Ask any college football enthusiast about the craziest season, and many will mention 2007. That year, Appalachian State upset Michigan, one of the most shocking defeats in the sport’s history. In total, 62 ranked teams lost to lower-ranked or unranked opponents, with teams ranked No. 2 losing seven times in the final nine weeks.
The Final Showdown
The season concluded with SEC and Big Ten powerhouses vying for a national championship in New Orleans. Yet an alternate ending almost emerged, featuring a potential first-time national champion: the West Virginia Mountaineers.
The West Virginia Mountaineers came close to a national title in 2007.
In 2007, this team, despite not securing a national championship, remained a pivotal story in college football discussions. Their near-miss ranks among the biggest “what if” tales.
West Virginia’s Rise
Analyzing the mid-2000s to understand West Virginia’s prominence reveals how Coach Rich Rodriguez shaped the team’s culture and spread-option offense. By his fourth season in 2004, the Mountaineers had achieved two Big East co-championships. When Miami left for the ACC, West Virginia appeared poised to dominate the Big East.
In 2005, the team’s standout 11-1 season surprised many, especially their victory over SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The following year, the Mountaineers secured 11 wins again, finishing in the top ten of the final AP Poll.
2007: The Promise
Entering 2007, West Virginia was a top-five contender for the national championship. Despite an early loss to South Florida, a team also affected by the “curse of number two,” West Virginia still aimed for the title amidst national chaos.
The Dominant Offense
The Mountaineers boasted a high-powered offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Pat White, running backs Steve Slaton and Noel Devine, and fullback Owen Schmitt. This fearsome rushing unit made West Virginia a formidable opponent.
With an average of 40 points per game in 2007, ranking ninth nationwide, and leading in yards per play, their offense seemed unstoppable.
The Heartbreaking Finale
As the final week approached, the Mountaineers ranked second in the BCS polls and first in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Defeating their rivals, the Pittsburgh Panthers, seemed their gateway to the title game.
West Virginia needed to defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers to play in the national title game.
Pittsburgh, struggling at 4-7, seemed an easy opponent. Yet, on a cold December night, West Virginia’s offense faltered, ending with a 13-9 loss and dashing their title hopes.
The following month, the Mountaineers convincingly defeated a top-five Oklahoma team in the Fiesta Bowl, fueling speculation about their potential championship run.
Aftermath and Reflection
Post-2007, Coach Rodriguez left for Michigan but struggled to replicate his previous success. West Virginia has not since approached a title as closely. In 2025, Rodriguez and West Virginia reunited, though the outcome remains uncertain.
The 2007 season stands out in college football’s history, especially for West Virginia fans, who faced an agonizingly close encounter with destiny. It represents an era defined by unpredictability and intense competition.
Leave a Reply