West Virginia vs. BYU: Strength and Talent

West Virginia vs. BYU: Strength and Talent

Here's a history of the BYU-West Virginia rivalry and highlights from their past rivalries. Read player predictions and player profiles. Find out why this is one of the top college teams.

Foreword: How West Virginia and BYU are different.

College athletics is more than football and soccer. College football is about tradition, pride, and rivalries, and there are some competitive matchups in the NCAA that are simply better than others.

One of those matchups that has developed into a must-see every season is West Virginia, vs BYU. Both have storied programs, fan bases that are second to none, and a desire to win and be the best statement, making this matchup much more than just a football game.

If you support the Mountaineers or are a true BYU Cougar, you won't want to miss this matchup every season. This article will dive deep into the West Virginia vs BYU rivalry, including its history, highlight some important games played, and as well include some key players to watch, predictions, and a look into the future of this growing rivalry.

West Virginia Football History

The West Virginia Mountaineers are considered one of the great stories of college football. With their fast-paced athleticism, passionate and dedicated fans, and an unforgettable home field (Mountaineer Field) in Morgantown, this program has created many unforgettable memories.

WVU was founded in 1891 and has a long history of international football.

They have been in over 30 bowl games and have a reputation for propelling talent to the NFL.

Whether it's games or practice, the Mountaineers play with a style that is fast, aggressive, unpredictable, and in-your-face; their play-stye makes them tough opponents.

When WVU competes or has an encounter with teams like BYU, this history does not just carry over onto the field, it fuels the competition.

The History of BYU Football

On the other side of this match-up, the Brigham Young University Cougars have a rich tradition of their own. Rooted in standards of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, BYU football has made a name for itself on the national college football stage.

Started in 1922, BYU football has turned into a unique force in time.

The Cougars are best-known for their iconic moment when they won National Championship in 1984.

BYU has a long-standing tradition of greatness- especially at quarterback. For a long time, BYU's strength has often been the passing game.

BYU boasts one of the most devoted fan bases in college football. They embrace the challenge, especially when it involves West Virginia in a meaningful football game.

The First Meeting: Where It All Began

The first official meeting between West Virginia and BYU took place at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland in 2016. Fans were excited to see how these two programs would shape up against each other.

Final Score: West Virginia 35, BYU 32

It was a thriller, with both teams exchanging some big plays. Each team continued to fight until the very end.

WVU’s defense hung tough down the stretch, and that made the difference in the game.

The game defined what was to come in future West Virginia vs BYU meetings. The game was going to be about the competition, the unpredictability and it was going to be exciting.

Styles of Play: How WVU and BYU Differ

West Virginia Style of Play

The Mountaineers' style has always centered around a fast-paced style of play, with a strong defensive line. WVU is a team that has always relied on big plays, quick drives and bending but not breaking on defense.

BYU Style of Play

BYU, on the other hand, is much more quarterback-driven than anything else. Winning football games has been as simple as questioning whether or not the passing game can break down the defense of the other team. Their ability to have a balanced approach by pairing great offensive schemes with sound defense can be scary.

Key Players Over the Years

West Virginia

Pat White (QB): A legend that made WVU one of the most exciting offenses in the country.

Steve Slaton (RB): A blur with acceleration.

Tavon Austin (WR): A highlight reel who had the crowd in a frenzy.

BYU

Ty Detmer (QB): Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best quarterbacks in NCAA history.

Steve Young (QB): Prior to the NFL, Young was a standout for the Cougars.

Zach Wilson (QB): The newest star to make an impact before turning pro.

These are all the stars that highlight the appeal of West Virginia versus BYU—talent that reaches well beyond college football.

Fan Bases: A Culture of Passion

There are few things in college athletics that match the loyalty displayed by Mountaineer and Cougar fans.

WVU Fans: They are well known for making Morgantown a sea of gold and blue. Their tailgates are famous, and their “Let’s Go, Mountaineers” chant is legendary.

BYU Fans: Cougar fans, rooted in their tradition and faith, are passionate supporters of the team, traveling well for away games.

When these fan bases come together, the atmosphere is electric.

Memorable Games and Highlights

Since the first time the two programs met, West Virginia vs BYU has not happened every year, of course, every meeting since has just ratcheted up the rivalry.

Some highlights:

2016 Classic: WVU winning by a slim margin in a high-scoring game.

Future meetings: Conference allegiance as both West Virginia and BYU join together as part of the Big 12, so there will be more regular matchups conference play.

With both schools joining the Big 12, fans can expect West Virginia vs BYU to become an annual "must-see" college football event.

The Move to the Big 12 Conference and What It Means

The addition of BYU to the Big 12 conference in the fall of 2023 was yet another exciting chapter added to the West Virginia vs BYU matchups. What was an occasional matchup, is now a match-up as part of a thicker conference rivalry.

Why did this upgrade the West Virginia vs BYU matchup?

It strengthens the schedules for both teams.

It guarantees fans opportunities to see the matchups.

It raises the stakes; game impacts are key to standing in the Big 12.

The addition of BYU and the Big 12 improved the importance of every future rivalry West Virginia vs BYU or BYU vs West Virginia matchups.

Predictions for the Future

So, what can fans expect to see in future West Virginia vs BYU matches?

Close games: History proves they are equally matched.

Explosive plays: Where explosions have the potential for big numbers fast.

Defensive Battles: Behind WVU’s toughness on defense versus BYU’s disciplined schemes is always a wild card.

The rivalry should intensify and attract national attention, potentially playing a role in Big 12 title races.

Why this Matchup is National Attention Grabber

The West Virginia vs BYU rivalry is above wins and losses—it is respected programs with differing styles, traditions, and histories meeting on the same field.

At its core, it is about the coordinators, the styles showcasing the diversity of college football.

It is about regional pride of East Coast toughness versus Mountain West toughness.

It is about providing a fan base of unforgettable moments that you won’t forget long after the stadium traffic subsides.

Conclusion: More than a Game

West Virginia vs BYU is more than two teams clashing helmets—it is an exhibition of culture, and legacies, of grit and toughness that won’t be boiled down to “x’s and o’s”. From the first thrilling battle in 2016, to future fights in the Big 12, this rivalry will continue to excite fans and create its own deposits in college football history.

If you are a fan of football, passion, and tradition, you cannot allow yourself to miss out on this rivalry.