Rich Rodriguez Plans to Light It Up—Literally—After Big Win

“I heard there’s a city ordinance against it, but if we win a big game this year, my ass is burning a couch,” Rodriguez said. “I’m going to pay the fine ahead of time or something. I don’t care.”

That declaration went beyond humor. WVU has several major home tests this year, including Utah, TCU, and Texas Tech. Fans have been clamoring for a signature win, something the Mountaineers have lacked since beating No. 15 Iowa State in 2017. With Rodriguez back in Morgantown, the hype is reaching fever pitch.

Burning couches in Morgantown has long been a fan tradition after upset victories, and Rodriguez embraced the idea and even volunteered to cover his penalties. Celebration culture fuels statewide pride, and his willingness to get fined shows the passion driving this renewed West Virginia program.

Rodriguez led WVU from 2001 to 2007, winning Big East titles and leaving a legacy as one of the program’s most successful coaches. Now back in charge, he has spent the spring rallying fans and players around a simple message: big wins are coming, and old traditions will rise again.

If Morgantown sees a couch go up in flames this fall, it will mean more than just victory. It will mean Rodriguez delivered on big-game promise, tapped into fan fever, and reclaimed a campus ritual that reflects the heart of West Virginia football.