Five True Facts about … West Virginia football
Kevin Kolczynski. AP Photo
West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) waits with teammates Colin McBee (43) and offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) while touchdown is reviewed during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Floirda, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.One
West Virginia football traces its origins back to Nov. 28, 1891, when its first team fell to Washington & Jefferson 72-0 playing on a converted cow pasture.
Two
As of Nov, 29. 2003, the Mountaineers home field has been named Milan Puskar Stadium in honor of the founder of Morgantown-based Mylan Pharmaceuticals, which donated $20 million to the university. The construction of Touchdown Terrace in 2004 brought the stadium capacity to 60,000.
Three
The theme song of West Virginia University is John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads,” which has been performed at every home football game pregame show since 1972. Denver himself performed the song to a sold out crowd at Mountaineer Field in 1980. After every home win, WVU players and fans link arms and sing along to a recording of the song.
Four
West Virginia has participated in 39 bowl games, posting a 16-23 record. The Mountaineers last appeared in a bowl game in 2021, losing to Minnesota 18-6 in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
Five
The Mountaineers have 13 College Football Hall of Fame inductees including former coach Bobby Bowden (1970-75), quarterback Major Harris (1987-89), linebacker Sam Huff (1952-1955) and former coach Fielding H. Yost (1895-1896).
