Country Roads Confidential: A WVU Mountaineers podcast

With one of the most emphatic performances in quite some time, West Virginia defeated Texas and obliterated any side-effects on Saturday’s loss to Kansas State. The Mountaineers dominated every category and submitted a number of individual performances and highlights to make everyone feel much better. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia left a lot on the table with a performance that left a lot to be desired. Bob Huggins was dejected in defeat and watched his team and his opponent both play out of character. It's just one game, but was this one game that different from many others? Mike has thoughts on Saturday and beyond. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WVU had one of its familiar defensive performances and one of its best offensive performances in years in an 81-49 victory against visiting TCU. It didn't happen right away, but the Mountaineers eventually did what they wanted against what was one of the two unbeaten teams in Big 12 play. Mike discusses the good signs in the game and moving forward. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia returned home after a lengthy time away from the Coliseum and treated a sellout crowd to a Big 12 win against the team that nearly won the national title a season ago. Bob Huggins wasn’t happy, and we attempt to figure out why and explain his frustrations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerad Parker and Jeff Koonz are the newest additions to West Virginia's coaching staff as a busy week reaches a sudden conclusion. How'd the Mountaineers do and what do the salaries tell us about the present and the future? Mike has the answers. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After road teams went 0-5 Saturday to start Big 12 play, West Virginia used its second conference road game of the season to even its Big 12 record. There were some familiar frustrations but some pleasing performances, too. Mike reviews the late game in Stillwater and what went right at the end of the road trip. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia had a 10-point lead but couldn't hang on and lost for the eighth time in as many trips to Kansas and Phog Allen Fieldhouse. There was plenty to discuss on a long list of likes and dislikes in our first basketball postgame podcast. It begins with what to think of officiating and Oscar Tshiebwe and then tries to figure out what to make of pretty much everyone and everything else after the Big 12 opener. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a run of podcasts to end 2019, the hosts are back for a new year and a new look at the basketball team. What's new following the win against Ohio State, who needs to pick it up, how will things go against Kansas? But there's also room for football with an updated look at recruiting and Neal Brown's coaching staff. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With strict parameters in place, Chris and Mike close the decade by looking back on WVU basketball through the years. Today's episode picks and, of course, debates the top players at each position. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2019 football season was about change, from the top of the program to the top row of the bleachers and everyone and everything in between. Covering the team on a daily basis was part of that, and it was sometimes slightly and sometimes significantly different this year and it was before. Chris and Mike discuss what was new, what was good, what was interesting and what might be different again in the future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With strict parameters in place, Chris and Mike close the decade by looking back on WVU football through the years. Today's episode picks and, of course, debates the top players at each position. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With strict parameters in place, Chris and Mike close the decade by looking back on WVU football through the years. Today's episode picks and, of course, debates the top players at each position. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All the FBS coaching vacancies are filled, and right in time for today's guest to kick up his feet and enjoy the holidays ... for as long as his phone will let him. Join Mike and Zach Barnett from FootballScoop.com for a trip around the industry, trends to look for in the future, thoughts on Neal Brown and how Mike can make it to the top of a program in five short years. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neal Brown's first signing date has arrived, and the West Virginia coach closed strong with expected and coveted signatures. Chris and Mike review the day's events, detail the top players, trends and storylines and anticipate what's next for the Mountaineers. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia University Law student Tyler Gordon, fresh off his Dr. Pepper Challenge win and $100,000 in tuition prize, joins the podcast to discuss his journey to Indianapolis, his strategy leading up to the competition, what it was like to win, and then a full-on discussion about Mountaineer football and his Trust The Climb mentality. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're two weeks from Christmas and one week from the first day of the early signing period ... which has quickly become the main signing period. Chris and Mike discuss how WVU will finish, what happens during an official visit, where the roster needs a boost, what kind of player can help the most and how quickly things may change. In addition, the basketball team took its first loss, but there's still a lot to like, including the one thing Mike likes the most. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At long last, basketball takes has the stage at WVU. The Mountaineers are undefeated but also unranked, and that's OK. Don't listen to the RPI, which rates WVU No. 1 and a has a sleeper at No. 2. Chris and Mike then tackle two big questions about how to build the proper WVU team and wonder whether Derek Culver should start or come off the bench. The episode closes with some football and a look at the upcoming all-Big 12 announcements and recruiting expectations. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neal Brown punctuated his initial season in charge of West Virginia’s football program with a 20-17 win over TCU. The Mountaineers accomplished many things they had not done in similar situations before and kept the Horned Frogs from reaching a bowl game. What does this do for the present and the future? What type of difference did Jarret Doege make? How can WVU polish strengths and work on weaknesses? Oh, and is basketball good? All that and more in tonight’s episode! