West Virginia University opened its 2023 football season with a 38-27 victory over the University of Virginia on September 2, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to WVU Athletics, the matchup marked the first meeting between the two regional opponents since 2010 and provided the Mountaineers an immediate non-conference test on a neutral field.
Game Statistics and Scoring Summary
West Virginia built a commanding lead by outgaining Virginia in total offense and controlling the line of scrimmage. The Mountaineers totaled 398 yards of offense, with 190 yards coming through the air and 208 yards on the ground. WVU Athletics reported that running back CJ Donaldson led the rushing attack with 81 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while quarterback Garrett Greene completed 17 of 27 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett accounted for 155 passing yards and ran for another score before exiting the game with an injury in the fourth quarter. Relief quarterback Jay Woolfolk added a rushing touchdown for the Cavaliers, who mounted a late-game scoring surge to narrow the final margin to 11 points. West Virginia kicker Michael Hayes contributed a 29-yard field goal to help secure the double-digit win.
Coaching Perspectives on the Season Opener
West Virginia head coach Neal Brown emphasized the importance of securing a victory away from home to start the campaign. According to postgame comments cited by WVU Athletics, Brown noted that opening week games involve significant unknown variables, making execution and composure critical. The win pushed West Virginia’s all-time record against Virginia to 6-3-1.
Virginia head coach Tony Elliott pointed to self-inflicted mistakes and missed opportunities in the red zone as deciding factors for the Cavaliers. In remarks reported by Virginia Athletics, Elliott stated that his squad failed to capitalize on early momentum and struggled to stop West Virginia’s rushing attack during key stretches of the second half.
Next Steps for Both Programs
Following the Charlotte matchup, West Virginia turned its focus to upcoming Big 12 Conference play and a home schedule featuring matchups against regional rivals. Virginia returned to Charlottesville to prepare for its home opener at Scott Stadium, seeking to correct defensive lapses identified during the season’s opening weekend.
