STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania — The West Virginia Mountaineers were outmatched and overpowered in their 2023 season opener, falling to the #7 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, 38-15.
West Virginia, 0-1, played competitively in the first half and was only down 7-14 at halftime, but Penn State, 1-0, dominated the second half with a consistent passing game offensively and an outstanding defense.
The Mountaineers were led by sophomore running back CJ Donaldson, who rushed 18 times for 81 yards and 1 touchdown. Garrett Greene was 16/27 for 167 yards through the air and had 61 yards on 14 carries on the ground. West Virginia’s top wide receiver was NC State transfer Devin Carter, who finished the game with 6 receptions for 90 yards (15.0 yards per catch).
West Virginia’s defensive secondary was clearly over-matched against the Penn State passing game. Drew Allar, the Nittany Lions’ starting quarterback, finished the game 21/29 for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Penn State wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith (4 receptions, 123 yards and 2 touchdowns) and Harrison Wallace II (7 receptions, 72 yards) were open all game and able to do whatever they wanted against West Virginia’s secondary.
The Mountaineers are back in action next weekend, Saturday, September 9, at 6:00PM in Morgantown in their home season opener against Duquesne.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
BIG PLAY: 𝐆𝐆 to 𝐃𝐂 for a 37-yard connection that set up our first-half score@garrett3greene x @__d1c pic.twitter.com/dGlpASXIZu
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) September 3, 2023
💨 @garrett3greene pic.twitter.com/5ooAC6Mevp
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) September 3, 2023
Cover Photo: WVU Athletics
