West Virginia Fans Praise BYU For Game Day Hospitality, Experience

In a Friday night showdown under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium, No. 23 BYU hosted West Virginia in its Big 12 home opener — and delivered a performance that was both dominant on the field, and memorable off of it.

With the game nationally televised on ESPN, and with it being on a Friday night, all eyes were on Provo and the Cougars didn’t disappoint.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 63,917, true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier led BYU to its highest scoring game of the season, throwing for more than 350 yards — a career-high — to go with two touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing).

The Cougars cruised to a 38–24 win over the Mountaineers in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated thanks to a garbage time touchdown with a minute left in the game. While BYU's win wasn't a surprise — as the Cougars were favored by nearly three touchdowns — it was the full game-day experience that left a big impression for West Virginia fans.

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The Mountaineer fans who made the long trip to Utah, took to social media after the game to share glowing reviews of their experience in Provo.

From the scenic mountain views surrounding the largest stadium in the Big 12, to the warm, respectful welcome they received from BYU fans, visitors from Morgantown said they left with more than just memories of a football game — they left with gratitude, appreciation and respect.

Here's what West Virginia fans and alumni had to say about their experience, with many others confirming and sharing the same sentiment online on social media and forums:

"BYU fans and game administrators are top notch. Many complete strangers saw my WVU shirt and sincerely thanked me for being there and wished us well. The BYU band playing Hail West Virginia nearly brought a tear to my eye to know they really wanted us to be there and experience their hospitality. WVU fans need to take a note and alter their behavior towards opposing fans." — WVU fan (50:25 segment) 

"I mean, it’s so hard to ever hate on BYU’s fan base. A couple of years ago, we beat them in Morgantown. Their coach, whom I have incredible respect for, had their team come witness WVU singing country roads because he thought it was such a great tradition. Then last night, their band plays the WVU fight song. Now I see this picture. I think BYU is such a class act! From a WVU alum, thanks BYU! You all are awesome and good luck the rest of the season!" — WVU alum

"As someone who have been to a dozens of away West Virginia games,  game day production at BYU was as good as anywhere. Combined that with kind, almost sappy, 'welcome to Provo,' BYU attitude, it all made for a surreal cultural experience. We will certainly return someday." — WVU fan (52:05 segment)

"We've been to quite a few away/bowl games, but the trip to Provo topped them all. Wonderful hospitality and inspiring game atmosphere. We are very fortunate to have BYU in the Big 12." — Bill, WVU fan (57:20 segment)

As it turns out, the Cougars picked up more than a win Friday night — they picked up a whole new fan base in Morgantown.

West Virginia fans are now rooting for BYU to succeed the rest of the way, with many saying the Cougars are their backup team now.

Lastly, 247 Sports' 'Locked on West Virginia' podcast — hosted by "Mountaineer Paul" — recently posted a video talking about his experience in Provo and how it was life changing experience for him.

BYU not only won on the field Friday night, they won off of it as well.

Follow Justin Giles on Twitter and Fan Insider on Facebook.

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