3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Football Begins - Wren Baker Visits (Episode 730)

Rain and sunshine greeted the Mountaineers in Saturday’s season opener. Their performance followed a similar forecast.WVU’s 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina delivered the desired result, but the path to it revealed plenty that needs immediate correction.In this episode, the “Guys” return to Sunday morning recaps to break down what worked in the first half, what went wrong in the second and what the Mountaineers must fix moving forward.Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, Brad digs into the stats and analytics, and listener questions and comments close the show with Textual Healing.

FINALLY … it’s here.At long last, West Virginia will open its 134th football season Saturday when the Mountaineers host Coastal Carolina.Along with the traditional optimism surrounding a season opener, the game will feature the formal retirement of legendary quarterback Pat White’s No. 5.In this episode, the “Guys” examine the biggest storylines surrounding Saturday’s matchup. Brad digs deep into the numbers with Spreads on Stats, Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listeners have their say in Textual Healing.The crew returns Sunday with a complete Coastal Carolina recap.

The first game of the college football season always brings optimism, but that feeling is even stronger at West Virginia as Rich Rodriguez and his retooled roster prepare to open the season.Saturday’s opener against Coastal Carolina carries added significance as legendary quarterback Pat White has his number retired during a pregame ceremony.In this episode, the “Guys” preview Week 1 and visit with Coastal Carolina play-by-play announcer Chris Burgin. Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments fuel another round of Textual Healing.The crew returns Thursday with its complete preview of Saturday’s game.

The final major scrimmage of the preseason is complete. Now, the soundtrack is changing.The sounds drifting across the West Virginia University campus belong to the Pride of West Virginia, as the marching band prepares for next week’s season opener against Coastal Carolina.The drums are getting louder. Game day is getting closer.In this episode, the “Guys” unveil their final batch of preseason Over/Under propositions. Brad zeroes in on an intriguing offensive category and a critical defensive statistic that rarely receives the attention it deserves.The numbers have been set. The predictions have been made. All that remains is to play the games and discover who knew what they were talking about — and who absolutely did not.Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, while listener questions and comments complete the show with Textual Healing.

Classes are underway at West Virginia University, signaling another important turn on the football calendar.The Mountaineers have officially moved beyond the isolation of preseason camp — morning practices and long days spent inside the Puskar Center — and into the rhythm of a normal game week.Afternoon practices have arrived, preparations are intensifying, and the season opener is now less than three weeks away.So, what should we expect from Rich Rodriguez’s offense?In this episode, the “Guys” unveil the first installment of their annual preseason over/under propositions. The opening focus is on a WVU offense expected to make a significant jump from last season.How productive will the Mountaineers be? Which players are poised for breakout seasons? And which numbers will ultimately define the success of Rodriguez’s offense?The predictions are made. Now comes the fun part — seeing who’s right.Hoppy Kercheval delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments complete the episode with Textual Healing.

Call it Christmas in August. Ho, ho, ho.West Virginia’s men’s basketball roster unwrapped a very special gift Wednesday when Brenen Lorient announced he'll return to the Mountaineers for another season.The unexpected development follows the NCAA’s recent decision to grant athletes five years of eligibility. Although the matter still awaits final resolution in court, Lorient and other players appear to be moving closer to receiving an additional season.In this episode, the "Guys" are joined by WVU basketball coach Ross Hodge who explains Lorient’s situation and what his return would mean for the Mountaineers’ roster.The crew also provides the latest from preseason football camp following Rich Rodriguez’s press conference after West Virginia’s seventh practice.Listener questions and comments complete the episode with another edition of Textual Healing.

The countdown to the start of the West Virginia University football season is officially underway.The Mountaineers held their first formal preseason workout on Wednesday as head coach Rich Rodriguez begins his second season with hopes of returning WVU to its winning ways.In this episode, the “Guys” recap the opening day of practice and welcome athletic director Wren Baker, who shares his thoughts on the Antero Resources uniform announcement.Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listeners join the conversation with questions and comments on Textual Healing.

The relationship between a university president and an athletic department often determines far more than wins and losses. When leadership shares a common vision, the entire institution benefits.At West Virginia University, that partnership appears to be taking shape. President Michael Benson believes athletic success can elevate the university’s reputation, strengthen enrollment, energize alumni and create momentum that extends well beyond the playing field.In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with President Benson to reflect on his first year in Morgantown. They discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, the changing economics of college athletics, and the strategic decisions being made to position West Virginia University for long-term success.It’s an insightful conversation with the university’s chief executive on leadership, vision and why the future of WVU depends on excelling both in the classroom and in competition.

Cam Cook doesn't arrive in Morgantown with potential. He arrives with production.The senior running back from Round Rock, Texas, led all of college football in rushing last season, piling up 1,659 yards and turning himself into one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.Now, Cook brings that talent to West Virginia, where he'll be counted on as a centerpiece of Rich Rodriguez's high-powered offense.In this episode, the "Guys" sit down with Cook to trace his remarkable journey—from an underutilized recruit to the nation's leading rusher—and learn what fuels his confidence, work ethic and relentless running style. He also shares why Morgantown became the right destination and what he hopes to accomplish this season.If you're wondering what West Virginia's backfield could look like this fall, this conversation provides an inside look at the player expected to carry the load.Plus, the crew unwraps a surprise package from music star Charles Wesley Godwin, Hoppy delivers his latest Obvious Observations, and listener questions once again drive another entertaining edition of Textual Healing.

The founder of Pro Football Talk returns for his annual visit with the “Guys,” delivering the sharp analysis, quick wit and unapologetic opinions that have made him one of football’s most recognizable voices. With NFL training camps about to open, Florio breaks down the league’s biggest storylines, identifies the teams under the most pressure, and shares what he’s watching as another unpredictable season begins.The conversation also shifts to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, where Florio offers his perspective on the legal battles, financial realities and seismic changes continuing to reshape the games we love.As always, the discussion isn’t limited to sports. Florio provides an update on his latest writing projects, including an unexpected turn into the supernatural—a creative journey that reveals another side of one of football’s most fascinating personalities.Insightful. Entertaining. Thought-provoking. And, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.It’s another can’t-miss conversation with one of the most informed and opinionated voices in football.