West Virginia rallies to beat Army 24-21 in Liberty Bowl
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 31: The West Virginia Mountaineers celebrate after winning the Liberty Bowl against the Army Black Knights at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on December 31, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)MEMPHIS, Tenn. – West Virginia coach Neal Brown knew he would use reserve quarterback Austin Kendall in the second half. Kendall threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Simmons with 5:10 left, and West Virginia held off Army 24-21 on Thursday. Army quarterback Tyhier Tyler had three rushing touchdowns — from 1, 6, and 2 yards — to tie a Liberty Bowl record. They got the opportunity to play in the Liberty Bowl after Tennessee (3-7) opted out because of COVID-19 cases.
Army takes Liberty Bowl spot left by Tennessee’s withdrawal
When that bowl game was called off because there was not another team available, it suddenly left Army looking for a postseason opponent. A spot in the Liberty Bowl became available Monday when Tennessee became the first team to back out since bowl berths were announced. The change to its Liberty Bowl opponent was no problem for West Virginia (5-4). “Our team deserves to be in a bowl and so does the 9-2 Army squad,” West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons said. Frankly, I think we were stunned to find out the opportunity would be in a bowl like the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
Koenning out as WVU coordinator after player accusations
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. West Virginia has parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Koenning a month after a player alleged the assistant coach made a series of insensitive remarks, including against Hispanics. Sophomore safety Kerry Martin posted the allegations on his Twitter account about Koenning, who was then placed on administrative leave. Martin said Koenning then would discuss religion and the Bible in front of Pitts, who transferred last summer to Marshall. Martin said Koenning found out last fall that Martin had converted his religious beliefs and pulled me into his office on multiple occasions and talked about religion. Martin said Koenning also has made him read passages from the coachs Bible. Koenning also would discuss his views on politics during position meetings during the 2019 season, according to Martin.