes Proud Declaration About Playing at WVU
Rodriguez has experienced college football from several different perspectives throughout his coaching career. He has worked at programs including Michigan, Arizona and Ole Miss, giving him firsthand knowledge of environments across the country. Nevertheless, his latest comments made it clear where he believes Morgantown belongs in that conversation.
“This is one of the greatest places to play in college football in America. It really is,” Rodriguez said.
The statement carries additional meaning coming from someone who previously played at West Virginia and is now leading the program for a second time. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of football throughout the state, the involvement of Mountaineers fans and the atmosphere surrounding the program. For the thousands of supporters who spend their Saturdays in Morgantown, those characteristics are hardly a surprise.
There is something distinctive about an entire state rallying around its flagship football program. The Mountaineer Mantrip, the Pride of West Virginia marching band and the familiar sound of “Country Roads” following a home victory have become traditions that connect generations of supporters. Rodriguez wants prospective players to understand that joining WVU means becoming part of something bigger than an individual football career.
WVU Has an Opportunity to Make Saturday Night Unforgettable
Saturday presents a particularly interesting opportunity because West Virginia is preparing for its first conference game following an unbeaten nonconference start. The Mountaineers will welcome Oklahoma State for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff, with supporters encouraged to wear gold throughout Milan Puskar Stadium. The Cowboys have won five consecutive games in Morgantown, giving WVU an additional reason to deliver a memorable performance.
Michael Hawkins Jr. has already given Mountaineers fans a reason to believe after accounting for five touchdowns against Virginia. However, Rodriguez understands that building a successful program requires more than impressive individual performances. Convincing young players to choose West Virginia is another important part of returning the Mountaineers to national prominence. It’s obvious that WVU has lacked in this area in recent years.
That is where Saturday’s atmosphere could make a difference. Recruits can watch highlights, examine facilities and speak with coaches throughout the year, but experiencing a packed Milan Puskar Stadium under the lights offers something different.
For Mountaineers fans, the assignment is simple. Show those recruits exactly why Rodriguez believes Morgantown belongs among college football’s greatest destinations.
And if Saturday ends with thousands of voices singing “Country Roads,” his recruiting pitch will practically make itself. All eyes are on the couches in Morgantown, WV.
Rich Rodriguez Wants Recruits to Discover What WVU Fans Know by Heart