MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Eighteen years after his departure, Rich Rodriguez will once again lead the West Virginia Mountaineers as they kick off their season against Robert Morris on Saturday. The game marks the beginning of Rodriguez’s second tenure as head coach, a return that has become the central storyline for a program facing a season of considerable change with 79 new players.
Rodriguez’s first stint in Morgantown was highly successful, culminating in a 60-26 record over seven seasons. However, his abrupt departure for Michigan following the 2007 season, when the Mountaineers were on the verge of a National Championship appearance, left a complex legacy. Now, with 190 career victories—fifth among active FBS coaches—Rodriguez is poised to add to his total against the FCS-level Colonials. West Virginia holds a perfect 22-0 record against programs from that division.
“It’s a little surreal,” Rodriguez acknowledged. “I’m appreciative and grateful, and the fans have been great. The only thing I can say is I want to have a certain work ethic and commitment to the program that our fans would appreciate.”
That commitment will be tested with a largely rebuilt roster. The team’s depth chart lists five potential quarterbacks without naming a starter, and Rodriguez has confirmed that multiple players will see action in the opener. “There’s a lot of guys anxious to prove themselves,” he said, “so it should be fun on Saturday.”
The element of unpredictability extends to both sidelines. Robert Morris, which finished 7-5 last season, also enters the game with significant roster turnover and new coordinators. “They have a lot of new players,” Rodriguez noted. “It’s going to be an interesting first game.”
For West Virginia, whichever quarterback is on the field will be tasked with running a high-tempo offense, a hallmark of Rodriguez’s coaching style.
On the defensive side, new coordinator Zac Alley is tasked with revitalizing a unit that has struggled to create turnovers in recent years. At 31, Alley brings a reputation for running an aggressive and complex system, having previously worked with Rodriguez at Jacksonville State. He admitted the challenge of preparing for an opener with so many variables.
“The rest of the year, at least you have a game to watch and you can get some information that way,” Alley said. “As far as not knowing what’s going to happen going into a game, it’s probably the most I’ve ever had.”
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