WV is a great place, and WVU has more Rhodes Scholars than USNA, Penn State, Pitt combined. As for the people, they are just like people everyplace on the planet. Now, the culture? That's a very different story and merits some real analysis. It's a brutally poor place as Senator Byrd knew and addressed, becoming the prince of pork enroute. I-68 is one of the best interstate hiways in the country. Wonder why it goes from DC to Morgantown? Not because of traffic flow beyond his limo, perhaps.
Making light of the state's shortcomings is just that. Lighten up. This is silly, but the fact that anyones feel any need to do anything but chuckle about this very unique state's many facets and assets is revealing. Do Pittsburghers resent being called "yinzers"? Heck, Massachusetts is actually PROUD of what Teddy Kennedy did. Mississisppians wouldn't trade a thang with Michiganders. btw, having worked in and around WVU, I've honestly never heard it recognized either in-state or out as having an "exceptional engineering program." Can you tell us more about that one and some specifics? Which fields?
I'll stick with my POV. This is silly. Starting with the original question.
Btw, there was another point that was pondered, hoping the OP's question referred to the number and not the quality of candidates. Beyond the 2 senatorial nomination numbers, it would seem the implicit answer would be "quality." MOCs generally have about the same number of constituents.
Prbly both. 
Beat Harvard! 
