What Was More Impressive: Steve Slaton In 2006 Or Tavon Austin Versus Oklahoma In 2012?

I have a conundrum for you Mountaineer fans. I am going to ask you to choose between the single greatest rushing season in West Virginia history and the single greatest rushing game in Mountaineer history. How exactly can you choose between two records?

Steve Slaton in 2006

After a stellar freshman season, Steve Slaton exploded onto the scene in 2006. Coupled with Pat White and the spread, up-tempo zone-read, Slaton was a nightmare matchup. Blessed with 4.4 speed and great vision, Slaton could take a handoff, make one cut and get upfield. Fast.

The Mountaineers slowly assaulted the single-season rushing record. Robert Walker set the record in 1993 with 1,250 yards. Then Amos Zereoue broke it in 1997 and 1998. That record stood until Avon Cobourne broke it in 2002. Then Slaton set the mark that still stands today.

Slaton only had 3 games under 100 yards and 3 games where he did not score. He broke 200 yards twice and came close two other times.

Tavon vs Oklahoma

Its the game that inspired a highlight video that has been viewed 656 thousand times on youtube. The game catapulted Austin into the national spotlight and made him a first round pick. It also set the single-game rushing record at West Virginia.

In 1971, Kerry Marbury put up 291 yards against Temple, to set the single-game record. That record would stand until 2004, when Kay-Jay Harris would break the 300-yard mark against East Carolina with 337 yards.

That record would stand until Tavon Austin assaulted the record book and the Oklahoma defense. Austin originally came to West Virginia as a running back but switched to receiver. Dana Holgorsen re-inserted the dynamic playmaker at running back against the Sooners and the rest is history.