West Virginia Football Dominates in Duke’s Mayo Bowl Victory
West Virginia football finished off its season strong with a dominating performance in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels with a final score of 30-10 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday. This victory marked the second bowl win under the leadership of head coach Neal Brown and allowed the Mountaineers to reach nine wins for the first time since 2016.
The game began with a explosive play on the first snap, as West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene faked a handoff and threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Traylon Ray, giving the Mountaineers an early lead. North Carolina’s freshman quarterback Conner Harrell, who made his first career start, struggled against the WVU defense and was unable to put points on the board in the first quarter.
The Tar Heels managed to get within field goal range in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 7-3 with a successful kick by Noah Burnette. West Virginia responded with an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown by cornerback Beanie Bishop, extending their lead to 14-3. However, the Tar Heels quickly answered with a touchdown of their own to make it 14-10 at the end of the first half.
In the third quarter, the Mountaineers added to their lead with a field goal, bringing the score to 17-10. The WVU defense continued to stifle North Carolina’s offense, and Jahiem White scored an 11-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 27-10 in the fourth quarter. After another field goal, the Mountaineers secured a decisive 30-10 victory, capping off a successful season.
The win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl marked a significant achievement for the West Virginia football program, as it notched its ninth win of the season and showcased its strength in all aspects of the game. Head coach Neal Brown praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to their success.
“We knew coming into the game that North Carolina was a strong opponent, but our players executed the game plan flawlessly,” said Brown. “This victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of our team, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished this season.”
The Mountaineers’ victory in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl highlighted the team’s ability to perform at a high level in crucial moments, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in college football. As they head into the offseason, West Virginia will look to build on this success and continue to strive for excellence in the seasons to come.
