When it comes to Rich Rodriguez, what you hear isn't always what you get. The veteran WVU football coach regularly uses his press conferences to send messages to his players, coaches and fans. 

So, how do you decipher Coach Rod? That's just one of many topics the "Guys" discuss as the Mountaineers begin week two of preseason practice. 

The crew also presents an historical summary of the winning percentage for first-year coaches in the Power 4 conferences. 

Listener questions and comments complete the episode. 

He's colorful, opinionated and the ultimate definition of a "FOOTBALL GUY".  

Robert "Dusty" Rutledge begins his second tour of duty with West Virginia University's football program as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief of Staff for head coach Rich Rodriguez.  

In this episode, Rutledge gives a behind-the-scenes look into over 40 years in the coaching business.  From his days as the last known college player-coach to his ongoing battle with cancer, it's an entertaining and informative visit with a key member of the Mountaineer football program. 

Life is good for Mountaineer baseball coach Steve Sabins.  He not only led WVU to the Big 12 Conference regular season championship and an NCAA Super Regional in his debut season, he's just agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Morgantown through 2031. 

In this episode, Sabins reflects on his inaugural season and explains his vision of the Mountaineer program in the years to come. 

It's an information-packed and entertaining visit with the man in charge of WVU baseball. 

The story of WVU football player Eddie Vesterinen reads like a movie script.  The teenager, who saw an online video showing massive collisions in American football, began a quest to learn about the game. 

It began a life-changing journey for the native of Helsinki, Finland who is ready to begin his final season on the Mountaineer defensive line. Along the way, the affable and multi-talented Vesterinen has defined what good can come from the opportunity that college athletics offers. 

In this episode, the "Guys" learn about Ed's fantastic story, which includes a live musical performance. 

It's a 3 Guys Summer Series visit that won't soon be forgotten.  

Ross Hodge's new life is just starting to become normal. Three months after being named West Virginia University's head men's basketball coach, Hodge can finally take a deep breath. 

He has retooled the WVU roster with players and staff, along with moving his family from Texas. 

The 44-year-old Hodge knows it's still very early, but the pieces are coming together for his debut season. 

In this episode, the "Guys" do a deep-dive into Hodge's philosophy of the game and expectations for the Mountaineer program.  

No topic is off limits in a fun and entertaining conversation with the new man in charge of WVU hoops.

When it comes to longevity and consistency, he's West Virginia University's Cal Ripken.  

Randy Meador's touch has been part of West Virginia University basketball since 1984.  It's the longest tenure by anyone involved in program history.  His 41 seasons as head athletic trainer have been defined by professionalism and dedication to his craft. And, oh yeah, he NEVER missed a single game.  Not one!

The Ohio native will never be officially credited with any coaching victories, but his behind-the-scenes work led to countless wins for the Mountaineers. 

In this episode, the "Guys" celebrate Meador's retirement and look back at his amazing career with the Mountaineers. 

A middle school football coach kicked Mike Florio and it changed his life. 

That's not hyperbole, it's the truth.  Actually, it was more than one kick to Florio's backside, but regardless, the impact is still being felt today.  

In this episode, the "Guys" spend an entertaining visit with the founder of Pro Football Talk. While his passion remains the NFL, his non-football writing continues to gain popularity.  

It's a enlightening and fun conversation with one of the most interesting guys to appear on the podcast. 

Wren Baker is the 13th Athletic Director in West Virginia University history. It’s fair to say none of his predecessors have navigated the changes and challenges that he’s encountered.
 
Forget about the “normal” requirements of the job, Baker is also leading WVU in the transition from college amateurism to a pay-for-play model.  It’s uncharted territory for everyone involved and, for Baker, just another challenge that’s being handled with both confidence and optimism.
 
In this episode, the “Guys” dig deep into the new world of college athletics and learn Baker’s plan for how WVU athletics will compete in a very new world.

Little has been heard from Zac Alley since his arrival in Morgantown.  West Virginia University's defensive coordinator is a rising star in coaching circles. 

You could say Alley's decision to join the WVU program is Rich Rodriguez's biggest recruiting coup yet. Alley's departure from Oklahoma gives Rodriguez the aggressive attacking nature that pairs well with his fast-paced offensive attack. 

In this episode, Alley reveals his motivation and goals in his role with the Mountaineers.  It's an insightful visit with Alley, who admits West Virginia University football changed his life before he ever arrived in Morgantown. 

Bill McKenzie.

