2007 West Virginia Mountaineers Football: A Lambert Trophy Season
Season Overview
The 2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team earned the Lambert Trophy in a dominant season filled with electrifying performances. Under the guidance of head coach Rich Rodriguez, the Mountaineers built their campaign around a high-powered and innovative spread offense led by standout quarterback Pat White and explosive running back Steve Slaton. Despite a season-ending disappointment that shocked the college football world, their overall body of work was enough to secure the prestigious Lambert Trophy, solidifying their place as the top team in the East. This was West Virginia’s 3rd ever Lambert Trophy and their second most recent win (2011). The Mountaineers were recognized at the Meadowlands on February 8th, 2008 as the Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy Champions.
Regular Season Success
West Virginia began the season with lofty expectations and delivered in spades, racking up impressive victories against both conference and non-conference opponents. Their trademark speed and innovative offensive schemes overwhelmed opponents, propelling the Mountaineers to the top of the Big East standings. Throughout the year, White and Slaton dazzled fans with highlight-reel plays, while the defense, led by players like Marc Magro and Ryan Mundy, provided the signature toughness that West Virginia fans had grown to expect over the years from the Mountaineers.
Signature wins included dominant showings against Mississippi State and Rutgers, as well as a thrilling shootout victory over Louisville. These games epitomized the Mountaineers' ability to strike quickly and decisively, leaving little doubt about their standing as one of the premier teams in the nation. To this very day, West Virginia’s 2007 team is often considered to be one of the best to not play for a national title. This occurred due to a meeting with their archrival and fellow Lambert Trophy eligible school, the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Bob Macdonnell / The Hartford Courant Copyright 2007
Game-by-Game Recap
September 1, 2007: West Virginia 62, Western Michigan 24
The Mountaineers opened their season in explosive fashion, dismantling Western Michigan with a 62-24 victory. Quarterback Pat White contributed 196 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back Steve Slaton added 109 rushing yards and three scores. Freshman Noel Devine also scored his first career touchdown. This game showcased the high-octane offense that would define West Virginia’s season.
September 8, 2007: West Virginia 48, Marshall 23
In the "Friends of Coal Bowl," the Mountaineers overcame a sluggish first half to secure a 48-23 win against in-state rival Marshall. Pat White passed for 149 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 125 yards and another score. Steve Slaton’s 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns helped seal the victory.
September 13, 2007: West Virginia 31, Maryland 14
West Virginia’s rushing attack dominated in a 31-14 win over Maryland. Noel Devine stole the spotlight, rushing for 136 yards on just five carries. Slaton added three rushing touchdowns, and the Mountaineers secured their fourth straight victory over Maryland.
September 22, 2007: West Virginia 48, East Carolina 7
The Mountaineers’ defense nearly pitched a shutout against East Carolina, allowing just 160 total yards. Pat White completed 18 of 20 passes and contributed four total touchdowns, while Steve Slaton tied the school record for career rushing touchdowns.
September 28, 2007: South Florida 21, West Virginia 13
West Virginia suffered its first loss of the season in a mistake-filled game against South Florida. The Mountaineers committed six turnovers, and quarterback Pat White missed the second half due to injury. Despite the setback, the team remained in the hunt for the Big East title.
October 6, 2007: West Virginia 55, Syracuse 14
The Mountaineers rebounded with a dominant performance against Syracuse, reclaiming the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy. Even with Pat White sidelined for part of the game, the offense rolled to a 55-14 victory.
October 20, 2007: West Virginia 38, Mississippi State 13
Debuting their gold jerseys, the Mountaineers jumped out to a 28-0 first-quarter lead en route to a 38-13 win over Mississippi State. Steve Slaton and Pat White led the charge as West Virginia displayed its offensive prowess.
October 27, 2007: West Virginia 31, Rutgers 3
In a dominant defensive performance, the Mountaineers stifled Rutgers’ offense in a 31-3 victory. Steve Slaton’s three touchdowns helped extend West Virginia’s win streak over the Scarlet Knights to 13 games.
November 8, 2007: West Virginia 38, Louisville 31
Pat White’s late-game heroics secured a thrilling 38-31 victory over Louisville. With the game tied at 31, White scored a 50-yard touchdown run to lift the Mountaineers to victory.
November 17, 2007: West Virginia 28, Cincinnati 23
The Mountaineers held off a late rally from Cincinnati to earn a 28-23 win. Pat White accounted for 295 yards of total offense, including two rushing touchdowns, to keep West Virginia’s Big East title hopes alive.
November 24, 2007: West Virginia 66, Connecticut 21
West Virginia secured the Big East title with a dominant 66-21 victory over UConn. The team rushed for 517 yards, including a season-high 186 yards from Pat White. The win positioned the Mountaineers for a national title berth.
December 1, 2007: Pittsburgh 13, West Virginia 9
The devastating 13-9 loss to Pitt in the Backyard Brawl ended West Virginia’s national title hopes. Key turnovers and missed opportunities haunted the Mountaineers in one of the most shocking upsets in college football history.
January 2, 2008: West Virginia 48, Oklahoma 28 (Fiesta Bowl)
West Virginia ended the season on a high note, dismantling Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Pat White’s 326 total yards and Noel Devine’s 108 rushing yards propelled the Mountaineers to a 48-28 victory, capping off an unforgettable season.
Redemption and the Lambert Trophy
Despite the disappointment against Pitt, the Mountaineers regrouped to close out their season in style. In the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, under interim coach Bill Stewart, they dismantled the Oklahoma Sooners in a 48-28 triumph. Pat White delivered one of his finest performances, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in West Virginia’s storied history and one of the legends of the Lambert Trophy.
The Lambert Trophy, awarded annually to the best team in the East, recognized the Mountaineers’ incredible journey and accomplishments throughout the 2007 season. Their dominance over regional competition, Big East championship, and their ability to regroup in the face of adversity underscored why they were a deserving recipient.
Media
Matt York / Associated Press Copyright 2008
Interim Head Coach Bill Stewart led WVU to a dismantling win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.