What's Happening?
West Virginia University is set to open its college football season under the leadership of Rich Rodriguez, marking his second tenure as head coach. The Mountaineers will face Robert Morris University in their season opener on Saturday. Rodriguez, who previously coached West Virginia from 2001 to 2007, returns to the program after the firing of former coach Neal Brown. The Mountaineers are coming off a 6-7 season, which ended with a loss to Memphis in the Frisco Bowl. West Virginia's offense averaged 404 yards per game last season, ranking 53rd in the FBS, while their defense allowed 415.2 yards per game, ranking 111th. Robert Morris, on the other hand, concluded their previous season with a 7-5 record, defeating Stonehill in their final game. The matchup is expected to be a challenging one for Robert Morris, as West Virginia is favored by 38.5 points according to BetMGM odds.
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Why It's Important?
The return of Rich Rodriguez to West Virginia is significant for the program, as he previously led the team to multiple successful seasons, including three consecutive 11-win seasons. His coaching style and experience are anticipated to bring renewed energy and strategic improvements to the Mountaineers. This game serves as a critical test for Rodriguez's ability to revitalize the team and improve upon last season's performance. For Robert Morris, facing a team from the FBS provides an opportunity to showcase their capabilities against higher-level competition, potentially boosting their profile and experience. The outcome of this game could set the tone for both teams' seasons, influencing their strategies and morale moving forward.
What's Next?
Following the opener against Robert Morris, West Virginia will travel to Ohio for their next game on September 6. This will be another opportunity for Rodriguez to assess his team's performance and make necessary adjustments. Robert Morris will continue their season with a game against Youngstown State, aiming to build on their previous season's success. Both teams will be looking to establish momentum early in the season, which could impact their standings and postseason prospects.