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a short week at WVU, but it's a busy one, too. Chris and Mike (with a cameo by a dead bird!) look ahead to the final football game of the season and what to expect against TCU and what to look for in the future. Gary Patterson takes away what an opposing offense does best, which makes WVU kind of tricky. Can the offensive line improve in the offseason? How much of a gap will exist between that group and the rest of the 2020 offense? The Mountaineers can win the Cancun Challenge, but they or Northern Iowa will blink first in tonight's game. And Logan Routt must be on call in Mexico and perhaps beyond. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time since 2013, West Virginia is not going to play in a bowl game. The Mountaineers lost their seventh game of the season Saturday but had their chances in the 20-13 loss. Tonight’s episode recounts the close calls, highs, lows and curious decisions from the 11th game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia returns home for Senior Day this weekend and Oklahoma State is coming to town. Robert Allen of GoPokes joins the podcast to help preview the contest between the Mountaineers and the Cowboys. Plus, we discuss Mike Gundy's future, the state of the program, and the interesting history between the two teams. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NCAA approved Gabe Osabuohien's eligibility waiver Wednesday, and the 6-foot-7 forward is eligible for the 2019-20 season. How does that affect the roster? What can Osabuohien do for WVU's offense and defense? How soon can he make an impact? All that and more is covered in today's quick episode. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia football has a lot to play for, but Neal Brown isn't saying much about what's on the line. Does that undersell the opportunity or continue the plan he began at halftime against Missouri? Chris and Mike cover that as well as who and what have improved (or not) on offense and defense, how to build a game plan to stop Oklahoma State and more. Then they bounce to basketball and detail the Culver/Tshiebwe dynamic, Jordan McCabe's season so far and exactly how to appreciate Jermaine Haley. But first: Was might right or wrong at Best Buy? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The losing streak is over, West Virginia has a new starting quarterback and the final two games of the regular season are more interesting now than they were before kickoff. Chris and Mike discuss Jarret Doege's debut as the starter, the revitalized run game, the opportune defense and the debate they don't want to have but were born to have. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia travels to Manhattan, Kansas for this Saturday's game against No. 24 Kansas State. GoPowercat publisher Tim Fitzgerald joins the podcast to discuss the matchup between the Mountaineers and the Wildcats, what strengths and weaknesses there are on this team, and a projection for the game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As West Virginia's football team nears the end of the football season and the basketball team gets started, we discuss how the Mountaineers will go about their business on the field and on the floor. The football team may be getting healthier and improving in hidden areas, and there are some recruiting repercussions to cover before and after Saturday's game against Kansas State. But before that, the basketball team continues its season on the road against Pitt, and we dive into newcomers, positives and minuses so far an in the future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia dropped its fifth straight game Saturday with a 38-17 loss to Texas Tech. Both teams were 3-5 when the day began, but the Red Raiders ended their three-game losing streak thanks to a big first half. This episode discusses how it all went so wrong, what to think of Austin Kendall and Jarret Doege, the logic involved with a flea flicker in the red zone and Neal Brown's new F word. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jarret Johnson of Inside the Red Raiders joins the Country Roads Confidential podcast to discuss this weekend's game between West Virginia and Texas Tech. The two discuss what has gone wrong for both programs, why there's still hope moving forward, and what might happen on Saturday. And, because both teams are 3-5, Chris and Jarret also go off on a basketball tangent for a more positive discussion. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two teams with first-year coaches and lengthy losing streaks meet in Morgantown Saturday afternoon. We'll see whether Texas Tech's defense or West Virginia's offense can break out of a funk and which new coach stays out of the basement. Additionally, two more players are no longer part of the program, and there are surely more on the way out when the season is complete. What can WVU do to recover and how long will that take? Plus: An irresponsible question and discussion! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was closer than many expected, but ultimately it was the outcome most predicted. No. 12 Baylor remained undefeated Thursday night by beating WVU 17-14. Chris and Mike are here to discuss the quarterback conundrum, the penalty that altered the game, the roster's dire straits, the excellent audible by the defense and all that kept the Mountaineers from ending a losing streak and securing a win that would have validated the things they've been talking about for a while now. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Watkins of BearsIllustrated joins Chris Anderson to preview Thursday night's game between West Virginia and Baylor. The two discuss Baylor's hot start, how Matt Rhule rebuilt the program, what is to be expected from the game, and how the Mountaineers might be able to pull the upset. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maybe the hard part of the schedule isn't over for WVU? After taking three straight losses to the teams atop the Big 12's preseason poll, WVU begins the remainder of the season against the conference's only undefeated team. Baylor is 7-0, and Mike and Chris discuss what the Mountaineers have to do to change that as well as who will be involved, how the team prepared and what coach Neal Brown meant when he said a few interesting things Monday. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No game? No problem. Eersports.com readers on the message board and on Twitter submitted a number of worthy questions about the present and future of WVU football and basketball. Mike dedicated some free time during the open weekend to provide his answers. Today's episode covers the run game, scripting plays, using motion, the recruiting class, the next step for the program, the next wave of facility upgrades, favorite high school start and Big 12 venues and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia QB commitment Garrett Greene joins the podcast to discuss his relationship with WVU, his visits to campus, and a couple of top targets on his own recruiting board. