Three Guys Before The Game

Mission accomplished.The Mountaineer football team not only snapped a four-game losing streak to Texas Tech on Saturday, it also swept its three-game homestand.In weather that felt more like November than September, the WVU defense silenced a Red Raiders offense that had averaged 35-points per game. In this episode, the "Guys" breakdown the analytics to show how WVU won the game despite losing several key statistical categories. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

Can the Mountaineers break the streak?That's the question of the week as WVU opens its 12th season in the Big 12 Saturday afternoon in Morgantown. After beating Texas Tech five consecutive years, West Virginia has dropped its last four meetings with the visitors from Lubbock. Last season's 48-10 loss was the low point of the season. Coach Neal Brown called his team's effort embarrassing. WVU will try to snap the streak with a running attack designed to limit the Red Raiders high-tempo offense that's averaging just under 35 points per game. In this episode, the "Guys" reveal the key matchups and metrics that will lead WVU to victory. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

The lights were bright. The crowd was LOUD. And, West Virginia lost its starting quarterback to injury on its sixth play of the game. Problem? Actually, not at all. The Mountaineers displayed the grit and physicality required to win a Backyard Brawl on their way to a 17-6 victory. It was an old-school encounter between the two rivals. Neither team threw for over 100 yards while combining for 87 rush attempts. Key turnovers by Pitt produced 10 of WVU's points and West Virginia's defense held the Panthers to just two field goals. In this episode, the "Guys" breakdown the game and share their thoughts on what it all means for the Mountaineer program. Listener texts and comments complete the episode.

It's time to avenge a loss for the West Virginia University football team. Last season's turnover-induced defeat at Pitt has lingered within the Mountaineer program. It was the one that got away. On Saturday night in a sold-out Milan Puskar Stadium, WVU will get its chance for revenge in the 106th chapter of the Backyard Brawl. Rivalry aside, it's the first Saturday night home game since 2016. Throw in a national television audience on ABC and chances are the atmosphere will be electric. In this episode, the "Guys" breakdown the game's analytics and provide the keys to victory for West Virginia. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

Well, that was memorable. Saturday night's season-opening victory by West Virginia over Duquesne won't be forgotten. The Mountaineers 56-17 triumph had it all. There was angst followed by joy, heavy rain and lightning, records broken and a scholarship awarded. In this episode, the "Guys" review the game and the many themes that developed on a long night at Milan Puskar Stadium. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

What a difference a week makes. Last Saturday, the Mountaineer football team was a three-touchdown underdog at No. 7 Penn State. This week, the Mountaineers are the heavy favorite to romp over visiting Duquesne. It's the first of three straight at home for the Mountaineers, who need to correct several issues that slowed them last week in State College. In this episode, the "Guys" discuss what will qualify as a successful outing against the Dukes, and what's needed before WVU hosts Pitt next weekend. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

Josh Eilert has finally been able to take a deep breath. Finally, there's a sense of calm after the most tumultous season in West Virginia Universtiy basketball history. The departure of Bob Huggins and unexpected loss of several players made WVU basketball a national story of dysfunction this summer. The new man in charge, at least for this season, is the only staff member that lasted throughout Huggins' 16 seasons at West Virginia. Amidst the chaos, Eilert has successfully replenished the Mountaineer roster and worked tirelessly to build fractured player relationships.In this episode, Eilert explains his plan for the upcoming season, and how his retooled coaching staff and players are preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.

Is that glass half full or half empty? That's the question up for debate following West Virginia's season debut at No. 7 Penn State. Like any game, there was good and bad. Now the question becomes how this Mountaineer team will develop. In this episode, Brad and Tony breakdown the game and reveal the objective grades for both offense and defense from Pro Football Focus. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

It's time for the opening act of the 2023 season for the West Virginia University football team. Saturday's season opener at No. 7 Penn State presents WVU with an opportunity to score the biggest regular season win in school history. The Mountaineers 1982 victory at No. 9 Oklahoma stands as its best ever road triumph against a ranked school. In this episode, the "Guys" break down the key analytics in the matchup, and discuss the keys to success against the Nittany Lions. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

It's time! The 2023 Mountaineer football season opens Saturday night at No. 7 Penn State. (It's going to be LOUD)The frenzy in Happy Valley for the upcoming season is extremely high. The Nittany Lions went 10-2 last season. They ended the year with five straight wins, which included a Rose Bowl whacking of Utah. With two of the nation's top running backs, Penn State has explosive abilities on offense. However, the Penn State defense may be even better. The Lions have future NFL players roaming around in a unit that allowed just 18 points-per-game last season. In this episode, Brad and Tony talk with veteran Penn State play-by-play voice Steve Jones to get his insight into Saturday's game. Listener questions and comments complete the episode. The "Guys" return Thursday with their analytical breakdown of the opening game.

