West Virginia Rout Robert Morris 45-3 in Rich Rodriguez Return

The West Virginia Mountaineers opened their 2025 football season with a commanding 45-3 victory over Robert Morris, marking the return of head coach Rich Rodriguez after 18 years. Despite the dominant final score, the team struggled early with discipline issues, including four turnovers and nine penalties for 69 yards, which Rodriguez attributed to a lack of focus on his 'non-negotiables' such as avoiding negative plays. Quarterback Nicco Marchiol led an efficient offense, completing 17 of 20 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown. The rushing attack was particularly strong, with Jahiem White scoring twice on 18 carries for 93 yards, and the team totaling 393 rushing yards. West Virginia's defense stifled Robert Morris, holding them to just 123 total yards and forcing 11 punts, allowing only a 36-yard field goal. This win marks Rodriguez's 61st with West Virginia, tying him for second on the school's all-time wins list, and the Mountaineers will look to build on the success as they face Ohio University next weekend.