WVU Well-Represented in Preseason Sunday Night Football

August 19, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) punts the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The West Virginia Mountaineers were showcased in last night’s preseason game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game featured four Mountaineers; Morty Ivy, Ryan Mundy, and Will Johnson for Pittsburgh and Pat McAfee for Indianapolis.

One of the highlights of the game highlighted the abundance of WVU alumni early in the third quarter.

After the Colts were held to a three-and-out series to start the second half, Pat McAfee was brought on to punt the ball to Pittsburgh. Former Mountaineers Morty Ivy and Will Johnson were lined up on the edges of line, set to put pressure on McAfee. Morty Ivy beat his man around the edge to get a hand on the punt. Ivy and Johnson raced after the bouncing ball, but McAfee would recover the ball.

The blocked punt in no way effects McAfee’s position with the Colts, but the block is certainly an important play for Ivy who is fighting for a roster spot in the deep Pittsburgh linebacker corps. Ivy also registered three tackles against the Colts.

Will Johnson played well on special teams and showed that he was more than capable as a fullback on offense. Johnson is in the middle of a competition to become the Steelers starting fullback after last year’s starter, David Johnson, was lost for the season with ACL injury. Will Johnson carried the ball once last night for no gain.

Ryan Mundy, who has long served as a reserve safety behind Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark, tallied 4 tackles in last nights game. He is on track to remain the reserve safety and special teams player for the Steelers this season.

Another Mountaineer alumni in attendance last night was current WVU AD Oliver Luck. Ollie was on hand to watch his son, Andrew Luck, play against the Steelers. Andrew had mixed results last night, throwing two interceptions and rushing for a touchdown. Andrew looked like the blitz was rattling him in the first quarter. He seemed to settle in as the second quarter progressed, making smarter throws and avoiding the rush. It is safe to assume that Oliver was proud of his son’s performance against one of the better defenses in the league.

No matter whether you are a Colts fan or Steelers fan, last night was a great night to be a Mountaineer, even if it is just preseason.