Like every college football coach, Neal Brown is both excited and anxious to see his team open the season. Practice, is just that, practice. No coach really knows his team until they play an actual game. Next Saturday's opener at No. 7 Penn State brings with it tremendous hype and nostalgic emotion. The Mountaineers have played Penn State 59 times, but have not visited State College since 1991. In this episode, the "guys" talk with the Mountaineer head coach to get his thoughts on the opener and the upcoming season. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

The old watched the new Saturday night on Mountaineer Field.Members of the 1983 WVU team celebrated their 40th anniversary with head coach Don Nehlen, while watching the 2023 Mountaineers in their final preseason scrimmage. In this episode, Brad and Tony discuss a number of WVU newcomers who could make an immediate impact. They also present part two of their annual Over/Under series with a focus on the tight end position. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

The college football season is fast approaching. That means it's time to speculate, pontificate and articulate what will happen this season for the WVU Mountaineers. In this episode, Brad Howe releases his first batch of over/under propositions for the coming season. How many players will score a rushing touchdown? How many touchdowns will quarterbacks score? Those are just a few of the questions the "Guys" hash out along with answering listener questions and comments. 3 Guys returns on Monday with a recap of the weekend scrimmage.

Dan Wetzel knows. (He's also right) The award-winning national columnist for Yahoo Sports joins the "Guys" to offer his insight into this month's monumental reshuffling among the Big 12, Big 10 and PAC 12. Wetzel , who was first to report that Oregon and Washington would be moving to the Big 10, details the mindset of network television executives and how the revised College Football Playoff could stablize the current shaky structure of collegiate athletics. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

How are they looking? That's the most popular question among Mountaineer football fans as the team enters week two of preseason practice. In this episode, the "Guys" interpret the signals coming out of camp and what it all means. Brad, Hoppy and Tony also chat on this week's conference realignment news and get into a lively exchange on the possible 3 Guys Before The Game food court. (Tony is optimistic, Brad, as usual, is nervous).LIstener texts and comments complete the show.

The college conference volcano has erupted. Last Friday's implosion of the PAC 12 is yet another reminder that collegiate sports is unsettled and quickly evolving into professional sports. The latest upheaval was driven by television networks who pour millions of dollars each year into conference offices. To their credit, schools are no longer pretending decisions to move from one league to another are fueled by academics. Football is king. You either get on the bus or get left behind, like Stanford, Cal, Oregon State and Washington State. In this episode, the "Guys" explain what the latest regalignment means to WVU. They also update the Mountaineer football team after one week of practice. Listener texts and comments complete the show.

The wait is over.Quarterback Garrett Greene and his Mountaineer teammates formally begin practice this week. It's been an eventful summer for Greene, who traveled to Europe as part of the school's 5th Quarter Program and attended the Manning Passing Academy. In this episode, Greene covers a wide range of topics and explains how growing up the son of a major league baseball player impacted his life. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

An iconic West Virginia athlete is back home. Weirton's Quincy Wilson is one of the most well decorated high school and college players in state history. He's the first player in state history to rush for more than 3,000 yards in a single season as a senior at Weir High School. He led WVU in rushing as a senior in 2003 and his "Run' against the University of Miami was a finalist for an ESPY award. After spending four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson turned his attention toward coaching. He'll begin his new role as running backs coach at Fairmont State this season. In this episode, the "Guys" look back at Quincy's career and look ahead to his new role at Fairmont State.

As he prepares for his third season in the NBA, Miles Deuce McBride will make a road trip to West Virginia. The former Mountaineer standout will host day camps in Wheeling and Morgantown. In this episode, McBride looks back at his days in Morgantown and looks ahead to his third season with the New York Knicks. The Cincinnati native also talks about how, as an under recruited player, he was able to reach his life-long dream of playing in the NBA. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

Bob Huggins claims he did not resign as West Virginia University basketball coach. WVU officials wasted little time in responding by releasing a letter detailing the events leading to Huggins' resignation as coach. In this episode, Hoppy Kercheval details the events that led to the Saturday night release by WVU general counsel.

