3 Guys Before The Game

It's easy to make the argument that the upcoming Mountaineer football season will be the most unpredictable in history.  That's because there are more than 70 new players along with an entirely new coaching staff.  Because of the changes, the Over-Under world is filled with intriguing scenarios of what could happen during the season.   In this episode, the "Guys" are back with chapter two of their...

New is the theme for West Virginia University as the school year begins. Not only will the Mountaineers have a new football and basketball coach, but a new school president is occupying Stewart Hall.  Michael Benson has been moving non-stop since taking over last month.   In this episode, Benson joins the “Guys” with Vice President and Athletic Director Wren Baker to discuss the relationship betwe...

There are always unanswered questions when a college football team begins practice.  However, the number of unknowns for the 2025 Mountaineer football team may be an all-time record.  A new coaching staff and more than 70 new players make this the most unpredictable season in memory.  Ok, so what's going to happen?  In this episode, the "Guys" do their best at predicting the future with their firs...

When it comes to Rich Rodriguez, what you hear isn't always what you get. The veteran WVU football coach regularly uses his press conferences to send messages to his players, coaches and fans.  So, how do you decipher Coach Rod? That's just one of many topics the "Guys" discuss as the Mountaineers begin week two of preseason practice.  The crew also presents an historical summary of the winning pe...

He's colorful, opinionated and the ultimate definition of a "FOOTBALL GUY".   Robert "Dusty" Rutledge begins his second tour of duty with West Virginia University's football program as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief of Staff for head coach Rich Rodriguez.   In this episode, Rutledge gives a behind-the-scenes look into over 40 years in the coaching business.  From his days as the last...

Life is good for Mountaineer baseball coach Steve Sabins.  He not only led WVU to the Big 12 Conference regular season championship and an NCAA Super Regional in his debut season, he's just agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Morgantown through 2031.  In this episode, Sabins reflects on his inaugural season and explains his vision of the Mountaineer program in the years to come. ...

The story of WVU football player Eddie Vesterinen reads like a movie script.  The teenager, who saw an online video showing massive collisions in American football, began a quest to learn about the game.  It began a life-changing journey for the native of Helsinki, Finland who is ready to begin his final season on the Mountaineer defensive line. Along the way, the affable and multi-talented Vester...

Ross Hodge's new life is just starting to become normal. Three months after being named West Virginia University's head men's basketball coach, Hodge can finally take a deep breath.  He has retooled the WVU roster with players and staff, along with moving his family from Texas.  The 44-year-old Hodge knows it's still very early, but the pieces are coming together for his debut season.  In this epi...

When it comes to longevity and consistency, he's West Virginia University's Cal Ripken.   Randy Meador's touch has been part of West Virginia University basketball since 1984.  It's the longest tenure by anyone involved in program history.  His 41 seasons as head athletic trainer have been defined by professionalism and dedication to his craft. And, oh yeah, he NEVER missed a single game.  Not one...

A middle school football coach kicked Mike Florio and it changed his life.  That's not hyperbole, it's the truth.  Actually, it was more than one kick to Florio's backside, but regardless, the impact is still being felt today.   In this episode, the "Guys" spend an entertaining visit with the founder of Pro Football Talk. While his passion remains the NFL, his non-football writing continues to gai...

Wren Baker is the 13th Athletic Director in West Virginia University history. It’s fair to say none of his predecessors have navigated the changes and challenges that he’s encountered.   Forget about the “normal” requirements of the job, Baker is also leading WVU in the transition from college amateurism to a pay-for-play model.  It’s uncharted territory for everyone involved and, for Baker, just...

Little has been heard from Zac Alley since his arrival in Morgantown.  West Virginia University's defensive coordinator is a rising star in coaching circles.  You could say Alley's decision to join the WVU program is Rich Rodriguez's biggest recruiting coup yet. Alley's departure from Oklahoma gives Rodriguez the aggressive attacking nature that pairs well with his fast-paced offensive attack.  In...

Bill McKenzie. It's a name that will forever be associated with West Virginia University football.  His story about life as a Mountaineer is as remarkable as improbable.  The West Virginia kid from the small high school became one of the most recognizable names in WVU history with one single kick of a football.  In this episode, Bill and the "Guys" celebrate the 50th anniversary of that play and t...

