MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Saturday’s forecast called for an 80 percent chance of rain and perhaps an even greater chance of Mountaineer defeat.
So much for the forecasts.
On a sun-swept afternoon at Milan Puskar Stadium, West Virginia shook off its groggy start to the season to jump North Carolina State for a 44-27 win.
The previously dormant Mountaineers rushing offense gained 173 yards and scored three touchdowns. They did so behind an offensive line that was completely rebuilt between the tackles.
Starting guards Josh Sills (injury) and Mike Brown (illness) did not dress, replaced by John Hughes and James Gmiter, respectively.