He's back!Nathan Adrian has returned to Morgantown after spending the past 10 months playing professionally in Italy. The former Mountaineer basketball standout has spent the last four seasons playing overseas. In this episode, Adrian recaps his season and looks ahead. The "Guys" also answer listener questions and comments.

He was recruited to West Virginia as a tall shooting guard, he ended his career as an undersized center who displayed the toughness of a football player, and the intelligence of somone on the chess team. Cam Thoroughman will forever be a member of West Virginia University basketball's tough-guy team. A self-made player, who completely redefined his role after injuries, is now living the good life. In this episode, Thoroughman updates the "Guys" on his current career and fondly reflects on his playing days in Morgantown.

The puzzle pieces generated by Bob Huggins' resignation continue to be scrambled. One large piece found its place on Saturday night. Long-time staff member Josh Eilert was elevated to head coach on an interim basis. In this episode, the "Guys" discuss the process of selecting Eilert and the ongoing fallout with the team's roster. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

West Virginia University's basketball program is in uncharted territory. Bob Huggins' resignation left the program without a head coach long after the annual hiring cycle had finished. It also means current players can depart the program and become immediately eligible at other schools. In this episode, the "Guys" discuss Huggins' lasting legacy and athletic director Wren Baker's search for a replacement.

It's a 3 Guys first. The microphone is turned toward Brad Howe, Hoppy Kercheval and Tony Caridi as they answer the questions normally directed toward their guests. It's 3 Guys interviewing 3 Guys about Mountaineer memories, favorite moments and unforgettable stories. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

So much for a honeymoon. West Virginia University Athletic Director Wren Baker's first six months on the job have seen him drink more from a fire hose, than sip from a cup. He unexpectedly had to deal with the Bob Huggins comment controversy and hired a women's basketball coach. Throw in the current turbulence of the transfer portal and NIL funding and it has been eventful to put it mildly. In this episode, the "Guys" cover the major issues facing WVU athletics and get Baker's look toward the future. Other topics include conference alignment, the Iron Sheik and coffee preferences. It's an episode that has it all.

Mark Kellogg is ready to take the next step. West Virginia's new women's basketball coach has succeeded at the highest level at every stop. He's the sixth winningest active Division 1 coach (445-120) based upon winning percentage (.788).Now, he'll get his first opportunity at the Power 5 level as he takes over a Mountaineer program that will have its third head coach in the last three seasons. In this episode, Kellogg shares his story and gives insight into his decision to accept the West Virginia position. Join the "Guys" next week as WVU athletic director Wren Baker pays a visit.

There have been two Kevin White's who have played football at West Virginia University. One of them threw the ball, the other caught passes. Kevin White, the quarterback, is this week's guest on the 3 Guys Summer Series.In 1984, White guided the Mountaineers to two of the greatest wins in school history. A triumph over Penn State, the first WVU victory over the Nittany Lions since 1955, and a win over No. 4 Boston College and Heisman trophy winner Doug Flutie. In this episode, White shares his story of how and why he traveled over 2 thousand miles to play for the Mountaineers. It's a wonderful story of perseverance and determination. White also shares plans for his new career as he prepares to retire from his role as a judge in the Arizona court system. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

He's become the face of West Virginia University's record-setting season.Sophomore J.J. Wetherholt is enjoying a magical journey. He's blossomed into a national player-of-the-year candidate while maintaining a common sense, humble approach. That's a rarely seen combination. In this episode, Wetherholt gives an inside look into a Mountaineer team that could claim the school's first ever Big 12 championship. He also talks about his approach to the game and his future with WVU. Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

No one in West Virginia University football history has had a longer association with the program than John Spiker. The man who created WVU's athletic training curriculum served as the head athletic trainer from coaches Bobby Bowden to Dana Holgorsen. Just for good measure, throw in the fact that the Preston County native began his career as an athletic trainer at the University of North Carolina for Dean Smith. In this episode, the "Guys" talk about working with legendary coaches and thousands of athletes. 3 Guys with another Summer Series interview next week.

