As I sit down to analyze West Virginia University's 2023 football season, I can't help but draw parallels to that fascinating opening round of the Del Monte JPGT Championship I recently studied, where first-timers and seasoned talents created such an intriguing dynamic. The Mountaineers' season unfolded in a remarkably similar fashion - a compelling mix of emerging stars and veteran leaders coming together to create something truly special. What struck me most about this season was how the team managed to exceed expectations despite being written off by many preseason analysts.

I remember watching the season opener against Penn State and thinking this team had a different energy compared to recent years. The offense moved with purpose, the defense played with intensity, and there was this palpable sense of belief that had been missing. Quarterback Garrett Greene emerged as the undeniable leader of this squad, and I've got to say, watching his development throughout the season was one of my personal highlights. He completed 215 of his 358 passing attempts for 2,406 yards with 16 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions - numbers that don't fully capture his impact on the field. His ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing reminded me of those young golf prodigies who somehow find ways to succeed despite their limited experience.

The running game became the team's identity, much to my delight as someone who appreciates old-school, physical football. CJ Donaldson's transformation into a workhorse back was something to behold. He carried the ball 218 times for 1,126 yards - that's 5.2 yards per carry for those counting - and found the end zone 9 times. I particularly enjoyed watching him in the Backyard Brawl against Pittsburgh, where he just kept grinding out tough yards against a defense that knew exactly what was coming. The offensive line, anchored by center Zach Frazier, created running lanes that would make any defensive coordinator lose sleep.

Defensively, the Mountaineers showed significant improvement from previous seasons, though if I'm being completely honest, there were moments where the secondary still made me nervous. Lee Kpogba was everywhere at linebacker, recording 87 total tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss. His performance against TCU stands out in my memory - he was like a heat-seeking missile that just wouldn't quit. The defensive line rotation kept players fresh throughout games, allowing them to maintain pressure even in the fourth quarter. I counted at least three games where their late-game stops directly contributed to victories.

Special teams often gets overlooked in these analyses, but Michael Hayes' consistency on field goals - he went 15 for 18 with a long of 49 yards - provided crucial points in close contests. His performance against Houston, where he nailed all three attempts in a game we won by seven points, demonstrated how valuable a reliable kicker can be.

What impressed me most about this team was their resilience. They bounced back from tough losses with determination rather than defeatism. The road victory against UCF after that disappointing loss to Oklahoma State showed character that statistics can't measure. Coach Neal Brown deserves credit for maintaining the team's focus through the inevitable ups and downs of a long season.

Looking at the broader picture, this season reminded me why I love college football - it's about growth, both individual and collective. Watching players like Preston Fox develop from role players into genuine threats in the receiving game (he caught 34 passes for 384 yards) demonstrated the program's ability to develop talent. The way this team came together, much like those junior golfers blending experience and fresh energy, creates optimism for the future of Mountaineer football.

As the season progressed, I found myself increasingly impressed by the team's strategic adaptability. Offensive coordinator Chad Scott showed remarkable creativity in blending traditional power running with modern spread concepts. There were games where we'd run the ball 50 times, then follow up with a game plan featuring 40+ pass attempts the following week. This unpredictability kept opponents off balance and showcased the staff's understanding of their personnel's strengths.

The final regular season record of 8-4 might not look extraordinary on paper, but having watched every snap, I can tell you this team achieved more than the numbers suggest. They competed in every game, showed tremendous heart, and built a foundation that should make Mountaineer fans excited for what's next. The future looks bright in Morgantown, and I'm already counting down to spring practice.