It's a name that will forever be associated with West Virginia University football.  His story about life as a Mountaineer is as remarkable as improbable. 

The West Virginia kid from the small high school became one of the most recognizable names in WVU history with one single kick of a football. 

In this episode, Bill and the "Guys" celebrate the 50th anniversary of that play and the dividends it continues to pay. 

Treysen Eaglestaff has a story. 

The self-described chubby high school kid has blossomed into one of college basketball's top scorers. 

That's why his entrance into the transfer portal produced numerous scholarship offers, which included Kentucky, Kansas, Gonzaga and South Carolina.  

Instead of 'blue bloods", Eaglestaff chose the Gold and Blue of West Virginia and will be part of Coach Ross Hodge's debut season.

In this episode, Eaglestaff shares his obsession with improving and an improbable journey from North Dakota to Morgantown. 

Nathan Adrian says it's time. 

The former Mountaineer basketball standout recently celebrated his 30th birthday.  He still loves the game that's taken him around the world to play, but his body is hurting. 

In this episode, Adrian talks about his recent season in Japan and his future plans.  It's a fun and informative episode about how the game of basketball transformed Adrian's life on and off the court. 

Listener questions and comments complete the show. 

Sometimes you just have "stuff" to talk about. 

Welcome to episode 636 of 3 Guys Before The Game.  It's an episode that covers a number of topics in the ever-changing world of WVU football and basketball. 

The "Guys" dig into the latest roster additions and jump into the latest basketball and baseball news. 

Listener questions and comments complete the episode. 

The list of coaches Travis Trickett has worked with is jaw-dropping.  Imagine being mentored by Bobby Bowden, Nick Sabin, Jimbo Fisher and Rich Rodriguez. That group, which has combined to win 10 national championships and 40 conference titles, makes Trickett an invaluable resource as he returns to the WVU football program. 

In this episode, Trickett explains his decision to return to Morgantown and the rebuilding of the WVU roster. 

It's an informative inside look into a massive roster rebuild and how it will come together. 

Jasper Floyd will tell you that prayers are answered.

Floyd's prayers to play at a "Power Four" conference school were answered this month when he accepted a scholarship offer from West Virginia.  The Florida native will join his North Texas coach Ross Hodge and teammate Brenen Lorient in Morgantown. 

Floyd's path to Morgantown is a story of persistence and determination.  He made two stops at the junior college level before playing at Fairfield and North Texas. 

In this episode, Floyd shares the story of his journey and goals as a Mountaineer. 

Listener questions and comments complete the episode. 

He hasn't played a game yet for West Virginia University, but Honor Huff has certainly made a memorable first impression. 

The Brooklyn native, who led the nation in three-point shooting last season, joins the "Guys" for an entertaining and informative conversation.  The Tennesee-Chatanooga transfer explains his frenetic recruitment once entering the transfer portal and why he chose WVU. 

It's an insightful and fun visit with a key member of WVU's new class of recruits. 

Listener questions and comments complete the episode.

There really isn't an offseason in college football and basketball. 

The games may be over for now, but roster movement has become a season of its own. 

In this episode, the "Guys" discuss roster changes for WVU football and basketball along with revenue- sharing plans and NIL opportunities for college athletes. 

Listener comments and questions complete the episode. 

History is being made when it comes to the rosters of college football teams. 

Coaches are being asked to reduce their roster to 105 to meet the House Settlement requirement. That means some players must unexpectedly find a new school. 

Meanwhile, the roster is slowly growing for the new WVU men's basketball coach, Ross Hodge.  

In this episode, the "Guys" debate the "new world" of roster management and provide analytics on the new basketball commits. 

Listener questions and comments complete the episode. 

The 24th men's basketball coach in West Virginia University history is on the job. 

Ross Hodge was formally introduced on Thursday morning.  He shared his thoughts and philosophy on the game of basketball and his future vision of the WVU program. 

In this episode, the "Guys" share their thoughts on the Hodge press conference and what it means for Mountaineer Nation. 

It has been 17 years since Rich Rodriguez coached on Mountaineer Field with fans in the stands.  

That streak will end on Saturday when the Mountaineers collide in the Gold & Blue Showcase.  It will give Rodriguez and staff a final chance to evaluate the roster.  It's also the last chance for players to shine before the roster is reduced.  New rules will allow for just 105 roster spots starting next season.  That's a reduction of about 20 players from the current system. 

In this episode, Brad and Tony talk with Coach Rodriguez about the current state of the program and changes that will be made in the next several months. 

Listener questions and comments complete the episode.