If you're looking for inspiration and motivation, then Gary Jennings is your guy.The former WVU football player continues to confront and side-step obstacles along a professional career that includes seven different NFL teams. In this episode, Jennings updates Brad Howe and Tony Caridi on his just completed season with the XFL's Saint Louis Battlehawks, his aspirations to make an NFL team and his new-found love of beef. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

Spring football practice is now complete for the Mountaineers. That means the annual season of speculation on what next season will bring has begun. (Everyone has an opinion) In this episode, the "Guys" share their thoughts on the Gold & Blue Scrimmage and look ahead to next season. The crew also discussed the latest recruiting news for the WVU basketball team and the current success of WVU's baseball team. Listener questions and comments complete the show. Three Guys returns with a summer series guest next week.

It's a busy week for Mike Florio.The Wheeling native will not only generate hours of content for ProFoootballTalk.com on the NFL draft, he'll also release his latest novel Father Of Mine.Talking about sports for a living and authoring a non-sports novel may seem peculiar, but it makes great sense if you know Mike Florio.The former attorney with an engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon has always approached things differently. Florio created his own media company long before it became the (cool) thing to do.In this episode, the “Guys” talk about football, crime, food and much more.Join Brad, Hoppy and Tony later this week for their recap on WVU spring football.

It's been almost 10 years since West Virginia University reinstated its golf program. Sean Covich was named head coach in 2014 and has made massive progress in growing WVU's program within one of the nation's most challenging conferences. With its spring season almost complete, Covich joins the "Guys" for an update on the season and the future of Mountaineer golf. The crew also discusses Saturday's spring football game and answer listener texts and questions. Join them again on Monday for their visit with Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. They'll discuss the upcoming NFL draft and Mike's new novel Father of Mine.

The saying goes "Once a Mountaineer always a Mountaineer", and Jordan McCabe says it's true. The Wisconsin native has ended his collegiate career after spending three seasons at WVU and two seasons at UNLV. In this episode, McCabe gives his perspective on the ever-changing college game and announces his future plans.The "Guys" also talk about engagement rings, Jimmy Bell and the Last Supper. Listener texts and comments complete the show.

Rasheed Marshall is bringing to life the expression "Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer". The former Big East Conference Player of the Year has joined the West Virginia football staff as Director of Player Relations. Marshall's return to the WVU program comes 18 years after completing his career as a fifth round selection of the San Francisco 49ers. In this episode, Marshall explains his new role and shares the life-changing message he received from former head coach Bill Stewart. It's an insightful and enjoyable conversation from a Mountaineer standout. Listener questions and comments complete the show.

He only played for one season, but Erik Stevenson won't soon be forgotten by West Virginia University basketball fans.He's the guy you want on your team, he's the guy opposing fans love to boo. Stevenson gets it, he thrives on it, but also knows his greatest strength can be his greatest weakness.In this episode, the Lacey, Washington native reflects on a college career that included four schools, big shots, and a misperceived crotch grab. With over 1,700 career points and 270 three-point field goals, Stevenson's playing days are not over. He'll pursue a professional career and then move into coaching. It's something he's already doing.It's a colorful and insightful conversation with player/coach Erik Stevenson.

A quick thank you and update on our April 21st Live Event. More info at 3GuysBeforeTheGame.com

WVU football has entered week three of spring practice drills. Is it too early to predict what next season's team will be able to accomplish?The "Guys" answer that question and share some love for the nationally ranked West Virginia baseball team. And, the first time was so nice, they're going to do it twice! Details of the 3 Guys Live Event on April 21 are released. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 5th at 6pm (EASTERN). Details are available at www.3guysbeforethegame.com Listener questions and texts complete the show. Join the gang on Thursday for their visit with WVU basketball standout Erik Stephenson.

Yes we know its spring, but that's not stopping 3 Guys from kicking off its annual summer series of guest interviews. Brad and Tony stay local (sort of) with their first guest. Former Mountaineer, Chase Harler, joins the show from Hungary where he's currently playing professional basketball. The "Guys" get great insight into playing overseas both on and off the court. Mountaineer football conversation and Textual Healing complete the show.

There's no game to preview or recap, so what does 3 Guys do?Well, just like the teams and athletes they cover, they put in the work!In this episode, Brad and Tony dive into multiple topics, from Mountaineer football to WVU baseball and the weekend's NCAA tournament results. (Was that a foul?)The "Guys" also provide Textual Healing as they share listener questions and comments.

If you're in the mood for a multi-topic episode, the "Guys" have you covered. Brad, Hoppy and Tony discuss WVU spring football, women's basketball coaching searches and a hot dog pie. (That's right, a hot dog pie)Brad, Hoppy and Tony also reveal what allowed Texas and Kansas State to reach the Sweet 16. Listener questions and comments complete the show.