100 Days Away: 100 Reasons to be Excited About WVU Football and the Official Return of Rich Rodriguez…

100 Days Away: 100 Reasons to be Excited About WVU Football and the Official Return of Rich Rodriguez…

 

Mountaineer Nation, the countdown is officially on. With just 100 days until kickoff, West Virginia University football is buzzing with more anticipation than we’ve seen in years — and it’s not just about the players. It’s about the return of a legend. Rich Rodriguez is back in Morgantown, and the excitement is electric.

Rodriguez’s return marks a full-circle moment. The architect of some of the most dynamic offenses in college football history and the man behind the unforgettable Pat White–Steve Slaton era, Rodriguez brings with him not only a wealth of experience, but a deep-rooted understanding of Mountaineer culture. He built the blueprint that made WVU a national powerhouse in the mid-2000s. Now, with a chance to restore the program to its former glory, the stakes — and the expectations — have never been higher.

Why are fans so excited? Here are just a few reasons:

1. Legacy Restored: Rich Rod’s return signals a reconnection to the past. His 60-26 record at WVU, including three Big East titles and a Sugar Bowl win, still stands as one of the most successful coaching tenures in program history.

2. Offensive Fireworks: Known for his spread offense, Rodriguez revolutionized college football. If you missed watching WVU light up the scoreboard, you won’t be waiting long.

3. Player Development: He has a proven track record of developing under-the-radar talent into All-Americans. Think Owen Schmitt, Pat White, and Steve Slaton — expect more diamonds to be unearthed.

4. Recruiting Boost: His name recognition and success will immediately give WVU an edge in recruiting battles, especially in Appalachia and the Southeast.

5. Culture Reboot: After several years of inconsistency, Rodriguez’s hard-nosed, blue-collar mentality is exactly what the program — and fan base — has been craving.

6. Game Day Atmosphere: Expect Milan Puskar Stadium to be rocking like it’s 2007 again. The energy will be contagious.

7. Rivalries Reignited: With games against old foes like Pitt and Virginia Tech, Rodriguez’s intensity could bring back the full fury of the Backyard Brawl.

8. Innovative Staff: His new coaching staff blends experience with youthful energy, suggesting a balance of tradition and forward-thinking strategies.

9. Fan Engagement: Rich Rod gets West Virginia fans. He’s one of us — gritty, passionate, and unapologetically proud.

10. Hope, Pure and Simple: For the first time in a while, there’s a palpable sense of optimism that WVU can be nationally relevant again.

There are 90 more reasons, big and small, but they all point to one truth: West Virginia football is back on the map. With Rodriguez at the helm, there’s not just hope — there’s belief.

So as the countdown continues, polish up your gold and blue, clear your Saturdays, and get ready for a season that could redefine Mountaineer football. The road back to greatness starts now — and it starts with Rich Rod.