MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Linebacker Isaiah Bruce and 18 other players who got their first snaps for No. 9 West Virginia survived their college debuts. After a week off to soak in the experience, they now get to ponder the next challenge — their first road game.
Proving themselves each week is the only way to remain on the field. And Bruce, who had 16 tackles and returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown in a lopsided win against Marshall, understands that.
Sixteen of the first-time players in the opener were redshirt or true freshmen.
Bruce says his first game felt pretty good, but knows there’s room for improvement.
Crash course No. 2 comes Saturday when West Virginia (1-0) plays James Madison (2-0) of the Football Championship Subdivision in Landover, Md.