Morgantown, WV – The West Virginia Mountaineers took down Robert Morris University, 45-3, in front of an electric crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This marks the first time since 2020 that the Mountaineers have began a season 1-0, as well as the 61st victory for Coach Rich Rodriguez at WVU – tying him for 2nd-most in program history with Dana Holgorsen.
While the final score indicates that the game was never in question for West Virginia, there were some moments that left fans feeling a little uneasy. However, those moments were largely overshadowed by the second half fireworks.
Today, we’re going to share our five reactions to West Virginia’s season opening win, and breakdown what fans should expect next.
- Nicco Marchiol is the clear QB1
The storyline of the offseason for West Virginia, other than Rodriguez’s return, was the quarterback battle. A five-man battle ensued, ultimately resulting in Nicco Marchiol separating himself from the pack. The Arizona native finished with a career-high 224 passing yards, 56 rushing yards, and 2 total touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing) against the Colonials. Out of the four signal-callers that saw action, Marchiol was the most poised and efficient. Barring something unforeseen, it is clear that he will be the one leading the Mountaineers moving forward.
- Holy Defense!
Zac Alley made his Morgantown debut on Saturday afternoon – and boy did it give WVU fans a lot to be excited about. The defense dominated Robert Morris, holding them to 123 total yards and 3 points. Considering what Mountaineer fans have endured over the last six seasons, this was a breath of fresh air.
- Turnovers and Penalties
The most concerning thing to come out of Morgantown on Saturday was the amount of turnovers and penalties by WVU. Four lost fumbles and 9 penalties is a recipe for disaster if it continues into Big 12 play. Expect this to be a key of emphasis for Rich Rodriguez in practice moving forward.
- Scotty Fox
Welcome to college football, Mr Fox! On just the 3rd play of his collegiate career, the Ohio native sliced through the defense en route to a 59-yard scoring scamper. It’s still very early, but Rich Rodriguez may have just found his quarterback of the future.
Buh-bye @ScottyFox18 🏁
📺 ESPN+ https://t.co/QE1kkEH3VC pic.twitter.com/Jph6se5eUD
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) August 30, 2025
- This just feels right
Rich Rodriguez IS West Virginia Football! Everything about yesterday just felt right. The return of the train, the pregame warmups, the glossy blue helmets, and Country Roads. We’re only one game in, but it is hard to imagine this not working.
Game ball 🟰 @RealCoachRod 🏈 pic.twitter.com/PCGlKVpB3w
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) August 31, 2025
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
