Neal Brown Argues the WVU Football Program is Historically Undervalued

The change in the Big 12 creates a different dynamic for the WVU football program. And Neal Brown didn’t hold back his true feelings when asked about West Virginia’s place in the conference as he opened up fall camp.

While Brown is well aware that WVU is the winningest program all-time in the Big 12, he’s not sure if everyone around the country respects the Mountaineers place in the history of college football.

Brown actually labeled West Virginia as “one of the most undervalued” programs from an historical perspective. He then noted that he makes sure to detail WVU’s past success to his players.

Despite entering 2024 on the heels of the accomplishments of 2023, Brown did admit most of that success came before joining the Big 12. WVU owns 15 conference championships, but has yet to win one in the Big 12. But Brown confidently added “it’s coming” about returning West Virginia to glory and winning a title within college football’s new Power Four landscape.

WVU HC Neal Brown also added he knows most of the historical success happened before the Big 12, but that “it’s coming.” https://t.co/pPLFj1ldAM

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) July 31, 2024

Brown also doesn’t only have his sights on a conference championship. He even recently touched on why the new College Football Playoff format provides a clear path for a program like West Virginia to win a national championship.

“So 12 are getting in and you’re probably looking anywhere from 20 to 25 that are probably alive for those spots heading into the middle of November, which has never been the case,” said Brown while appearing on “the Oklahoma Breakdown” podcast with hosts Gabe Ikard and Teddy Lehman.

Neal Brown Explains What New College Football Playoff Format Means for West Virginia

Brown feels more playoff teams will lead to more excitement towards the end of the season, but he also knows it offers easier access to the Mountaineers.

“And it gives access. We have two guaranteed spots in the Big 12, and depending on how the league goes, we could have three or upwards of four that are getting in the playoff. And so it definitely adds another dimension. But I think that’ something that’s not getting talked about is just access. It gives real accessibility to that playoff,” explained Brown about his mindset with this playoff format.

In addition to owning the most overall wins (781), WVU ranks second in bowl appearances (40) and is tied for third in bowl victories with BYU, Texas Tech and Utah (17).

For a related story, Mike Asti explains why extending Neal Brown assists the WVU program.