What Made Pat McAfee Appear in WVU Punter’s Dream?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Even a foreigner like Oliver Straw is well aware of the legacy Pat McAfee has at WVU. Straw is actually so familiar with McAfee’s time as a Mountaineer that he has dreams about being just like the media mogul.

When asked if he’s ready to make a tackle on a return, Straw responded that he hopes he doesn’t have to be in that position but that he does have dreams of “making a Pat McAfee-like tackle” sometimes.

WVU Punter Oliver Straw says he has dreams about “making a @PatMcAfeeShow style hit” if he needs to make a tackle on a returner. 🤣

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) August 19, 2024

While McAfee did punt in addition to kicking in college, Straw is likely referring to his NFL highlights when bringing up McAfee making a tackle. McAfee was actually credited with making 21 total tackles during his eight-year NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.

But if needed, Straw will be ready. The Australian-born punter says he’s in much better physical shape now than he was last year. He called his body “revamped” following an offseason knee procedure and feels good after a great offseason from a conditioning standpoint.

Funny dreams aside, WVU has Straw on the roster for a similar reason McAfee was in West Virginia many years ago – his booming leg. In 2023, Straw held a 43.0 average from 42 punts in 13 games. Straw’s longest was for 61 yards, just two yards shy of his best as a Mountaineer. He posted a 42.5 average from 49 punts his first college season in 2022, being named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week multiple times.

For a related story, Pat McAfee discussed being back in West Virginia to coach in the annual Gold-Blue spring game back in April.

Find more coverage of Pat McAfee and his current life as host of “The Pat McAfee Show” at WV Sports Now.