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia's third straight loss was like and unlike the other two before it. The Mountaineers played a good half and faded, but the opponent was uniquely qualified to do damage. WVU was beat up entering the game and had to make some changes and then improvise a little once the game started. Chris and Mike cover everything from the 52-14 defeat, try to find a positive spin and look ahead for what and who is next. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OUInsider Joey Helmer joins the Country Roads Confidential podcast to help Chris preview West Virginia and Oklahoma. The two discuss the Sooners' improvements this season, where their weaknesses might lie, and whether Austin Kendall is the quarterback everyone thought he was in Norman. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neal Brown's poor roster took a few more hits on Tuesday with more players disappearing through the transfer portal and due to injury. The top players on offense and defense are questionable ... and the opponent Saturday is formidable. Chris and Mike discuss the (maybe) comings and goings, the upcoming game, some bright spots on and off the field and how the Mountaineers can finish the season and the recruiting class. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia took some hits on and off the field Saturday in a 38-14 loss to Iowa State. The visiting team played its game, and the home team had to improvise along the way on offense and defense. Chris and Mike explain why that wasn't a great mix, what the Cyclones did to control the game, how the Mountaineers dealt with the quarterback fiasco and how the coaches will attempt to answer a lot of questions as they prepare for Oklahoma. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Halsted of Cyclone Alert joins the show to discuss this weekend's game between Iowa State and West Virginia. The two discuss the matchup, Iowa State's start to the season, what Matt Campbell has brought to Ames and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia has another top-shelf Big 12 opponent coming to town Saturday, but the defense is now officially without a former starter and the offense won't be have all its personnel at its disposal. Upon additional review, Chris and Mike discuss exactly what happened (and who's to blame) on big plays against Texas and who has to make the big plays against Iowa State. The Cyclones have a rare defense and an efficient offense, but it's nothing WVU hasn't seen already. Will that help? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

West Virginia doesn't feel like it was that far away from a different outcome Saturday, and the stats and the scoreboard don't completely disagree. Texas won 42-31, but the Mountaineers know turnovers, missed field goals and some iffy defense at inopportune times were too much to overcome against the talented Longhorns. This episode explores all of that, plus Neal Brown's aggressive defense of Austin Kendall, whether WVU should be encouraged and how the rest of the month looks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chip Brown of Horns247 joins the podcast to discuss with Chris Anderson the upcoming game between West Virginia and Texas. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following an open week, Chris and Mike are back, and business has picked up. Today's episode covers immune systems, whether chili is a soup, former players getting stiff-armed, future players getting paid, expectations for a new performer on defense, the ... rivalry? ... against Texas. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Change has been good for different parts of WVU's football program, and the increased investment in digital media is one of the most obvious beneficiaries. Neal Brown has been interested in that part of the program and what it needed to succeed from the very beginning, and Grant Dovey and Austin Gaines are key parts of the operation. This episode gets to know both as well as where they come from, what they do, how they do it and where they see this going in the future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The football team is off, but Chris and Mike soldier on to discuss the latest in transfer trends, what's going to happen at Kansas, how much longer Josh Sills will be part of the team and what redshirts might still play this season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WVU is 3-1 following an eventful 29-24 win on the road against Kansas. There was plenty to like, plenty to question and plenty to talk about as the Mountaineers head into an open week. How do Chris and Mike feel about the season so far and what's ahead? How did key coaching decision turn out? Who's the new running back with the French name? All that and more in this episode covering the latest victory. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phog.net's Scott Chasen joins Country Roads Confidential to discuss the expectations in Lawrence, what changed for Kansas from Week Two to Week Three, and his predictions for this weekend's game against West Virginia. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Mountaineers are playing more games than expected on ESPN+, and it's happening earlier than expected, too. This episode explains the marketing logic behind this decision and spend some time describing how this is not great new for WVU fans in a few different aspects. But there are other interesting aspects to examine that deliver other pluses and minuses this season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WVU's season is definitely different today than it was a week ago, and a road game against suddenly interesting Kansas is the next chance to continue the improvement. But the Mountaineers have to address some personnel issues with their depth chart, travel roster and redshirts. Chris and Mike have some ideas, Chris has a question about the Jayhawks quarterback and Mike has a take about the outcome. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coming off a one-sided loss and a long week of practice WVU made three changes to the starting lineups on offense and defense and had by far its best performances on offense, defense and special teams this season to thump N.C. State 44-27. We review the new starters, the new faces, the new results and Neal Brown's strange but telling coaching decision late in the win. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices