3 Guys Before The Game - Backyard Brawl Preview (Episode 657)

The 108th meeting between West Virginia and Pitt will be remembered for years to come—a classic that needed overtime to deliver a winner. In just his third game back, Coach Rich Rodriguez injected the adrenaline shot of “Hard Edge” he’s been preaching since his return. The 31–24 victory gave Mountaineer Nation the back-to-the-future flashback it’s been longing for, along with a renewed hope that better days are ahead. In this episode, the “Guys” break down every angle of the game: the analytics, standout performances, controversial officiating, and the series of suspicious, game-stopping “injuries” suffered by Pitt. Listener questions and comments wrap up the show in the always-popular Textual Healing segment.

WVU players Rodney Gallagher, Edward Veterinen, Devin Grant with pre-Pitt comments WVU hockey General Manager Todd Gookin.Darlene Dunn on the Jim Dunn Memorial Run. 

Pitt rolls in as more than a touchdown favorite. West Virginia limps in after one of its most crushing defeats in decades. So what happens next in the 108th Backyard Brawl? If history tells us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. That’s why this rivalry remains one of college football’s longest, fiercest, and most unpredictable. In this episode, the “Guys” break down Saturday’s showdown—digging into the analytics, the matchups, and the storylines that could swing the game. Listener questions and comments round out the show, making this a full-on Backyard Brawl primer.

What was that?Game two of the season exposed the Mountaineer football team.WVU's 17-10 loss to Ohio was caused by an inefficient offense and a defense that allowed Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro to control the game.In this episode, the "Guys" dive deep into the numbers to analyze the outcome and what it means. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.                  

College football does not waste time. Seven days after opening its season to the roar and adoration of Mountaineers fans, West Virginia will travel to Athens, Ohio for a much anticipated showdown with defending MAC champion Ohio University. It's been 76 years since a Mountaineer football team played in Athens.  The uniqueness of the visit has some calling it one of the biggest home games in the Bobcats' history.  A sold-out crowd, that will include thousands of WVU fans, will be featured in a matchup between the defending MAC champions and Rich Rodriguez's rebuilt Mountaineers. In this episode, the "Guys" dive deep into the Ohio roster and breakdown the keys to the game. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

The start to the second chapter of Rich Rodriguez's tenure as West Virginia's football coach was a success. In earning a 45-3 victory, the Mountaineers displayed the DNA of a Coach Rod team.  WVU played fast and physically dominated visiting Robert Morris on the scoreboard and stat sheet. In this episode, the "Guys" dive deep into the numbers and what it all means as West Virginia quickly turns its attention to Saturday's date at Ohio University. Listener questions and comments complete the show. 

YES!It's time for the first game preview of Rich Rodriguez's first season back in Morgantown. On Saturday, the Mountaineers pull the curtain back on a new chapter of West Virginia University football. What should we expect?  Go ahead and take a guess. (No one really knows)There will be over 120 players on the field between the Mountaineers and visiting Coloniols of Robert Morris.  That speaks volumes about the new world of college football expedited by a coaching change. In this episode, the "Guys" breakdown the matchup and what it all means.  Listener questions and comments complete the show. 

It's here!  The countdown to one of the most anticipated West Virginia football seasons has entered GAME WEEK.  On Saturday afternoon, Rich Rodriguez will navigate the sidelines of Mountaineer Field for the first time in 17 years.  It's an event that many thought would never happen, and a needle-mover for the college football world. The return of Rodriguez brings with it more questions than answers.  Can Coach Rod rekindle his Mountaineer magic? Can a rebuilt WVU roster play with the Hard Edge the coach demands?  We'll begin to learn the answers on Saturday when Robert Morris provides the opposition to kick off WVU's 135th season of football. In this episode, the "Guys" put the Rodriguez return into perspective and answer listener questions and comments. 3 Guys returns Thursday with their preview of Saturday's game. 

It's easy to make the argument that the upcoming Mountaineer football season will be the most unpredictable in history.  That's because there are more than 70 new players along with an entirely new coaching staff. Because of the changes, the Over-Under world is filled with intriguing scenarios of what could happen during the season.  In this episode, the "Guys" are back with chapter two of their annual Over-Under selections.  The Vegas Boyz will tell you to hit the unders on these propositions, but that's not necessarily where the fellas ventured. The crew also announce their live show and food court plans for the season and answer listener questions. 3 Guys returns Monday with a game-week preview. 

New is the theme for West Virginia University as the school year begins.Not only will the Mountaineers have a new football and basketball coach, but a new school president is occupying Stewart Hall.  Michael Benson has been moving non-stop since taking over last month. In this episode, Benson joins the “Guys” with Vice President and Athletic Director Wren Baker to discuss the relationship between administration and athletics.  How will WVU navigate the new world of college sports as it continues to redefine itself. Both Benson and Baker share their philosophy and thoughts on where West Virginia University stands in the new world of college athletics.