Following West Virginia’s impressive 24-21 win over Cincinnati on November 9, 2024, head coach Neal Brown addressed the media, reflecting on his team’s performance and the significance of the victory. Brown, known for his thoughtful approach to both victories and setbacks, praised his team for their resilience and the way they fought through adversity. This victory marked a critical point in the Mountaineers’ season, as it not only improved their record but also positioned them well within the competitive Big 12 standings.
Brown began his post-game remarks by acknowledging the importance of the win, especially on the road in a hostile environment like Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. “Any win on the road in this league is huge,” Brown said, emphasizing the difficulty of playing away from home. He noted that Cincinnati, as a program that has recently made a name for itself in the American Athletic Conference and is now a part of the Big 12, presented a tough challenge, making the victory even more meaningful.
He continued by highlighting the team’s ability to execute under pressure. “We talked all week about the importance of playing a complete game, and tonight, we saw glimpses of that,” Brown remarked. The Mountaineers faced multiple challenges during the game, including a late rally from Cincinnati, but Brown credited his team’s ability to remain focused and finish the job. “I’m proud of the way we responded in the second half, especially with how we handled the pressure,” he added.
A major focal point of Brown’s comments was the performance of West Virginia’s defense. The Mountaineers held Cincinnati to just 21 points despite giving up some big plays throughout the game. Brown praised his defense for its “bend but don’t break” mentality, particularly in critical moments when Cincinnati was threatening to score. “We had some lapses, but when we needed stops, we got them,” Brown said. He singled out key defensive players, including the defensive line and the secondary, for stepping up when it mattered most.
Offensively, Brown noted that while the Mountaineers’ attack wasn’t always perfect, they were able to control the clock and move the ball effectively at times. Quarterback Garrett Greene, who had a solid performance with both his arm and legs, was a particular point of emphasis in Brown’s praise. “Garrett did a great job of managing the game and making plays when we needed them,” Brown said. “He’s a dynamic player who can take over when it’s called for, and tonight he did exactly that.”
The running game, led by running back CJ Donaldson, was another area where Brown felt his team showed growth. While the team did not dominate the ground game, Brown was pleased with how his backs kept Cincinnati’s defense honest and allowed the Mountaineers to maintain balance offensively. “We didn’t break off a ton of big runs, but we were able to stay ahead of the chains, which was key to keeping the pressure off our defense,” Brown said.
Brown also took a moment to praise his coaching staff and the overall preparation that went into securing the win. “Our staff did a tremendous job preparing these guys, and that’s a credit to the entire team,” Brown said. The Mountaineers’ discipline and execution reflected a focused, well-prepared group that had bought into the game plan. Brown also acknowledged the importance of the team’s mental toughness in dealing with the highs and lows of a competitive game on the road. “The key to winning games like this is keeping your composure, and we did that down the stretch.”
Looking ahead, Brown was cautious but optimistic. “We’ve got a long way to go, and there’s still a lot of football left to be played,” he said. But he also noted that this win could be a turning point for the Mountaineers as they look to close out the season strong. “This is a big one for us, but we have to keep the momentum going. The road ahead is tough, and we can’t afford to take our foot off the gas.”
In summary, Neal Brown’s comments after the win at Cincinnati highlighted the resilience, preparation, and execution that led to the victory. He expressed pride in his team’s efforts, especially in key moments, and emphasized that while the win was significant, there is still much work to do as West Virginia continues its push through the remainder of the season.
