When I was a child once a year my family went to visit Aunt Hilda. I went only because a higher authority (my parents) required me to. I dreaded the trip and the interminable afternoon spent sitting, listening to my Aunt Hilda’s monolog about the problems with her hearing aid.
I was subdued on the trip home, aware enough to know that since my heart was not in the visit--I was only there because my parents made me go--I could take no pleasure is having gone. There was only a sense that this thing of dread had been accomplished.
And that brings me, strangely, to Saturday’s “Friends of Coal Bowl.”
I’ve always been a proponent of WVU and Marshall playing every year in football, arguing it was somehow good for the state and fun to talk about.
Maybe there’s a part of me that even took that position to tweak WVU fans who, unreasonably, hate all things Marshall. I’ve gotten to know a number of Marshall folks over the years and found that, remarkably, they are a lot like us; they love their institution and they want their teams to win.
But, as a loyal WVU alum, it has finally dawned on me that, from a WVU perspective, there is no point in this game.
It hit me Saturday during what had to have been one of the dreariest days ever at Mylan Puskar Stadium. With Marshall leading 7-3 at halftime, Jarrett Brown out of the game with a concussion and WVU students fleeing their sections in droves, it occurred to me that no good can come of this.
The eventual 24-7 Mountaineer victory and the veteran-like performance of freshman quarterback Geno Smith helped lighten the mood of the dismal day, but the joy was missing.
The dominant feeling was relief…relief to learn that Brown’s injury was not serious, that WVU’s quarterback of the future was capable, and that WVU would not have to endure the embarrassment of a loss to Marshall, even though it’s evident that Coach Mark Snyder’s teams are improving.
WVU’s dominance in the four games played thus far in the “Friends of Coal Bowl” series means a victory provides no so-called “bragging rights.” You don’t brag about winning a game you are supposed to win. You’re just glad it’s over.
If I’m dead honest, my promotion of the game now sounds like hollow platitudes. There is just not enough potential gain from a West Virginia perspective to offset the gnawing fear of losing.
And, one day, WVU will lose this game because, well, that’s the way it works in sports. Ohio State was a two touchdown favorite over Purdue Saturday and lost 26-18. For WVU, the question must be: “Why put yourself through this game if you don’t have to?”
Like my forced visits to Aunt Hilda, I just don't see much of an upside.
This is not about Marshall. Coach Snyder is an honorable, likable guy. Even he has said that Marshall must win one of these games to make it a rivalry. No, this is about my victory hangover.
The whole politics of engagement between WVU and Marshall in football as brokered by Gov. Manchin has left many Mountaineer fans, including me, uneasy. Will this Governor or the next intervene when the current seven year series expires? If so, will WVU be forced to accept terms not necessarily in the school’s best interest?
Currently, Marshall says it will settle only for a home-and-home series, while WVU wants a two-for-one. If neither side gives ground, each can leave the table with their dignity and the fans can resume arguing about whether the teams should play.
Marshall’s football program needs victories more than it needs a series with WVU. WVU needs, well, not to lose to Marshall.
