Season opener between West Virginia, No. 8 Penn State suspended by severe weather
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With less than five minutes left in halftime before West Virginia and No. 8 Penn State were set to resume their 2024 season-opener, severe weather around Milan Puskar Stadium prompted an evacuation of fans and a suspension of the contest.
The game cannot resume until 30 minutes after lightning ceases.
Penn State built a 20-6 lead at the halfway point before the weather delay, riding three touchdown passes from quarterback Drew Allar.
Receiver Harrison Wallace led both teams with 117 yards on five catches, along with a pair of touchdowns.
The game was scoreless after the first quarter but in the second, Penn State’s offense came alive, producing three touchdowns.
By comparison, West Virginia was held out of the end zone, with several promising drives stalling in Penn State territory.
Mountaineers kicker Michael Hayes hit field goals from 38 and 39 yards to put his team on the board.
The first quarter featured a combined four fumbles, three by West Virginia.
Mountaineers tailbacks Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson combined for 16 carries and 73 yards in the first half, while quarterback Garrett Greene was 10 for 18 with 89 yards.
Last year, Penn State hosted West Virginia in State College to begin the 2023 campaign, with the Nittany Lions winning, 38-15.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
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