Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

WVU running back Charles Sims (3) celebrates a 24-17 win over William & Mary with Dreamius Smith (2) and quarterback Paul Millard.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — His first drive at West Virginia culminated with a touchdown run, and Charles Sims looked quite at home.

His first half at West Virginia, however, ended with the Mountaineers trailing by 10 and in danger of losing to an FCS team at home.

“Those games happen,” said Sims, the transfer from Houston who compiled 67 yards rushing by intermission yet saw WVU down 17-7 to William & Mary. “You’ve just got to know how to fight through adversity. You’ve got to come back, keep a straight head and just go out and compete.”

West Virginia competed plenty in the second half, pulling out a 24-17 victory that allowed Sims to enjoy his debut.

After closing the afternoon with 120 yards on 23 carries—the third-most attempts in his college career—he checked his cell phone and knew he had to call his mother back in Texas.

“I got in the locker room and saw I had like 50 text messages,” Sims said through an aw-shucks grin. “I’ll read them all tonight when I get home.”

Allan Taylor

ataylor@wvradio.com
@AllanTaylorWVU
Allan Taylor joined MetroNews in August 2012, following 18 years of newspaper, magazine and multimedia work as an SEC columnist, sports editor, assistant sports editor, managing editor, news reporter and media consultant.
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Comments

  • tony

    I've never seen another back we had that ran so straight up. very odd technique, he looks like Chuck Muncie or something. He is so slippery, like water through those holes...

    September 3, 2013 at 11:41 am | Reply Report comment

  • Fatty

    Too bad we only get him for 1 year....

    September 1, 2013 at 1:16 am | Reply Report comment

  • J Rock

    I thought Simms, Smith, and Smallwood looked great running the ball today but the one back that surprised me most today was Garrison.

    When Smallwood went in for the touchdown Garrison was all over him congratulating him and celebrating with him. That is the kind of attitude that builds great chemistry and a strong team!
    Congratulations Mr. Garrison your maturity and class came shining through today!

    August 31, 2013 at 11:16 pm | Reply Report comment

  • Maxxajay

    Great job Sims like to see more next week at Oklahoma ..good luck and stay healthy.

    August 31, 2013 at 10:51 pm | Reply Report comment