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As the Longhorns begin on their travels to West Virginia, Morgantown will wait.
It will wait for the sun to tuck itself into bed inside the surrounding mountains and allow the flickering of the luminous lights from milan Puskar stadium to awake the Mountaineer faithful. These lights will signify that tonight WVU is given the prime spot, the national stage: tonight the Mountaineers play Texas.
For the athletes, the scenario is all too familiar. Last year the game was played under the same lights, but the brightness shined in Texas. That Saturday evening the Mountaineers won 48-45 in front of a crowd of 100,119 Longhorn fans. While the Lone Star state mourned, the Mountaineers rejoiced. The town erupted in celebration, some of it legal and other acts illegal. This was a night to remember for Mountaineer fans. It combined the thrill of a night game, the excitement of a down to the wire win, and earned the team recognition on the national level. The victory was WVU’s way of breaking in to the Big 12 for the first time as they beat one of the most cherished teams in college football history.
This year, the lights will be turned on again. The players will no longer be trapped in a cave of burnt orange, but rather swim in a sea of blue and gold. They will emerge from the tunnel surrounded by fans believing tonight will be a lasting college memory. Although a win will guarantee this memory, the matter of a Saturday night game hosting Texas at home may be just enough to do the trick.
The day festivities of a night game begins early in the afternoon. Hours after hours of tailgating creep by without no one noticing, or for that matter, no one caring. It is a day that one embraces with fellow Mountaineers; enjoying the time they are spending, and anticipating the night they will be having. With every drink there is a cheer to the team, our friends, and our beloved university. A saturday night game day is a time to soak in the unique moments that make our college years.Â