Treysen Eaglestaff has a story.  The self-described chubby high school kid has blossomed into one of college basketball's top scorers.  That's why his entrance into the transfer portal produced numerous scholarship offers, which included Kentucky, Kansas, Gonzaga and South Carolina.   Instead of 'blue bloods", Eaglestaff chose the Gold and Blue of West Virginia and will be part of Coach Ross Hodge...

Nathan Adrian says it's time.  The former Mountaineer basketball standout recently celebrated his 30th birthday.  He still loves the game that's taken him around the world to play, but his body is hurting.  In this episode, Adrian talks about his recent season in Japan and his future plans.  It's a fun and informative episode about how the game of basketball transformed Adrian's life on and off th...

Sometimes you just have "stuff" to talk about.  Welcome to episode 636 of 3 Guys Before The Game.  It's an episode that covers a number of topics in the ever-changing world of WVU football and basketball.  The "Guys" dig into the latest roster additions and jump into the latest basketball and baseball news.  Listener questions and comments complete the episode. 

The list of coaches Travis Trickett has worked with is jaw-dropping.  Imagine being mentored by Bobby Bowden, Nick Sabin, Jimbo Fisher and Rich Rodriguez. That group, which has combined to win 10 national championships and 40 conference titles, makes Trickett an invaluable resource as he returns to the WVU football program.  In this episode, Trickett explains his decision to return to Morgantown a...

Jasper Floyd will tell you that prayers are answered. Floyd's prayers to play at a "Power Four" conference school were answered this month when he accepted a scholarship offer from West Virginia.  The Florida native will join his North Texas coach Ross Hodge and teammate Brenen Lorient in Morgantown.  Floyd's path to Morgantown is a story of persistence and determination.  He made two stops at the...

He hasn't played a game yet for West Virginia University, but Honor Huff has certainly made a memorable first impression.  The Brooklyn native, who led the nation in three-point shooting last season, joins the "Guys" for an entertaining and informative conversation.  The Tennesee-Chatanooga transfer explains his frenetic recruitment once entering the transfer portal and why he chose WVU.  It's an...

There really isn't an offseason in college football and basketball.  The games may be over for now, but roster movement has become a season of its own.  In this episode, the "Guys" discuss roster changes for WVU football and basketball along with revenue- sharing plans and NIL opportunities for college athletes.  Listener comments and questions complete the episode. 

History is being made when it comes to the rosters of college football teams.  Coaches are being asked to reduce their roster to 105 to meet the House Settlement requirement. That means some players must unexpectedly find a new school.  Meanwhile, the roster is slowly growing for the new WVU men's basketball coach, Ross Hodge.   In this episode, the "Guys" debate the "new world" of roster manageme...

The 24th men's basketball coach in West Virginia University history is on the job.  Ross Hodge was formally introduced on Thursday morning.  He shared his thoughts and philosophy on the game of basketball and his future vision of the WVU program.  In this episode, the "Guys" share their thoughts on the Hodge press conference and what it means for Mountaineer Nation. 

It has been 17 years since Rich Rodriguez coached on Mountaineer Field with fans in the stands.   That streak will end on Saturday when the Mountaineers collide in the Gold & Blue Showcase.  It will give Rodriguez and staff a final chance to evaluate the roster.  It's also the last chance for players to shine before the roster is reduced.  New rules will allow for just 105 roster spots startin...

The search is over.  Ross Hodge, the current head coach at North Texas, will become the 24th head men's basketball coach in West Virginia University history.  The 44-year-old Hodge, a Dallas native, will arrive in Morgantown once the season is complete for the Mean Green, who are in the Final Four of the NIT.  In seven seasons as a head coach, Hodge has won 80% of his games.  His current squad is...

College basketball's coaching carousel is rolling.  WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker will make the decision on who will serve as the Mountaineers new head coach.  Candidates are being vetted, and formal interviews have begun. Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the hiring of Darian DeVries who unexpectedly resigned last week. In this episode, the "Guys" discuss possible coaching scenarios an...