Marshall Thundering Herd Vs. West Virginia Mountaineers: Mountaineers Victorious In Weather Shortened Coal Bowl, 34-13

It was a bizarre beginning to the Dana Holgorsen era as the West Virginia Mountaineers won a shortened Friends of Coal Bowl 34-13.  The action, which kicked off shortly after three thirty was officially called at nearly 10:30 on Sunday night.

ESPN is reporting that a Mountaineer fan was struck by lightning in section 201 of Milan Puskar Stadium, though that account is being disputed by local emergency responders.

The Mountaineers looked good in their first appearance under first year head coach Dana Holgorsen. Junior quarterback Geno Smith threw for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Smith attempted 35 passes in only three quarters of play, evidence that the new normal in Morgantown is throwing early and often.

A large question mark out of training camp was which Mountaineer running back would get the carries, with Holgorsen stating publicly that all seven would see action.  Freshmen Andrew Buie and Vernard Roberts saw the bulk of the action, with Roberts scoring from one yard out just prior to the game's final weather delay.

The Mountaineers move to 1-0 and cap off a successful opening weekend for the Big East conference.