For the second time in as many weeks, the West Virginia University Mountaineers found themselves trailing at the half. And, for the second straight time, Noel Devine helped bring them back for a thrilling 28-24 victory over the University of Connecticut.

After Tavon Austin returned the opening kickoff 98-yards for the game’s opening tally, the Huskies scored the next 10 points to grab the lead. The Mountaineers retook the lead just before the half on a Jarrett Brown five-yard run. However, U-Conn scored on a 17-yard touchdown pass to grab the lead at the half.

West Virginia reclaimed the lead in the third period on a one-yard TD pass from Brown to tight end Tyler Urban.

In the fourth period, it looked like U-Conn was going to go up, but WVU defensive back Kent Richardson returned a Connecticut pick 47 yards before fumbling the ball back to U-Conn late in the game.

However, U-Conn would answer with an 88-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead once more. But the Mountaineers would retaliate when Devine scampered 56 yards to paydirt with 2:10 left on the clock to help the ‘Eers gain the nod.

Devine rushed for 178 yards in the game, with only seven yards coming in the first half.

“Our defense carried us and kept us in the game,” said former New Martinsville resident, Magnolia graduate and WVU Head Football Coach Bill Stewart.

The #20 nationally ranked Mountaineers will travel to South Florida on Oct. 30.