By the end of the game, I must have ran around the field about three miles trying to cover these two highly offensive teams. But it was a glorious day in Morgantown, despite the cold and grey weather, as the Mountaineers upset No. 4 Baylor 41-27 in front of a sellout crowd. Adding to the bloodbath, the matchup also broke a Big 12 record for penalties: 32.
This game marked my third WVU assignment with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review this season. I have been extremely fortunate to have a few chances at elite college ball to break up the sometimes mundane rush-heavy high school contests I typically cover the night before. I want to share a big thanks to the sports desk in Pittsburgh and to my boss and mentor Barry Reeger for allowing me to witness 60,000 fans singing in unison "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty is upended by West Virginia's Daryl Worley during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
A West Virginia band member rests before a pre-game show before WVU plays Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
Baylor players take the field for warmups before playing West Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia's Kevin White is pressured by Baylor's Xavien Howard during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. Howard was penalized for pass interference on the play. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia's Dreamius Smith celebrates a touchdown against Baylor during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen reacts to an injury to Terrell Chestnut during an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen reacts to officials after an injury to Terrell Chestnut during an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia's Kevin White attempts to catch a pass over Baylor's Xavien Howard during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia's Brandon Golson celebrates his sack with Eric Kinsey during an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia's Kevin White catches a touchdown pass with one hand over Baylor's Xavien Howard during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.
West Virginia's Ricky Rumph celebrates with fans after the win over Baylor an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va. WVU won 41-27.