Mountaineers Win 2008 Fiesta Bowl
West Virginia Surprises Oklahoma, 48-28, without Rich Rodriguez
Surprising victory confirms that Michigan made a wise choice in selecting West Virginia's former head coach and that the Mountaineers have a bright future
West Virginia's 48-28 upset of then-No. 3 Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl only confirms that Michigan made a wise choice in selecting Rich Rodriguez as its next head coach.
Rodriguez didn't coach his former team against Oklahoma, but he is the one who put the Mountaineers together and entrusted them to interim coach Bill Stewart.
Relying on the principles that Rodriguez taught them, and their own ability, the Montaineers earned a surprisingly easy victory and Stewart became the permanent head coach.
Quarterback Pat White rushed for 150 yards and threw for 176 more, including two touchdowns. Noel Devine, who replaced tailback Steve Slaton after he sustained a first-quarter leg injury, repsonded with 108 yards rushing and two scores. His 65-yarder in the fourth quarter put the game away.
Rather than being disheartened that they didn't reach the Bowl Championship Series national title game, the Mountaineers responded as if they had something to prove
West Virginia's 13-9 loss to Pittsburgh that cost them a title shot was a thing of the past, as the Mountaineers gave Oklahoma its second consecutive Fiesta Bowl setback. Boise State stunned the Sooners last year.
Rodriguez spent the last seven years building his alma mater into a natonal power. The Mountainners finished with their second consecutive 11-2 record, which should make West Virginia fans happy about their promising future and the Michigan faithful glad to know that they have a top-flight coach.
Along the way in choosing Rodriguez, Michigan made two missteps, which says more about the Wovlerines' search for a coach than it does about Rodriguez' ability to do his job.
The media glare was on Michigan to choose one of its own in LSU third-year coach Les Miles. Miles was a former offensive lineman for Michigan and has said repeatedly that he will always remain loyal to the Big Blue.
During the week of the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, Michigan asked LSU to talk with Miles. LSU agreed but only if it was done after the game. All appeared fine until game day when an obviously miffed Miles bristled at a report that he was going to Michigan and vowed to stay at LSU.
Had Miles turned down Michigan from the start, he wouldn't have been so upset in the first place. As it turned out, Michigan actually seemed lukewarm in its desire for Miles, as did outgoing coach Lloyd Carr.
Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then rejected Michigan, leaving the Wolverines with Rodriguez.
Rodriguez appears to be a wonderful consolation prize.
In transforming West Virginia, Rodriguez guided the Mountaineers to a 60-26 record in his seven years, four Big East Conference titles and six consecutive bowl berths.
West Virginia made school history with three consecutive seasons of double-digit victories from 2005-07.
From all appearances, it looks as if Rodriguez left the cupboard full at West Virginia and will put Michigan in good hands as he guides them into the future.
