WVU Football: 2023 Season in Review (game-by-game recap)

Game 13 - vs North Carolina (Duke’s Mayo Bowl)

Jumpstart

West Virginia concluded their 2023 season in Charlotte, North Carolina facing the Tar Heels of UNC. UNC standout quarterback Drake Maye elected not to play in the bowl game, and true freshman Conner Harrell got the start for the Heels. On the other sideline, WVU was in pursuit of their ninth win on the season, the program’s most since winning 10 games in 2016. 

West Virginia started with the ball and started off with an explosive 75-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Greene to freshman wideout Traylon Ray. After the first play from scrimmage, the Mountaineers led 7-0. After the opening play of the game, both offenses had their share of struggles in the first half. The next touchdown came courtesy of a Beanie Bishop Jr. 78-yard punt return in the closing minutes of the first half. Carolina responded with a touchdown of their own, followed by a Michael Hayes field goal that gave WVU a 17-10 lead at halftime. 

West Virginia’s defense continued to excel in the second half as UNC’s second-half possessions looked like this:

6 plays, 34 yards, interception 

7 plays, 34 yards, punt

6 plays, 14 yards, punt

4 plays, 7 yards, turnover on downs

5 plays, 49 yards, turnover on downs

As a team, WVU ran for 164 yards on 30 carries en route to an impressive Duke’s Mayo Bowl win.

Mountaineer Notables:

Garrett Greene - 12/24, 228 yards, 1 touchdown, 9 carries, 64 yards

Jahiem White - 12 carries, 50 yards, 1 touchdown 

Traylon Ray - 3 receptions, 91 yards, 1 touchdown 

Hudson Clement - 5 receptions, 89 yards

Tyrin Bradley - 1 interception

Aubrey Burks - 1 interception

Beanie Bishop Jr. - 78-yard punt return touchdown

Final Score: WVU 30, UNC 10

 West Virginia finished the season with a record of 9-4. The Mountaineers will look to build upon this season’s success as they are a team with high aspirations heading into 2024!