WVU Football at Ohio Is ‘A Lot Personal’ for Several Key Mountaineers

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – When WVU battles Ohio on Saturday evening, it will be an opportunity for the Mountaineers to send a message. West Virginia can silence their doubters and those labeling the road trip as a “trap game” ahead of the Backyard Brawl. But beating Ohio is about more than just securing a win for several key Mountaineers.

Several members of WVU’s defense are looking to send a message of a personal nature, one that’s providing extra motivation. This game is just personal for defensive lineman Hammond Russell, safety Darrian Lewis and even linebacker Reid Carrico.

Russell, who grew up in Dublin, Ohio, a Columbus suburb located about 1.5 hours outside of Athens, considers playing in Athens a homecoming of sorts. He actually grew up with a few players on the Bobcats, including offensive lineman Joshua Johnson.

“Yeah, I think I have a pretty good crew coming,” Russell told the media. “The guys [at Ohio] asked me, ‘did I need tickets?'”

Russell may want to impress his family and friends, but it’s possible the matchup means even more to Lewis.

WVU DL Hammond Russell says he was bought into staying to play for Rich Rodriguez after hearing how much Rodriguez wants to win right now. Rodriguez said Russell helped recruit other guys to say even going back to January.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 2, 2025

No stranger to facing Ohio, Lewis, an Akron, Ohio native, is hungry for his first win against the Bobcats. After spending four years with Ohio’s MAC conference rival, Lewis transferred to West Virginia in an attempt to prove himself on a bigger stage.

However, right up there with proving he can hang in the Big 12 is vanquishing his Ohio demons. Lewis is currently 0-4 against Ohio and coming off enduring a 30-10 loss last season, a year Ohio was en route to a conference title and the Zips were in the midst of enduring a rough 4-8 (3-5, MAC) campaign.

Lewis recorded eight tackles in the 2024 game, but he wants a win far more than worrying about his individual production.

“I absolutely did not get a chance to beat them at all, so this is a game I’m excited for, for sure. I can’t wait to get out there,” Lewis said.

And when pressed with if his final meeting with Ohio is personal, Lewis took it being personal to another level.

“It’s a lot personal, so don’t worry about that part. But it’s going to be a very good experience, I can’t wait for it.”

As for Carrico, the Ironton, Ohio product did not speak with the media heading into his return to his home state. He also didn’t have to say anything for his presence back in Ohio to be note worthy.

West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Reid Carrico (35) rects during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Morgantown, W.Va. (WVSN photo by William Wotring)

The former top Ohio recruit who started his college career with Ohio State is now the leader of a West Virginia defense looking to prove itself.

Carrico posted four total tackles and a sack in WVU’s season opening win, but that was against an FCS opponent. Carrico could be poised for a big game in Week 2 in an effort to send a message for the Mountaineer defense. And doing it back in Ohio could be a nice added bonus as well.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For related content, Mike Asti and Luke Blain previewed the game and discussed if the “trap game” label fits on Mountaineer Report.