The Tailgate Tape: How to Watch West Virginia vs. Coastal Carolina
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Welcome to the first edition of The Tailgate Tape. Every Friday this season, We’re gonna break down everything you need for that week’s Mountaineer game before you fire up the grill. Where to watch it, what time to be in your seat, and who on the other side you need to keep an eye on. Consider this your last stop before kickoff.
Speaking of tailgates, mine’s in the backyard this Saturday. Italian sausages, burgers, ribs on the grill, my wife’s baked beans with the ground beef mixed in, some fries on the side, and College GameDay playing in the background while we get the day started. If you’ve got your own version of that going, good. Let’s get into it.
Where and when to watch
West Virginia kicks off the season Saturday, September 5 at 12:00 p.m. ET, at home in Milan Puskar Stadium. The game airs on TNT, and if you’re cutting cable or on the road, you can stream it on Max, ESPN+, or FuboTV. I’ll be watching it on TNT via YouTube TV.
Don’t roll in right at noon this week. WVU is retiring Pat White’s No. 5 in a pregame ceremony set to start around 11:45, about fifteen minutes before kickoff. I’m not sure yet if TNT is going to show that part or if they’ll still be running commercials, so don’t take the chance. Get in front of your TV a little early. If you were around for those Rich Rod glory years the first time, you already know what that number means to this program, and this isn’t one to miss.
What to expect weather-wise
If you’re headed to Puskar Stadium or just setting up in the backyard, plan for a warm one with a decent chance of getting wet. Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 79 and a low of 67, with an 80 percent chance of rain. Bring a poncho or a tent for the tailgate, because it doesn’t look like this one’s staying dry all day.
Getting to know the opponent
Coastal Carolina comes to Morgantown under a brand new head coach, Ryan Beard, who takes over after three seasons at Missouri State and is one of the youngest coaches in the sport. It’s a fresh start for the Chanticleers, but not a total rebuild. There’s history here too, believe it or not. These two teams have only played once, back in 2010, when Coastal was still an FCS program. Geno Smith and the Mountaineers handled business that day, winning 31-0. Sixteen years later, Coastal shows up a real FBS Sun Belt team looking to make a statement this week.
Players to watch
Keep your eye on running back Dominic Knicely. He put up 403 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last season and caught another score out of the backfield, so he’s the engine of that offense. Wide receiver Robby Washington is the guy who can take the top off, coming off a season with 29 catches for 278 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, linebackers Tray Brown and Se’Von McDowell are the two who’ll be flying around making plays. Brown alone racked up 11.5 tackles for loss a year ago, so our offensive line better be ready for him.
I know it’s easy after a long offseason to sit here and pick apart every unknown on this roster before a single snap is played. I’d rather see the good coming. New year, new energy, a stadium about to honor one of the greatest to ever do it, and a team that gets to go show you something instead of talk about it. That’s the mindset I’m bringing into Saturday, and I’d encourage you to bring the same one.
That’s the Tape for Week 1. Get your seat, get your food ready, and let’s see what Rich Rod has built.
Let me know your score predictions in the comments!!
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