3 Guys Before The Game

Latest Episodes:

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Football - Over Unders Part 1 (Episode 732) Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Classes are underway at West Virginia University, signaling another important turn on the football calendar.
The Mountaineers have officially moved beyond the isolation of preseason camp — morning practices and long days spent inside the Puskar Center — and into the rhythm of a normal game week.
Afternoon practices have arrived, preparations are intensifying, and the season opener is now less than three weeks away.
So, what should we expect from Rich Rodriguez’s offense?
In this episode, the “Guys” unveil the first installment of their annual preseason over/under propositions. The opening focus is on a WVU offense expected to make a significant jump from last season.
How productive will the Mountaineers be? Which players are poised for breakout seasons? And which numbers will ultimately define the success of Rodriguez’s offense?
The predictions are made. Now comes the fun part — seeing who’s right.
Hoppy Kercheval delivers his Obvious Observations, and listener questions and comments complete the episode with Textual Healing.

3 Guys Before The Game - Ross Hodge Visits - WVU Football Update (Episode 731) Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Call it Christmas in August. Ho, ho, ho.
West Virginia’s men’s basketball roster unwrapped a very special gift Wednesday when Brenen Lorient announced he'll return to the Mountaineers for another season.
The unexpected development follows the NCAA’s recent decision to grant athletes five years of eligibility. Although the matter still awaits final resolution in court, Lorient and other players appear to be moving closer to receiving an additional season.
In this episode, the "Guys" are joined by WVU basketball coach Ross Hodge who explains Lorient’s situation and what his return would mean for the Mountaineers’ roster.
The crew also provides the latest from preseason football camp following Rich Rodriguez’s press conference after West Virginia’s seventh practice.
Listener questions and comments complete the episode with another edition of Textual Healing.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Football Begins - Wren Baker Visits (Episode 730) Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

The countdown to the start of the West Virginia University football season is officially underway.
The Mountaineers held their first formal preseason workout on Wednesday as head coach Rich Rodriguez begins his second season with hopes of returning WVU to its winning ways.
In this episode, the “Guys” recap the opening day of practice and welcome athletic director Wren Baker, who shares his thoughts on the Antero Resources uniform announcement.
Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, and listeners join the conversation with questions and comments on Textual Healing.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU President Michael Benson Visits (Episode 729) Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

The relationship between a university president and an athletic department often determines far more than wins and losses. When leadership shares a common vision, the entire institution benefits.
At West Virginia University, that partnership appears to be taking shape. President Michael Benson believes athletic success can elevate the university’s reputation, strengthen enrollment, energize alumni and create momentum that extends well beyond the playing field.
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with President Benson to reflect on his first year in Morgantown. They discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, the changing economics of college athletics, and the strategic decisions being made to position West Virginia University for long-term success.
It’s an insightful conversation with the university’s chief executive on leadership, vision and why the future of WVU depends on excelling both in the classroom and in competition.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Football - Cam Cook Visits (Episode 728) Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Cam Cook doesn't arrive in Morgantown with potential. He arrives with production.
The senior running back from Round Rock, Texas, led all of college football in rushing last season, piling up 1,659 yards and turning himself into one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal.
Now, Cook brings that talent to West Virginia, where he'll be counted on as a centerpiece of Rich Rodriguez's high-powered offense.
In this episode, the "Guys" sit down with Cook to trace his remarkable journey—from an underutilized recruit to the nation's leading rusher—and learn what fuels his confidence, work ethic and relentless running style. He also shares why Morgantown became the right destination and what he hopes to accomplish this season.
If you're wondering what West Virginia's backfield could look like this fall, this conversation provides an inside look at the player expected to carry the load.
Plus, the crew unwraps a surprise package from music star Charles Wesley Godwin, Hoppy delivers his latest Obvious Observations, and listener questions once again drive another entertaining edition of Textual Healing.

3 Guys Before The Game - Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio (Episode 727) Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

The founder of Pro Football Talk returns for his annual visit with the “Guys,” delivering the sharp analysis, quick wit and unapologetic opinions that have made him one of football’s most recognizable voices.
With NFL training camps about to open, Florio breaks down the league’s biggest storylines, identifies the teams under the most pressure, and shares what he’s watching as another unpredictable season begins.
The conversation also shifts to the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, where Florio offers his perspective on the legal battles, financial realities and seismic changes continuing to reshape the games we love.
As always, the discussion isn’t limited to sports. Florio provides an update on his latest writing projects, including an unexpected turn into the supernatural—a creative journey that reveals another side of one of football’s most fascinating personalities.
Insightful. Entertaining. Thought-provoking. And, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.
It’s another can’t-miss conversation with one of the most informed and opinionated voices in football.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Football Ben Cutter Visits (Episode 726) Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

In today’s era of college football, loyalty has become one of the rarest traits in the game.
West Virginia linebacker Ben Cutter chose a different path.
The North Carolina native arrived in Morgantown as a freshman and never looked back. While countless players chased new opportunities through the transfer portal, Cutter stayed committed to the Mountaineers, growing into one of the leaders of West Virginia’s defense.
Now entering the final season of his collegiate career, Cutter hopes years of patience, perseverance and development will produce his best football yet.
In this episode, the “Guys” explore Cutter’s journey from highly recruited prospect to veteran leader. It’s an engaging conversation about football, personal growth, academics and the relationships that convinced him West Virginia was always the right place to call home.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker (Episode725) Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

College sports no longer have an off-season.
West Virginia’s historic run to the College World Series carried the Mountaineers deep into June, while preparations for the 2026-27 athletic year are already underway. Summer workouts have begun, fall camps open in just a few weeks, and the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve at a breathtaking pace.
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Mountaineer athletics. Baker reflects on an unforgettable year for WVU sports, discusses the momentum being built across multiple programs, and explains how sweeping changes in revenue sharing, roster management and NCAA governance are reshaping the future of college athletics.
It’s an insightful, candid conversation with the man responsible for navigating one of the most transformational periods in the history of college sports.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Football Quarterback Michael Hawkins Visits (Episode 718) Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins doesn’t command attention with volume.
Instead, he exudes something far more powerful — quiet confidence.
The former Oklahoma signal caller arrived in Morgantown carrying the expectations that come with being one of the nation’s most coveted high school recruits. After experiencing the realities and challenges of major college football, Hawkins now finds himself in position to lead the Mountaineers into a new era.
As preseason camp approaches, there is a growing belief that Hawkins is prepared to translate potential into production.
In this episode, the “Guys” sit down with the Mountaineers’ quarterback candidate for a revealing conversation about his journey, his growth, and the lessons learned along the way. Hawkins discusses his transition to West Virginia, his relationship with Rich Rodriguez, and the mindset he brings into a season filled with opportunity.
It’s an insightful and entertaining look at the player entrusted with one of the most important positions in college football and the person behind the helmet.

3 Guys Before The Game - WVU Baseball - The Greatest Season Ever (Episode 724) Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

The greatest season in West Virginia University baseball history has reached its conclusion.
Over the course of four remarkable months, the 2026 Mountaineers accomplished what no team in the previous 134 seasons had ever achieved. They won the program’s first College World Series game, captured the imagination of an entire state and elevated WVU baseball to a level once thought unattainable.
The sting of elimination in Omaha will eventually fade. The memories, milestones and momentum created by this team will not.
In this episode, the “Guys” reflect on a season unlike any other and discuss what this historic run means for the baseball program, the University and West Virginia itself.
Hoppy delivers his Obvious Observations, Brad brings a season-ending edition of Spreads on Stats, and listener comments and questions complete the show during Textual Healing.
The fellas return next week with a special episode featuring WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins.

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