Morgantown, WV — In a spectacular display of resilience and determination, the West Virginia Mountaineers secured a dramatic 32-28 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks in front of a roaring crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium. This intense Big 12 matchup kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds, highlighting the relentless spirit and tactical brilliance that define West Virginia football.
The game began with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess, but it was West Virginia that drew first blood. With 5:16 left in the first quarter, Jahiem White powered through Kansas’s defensive line for a 1-yard touchdown, capping off a swift 3-play, 78-yard drive. Kicker Michael Hayes II added the extra point, putting the Mountaineers up 7-0.
Kansas responded in the second quarter with a well-executed drive that spanned over six minutes. Devin Neal, the Jayhawks’ star running back, broke through with an 11-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 7-7. The Jayhawks demonstrated their ability to grind down the field, consuming both time and yards with a series of methodical plays.
However, the Mountaineers were not to be outdone. With less than a minute remaining in the first half, quarterback Garrett Greene orchestrated a precise 8-play, 34-yard drive, culminating in a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Greene himself. The Mountaineers headed into the locker room with a 14-7 lead, and the momentum was clearly in their favor.
The third quarter saw Kansas fighting back with determination. Jalon Daniels, Kansas’s dynamic quarterback, connected with Luke Grimm for a 7-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 14-14. West Virginia responded quickly with a 40-yard field goal by Michael Hayes II, nudging the Mountaineers ahead by three points. But Kansas continued to press, with Daniel Hishaw breaking loose for an 11-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for the Jayhawks at 21-17.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the tension in Milan Puskar Stadium was palpable. Kansas seemed to seize control when Luke Grimm scored on a 32-yard run, extending the Jayhawks’ lead to 28-17. The Mountaineers, however, showed their trademark grit and refused to let the game slip away. Greene led a high-octane, 9-play, 75-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass to Kole Taylor, followed by a successful two-point conversion that brought West Virginia within three points.
With only 26 seconds remaining, the Mountaineers executed a flawless 7-play, 67-yard drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Greene to Rodney Gallagher III. The crowd erupted as West Virginia took a 32-28 lead, sealing their victory in one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory.
Garrett Greene was the standout player of the day, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 295 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and 87 rushing yards. His leadership and poise under pressure were instrumental in West Virginia’s comeback victory. Hudson Clement also had a stellar performance, recording 150 receiving yards on seven catches.
Defensively, the Mountaineers were led by Josiah Trotter, who recorded 11 total tackles. Tyrin Bradley also made his presence felt, with a key interception and several impactful plays that helped shift momentum in West Virginia’s favor.
“This was a team win, through and through,” said Head Coach Neal Brown after the game. “Our guys showed incredible heart and resilience. They never gave up, even when things looked tough. This is the kind of victory that can define a season.”
The victory improves West Virginia’s record to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12, while Kansas falls to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Mountaineers will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game, where they will face a formidable opponent in the Oklahoma Sooners.
As the final whistle blew, the energy in Milan Puskar Stadium was electric. Fans celebrated long into the night, reveling in a victory that will be remembered as one of the great moments in Mountaineers football history. The win not only showcased the team’s potential but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of college football.
For more information on West Virginia Mountaineers football and upcoming games, visit www.wvusports.com.
