The 1989 West Virginia Mountaineers football team represented West Virginia University as an independent during the 1989 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by tenth-year head coach Don Nehlen, the Mountaineers compiled a record of 8–3–1 with a loss to Clemson in the Gator Bowl. West Virginia played home games at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Schedule
Season summary Coming off of its first ever 11-win season and with junior Major Harris returning to lead a potent offense, West Virginia entered the 1989 season ranked 17th in the AP Poll and with high expectations. The Mountaineers started the season accordingly, racing to a 4–0 record and to #9 in the AP Poll. In Week 5 against #10 Pitt, however, West Virginia fell victim to another memorable collapse in the Backyard Brawl. Trailing 31–9 in the 4th quarter, Pitt scored 22 unanswered points and kicked a game-tying field goal as time expired to force a 31–31 tie. The Mountaineers would suffer another heartbreaking result the following week with a 12–10 home loss to Virginia Tech, as well as a 19–9 loss to #16 Penn State in State College. Despite those disappointing defeats, WVU finished the regular season at 8–2–1, a #17 ranking in the AP Poll, and a trip to the Gator Bowl to face #14 Clemson. The Mountaineers faltered, however, losing 27–7 and finished the season at 8–3–1 with a #21 ranking in the final AP Poll.
Roster
Statistical leaders All stats are courtesy of WVUStats.com unless otherwise cited. Passing: Major Harris - 142/245, 2,058 yards, 17 touchdowns, 11 interceptions Rushing: Major Harris - 155 carries, 936 yards, 6.0 average per carry, six touchdowns Garrett Ford, Jr. - 148 carries, 733 yards, 5.0 average per carry, six touchdowns Receiving: Reggie Rembert - 47 receptions, 850 yards, 11 touchdowns Interceptions: Preston Waters - 7 interceptions
References