The year 2007 stands out as a tumultuous season for college football fans. It featured unexpected upsets like Appalachian State defeating Michigan at the Big House. Such surprises were just the start. Throughout the year, ranked teams fell to underdogs 62 times. The No. 2 ranked teams faced losses seven times within nine final weeks of the season.
Despite the chaos, the season ended predictably with Arkansas (SEC) and Ohio State (Big Ten) contending for the national championship in New Orleans. Yet, the storyline almost concluded differently, with West Virginia emerging as a remarkable contender.
The West Virginia Mountaineers in 2007 remain a notable ‘what if’ story in college football history.
To appreciate West Virginia’s potential that year, consider the program’s status in the mid-to-late 2000s. Head Coach Rich Rodriguez cultivated a spread-option offense, positioning West Virginia as a dominant force after Miami’s departure to the ACC before the 2004 season. By 2005, the Mountaineers boasted an impressive 11-1 record, surprising Georgia in the Sugar Bowl with a formidable offense led by quarterback Pat White. Continuing this success, West Virginia repeated an 11-game win season the next year, earning a top-ten spot in the final AP Poll.
Due to these accomplishments, the Mountaineers entered 2007 with high expectations, carrying a top-five ranking. Although they experienced an early loss to South Florida, West Virginia remained a contender for the national title amidst the nationwide unpredictability.
The team’s offense, led by Pat White, featured running backs Steve Slaton and Noel Devine, along with fullback Owen Schmitt. This formidable unit was among the most efficient in the nation, averaging nearly 40 points per game. They had the highest yards per play average at 6.2 yards per rush.
By the season’s final week, West Virginia was second in the BCS polls and first in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Their final regular-season challenge was against Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl, a game they needed to win for a championship berth. Despite Pittsburgh’s 4-7 standings, the Panthers prevailed, defeating West Virginia 13-9. This shocking upset dashed the Mountaineers’ championship hopes.
Following this disappointment, West Virginia convincingly defeated Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Coach Rodriguez departed for Michigan, where he did not replicate his prior success. Meanwhile, West Virginia has not come as close to a national title since.
Years later, both West Virginia and Rodriguez reunited in 2025, realizing the mutual benefit of their collaboration. For the Mountaineer fanbase, the 2007 season encapsulates an era of near glory and unfulfilled potential. Their story is more than a footnote; it is a testament to their remarkable competitiveness during an outstanding period in college football history.