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West Virginia football performance decline

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2026-10-13 19:09 UTC → 2026-10-22 11:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The West Virginia Mountaineers football team has experienced a decline in performance following a 3-0 start to the season. The team suffered a 41-24 home loss to Oklahoma State, where the defense surrendered 609 total yards. Following that defeat, head coach Rich Rodriguez noted the need for a better game ~~plan.~~ plan, stating, ‘I got to have a better plan.’ Subsequent losses to Iowa State have resulted in a 0-2 record in Big 12 conference play. The program is facing scrutiny regarding its rebuilding progress under Rodriguez, with critics highlighting a defense that the coach described as ‘atrocious.’ Despite roster investments via the transfer portal, the team’s inability to win against programs led by first-year coaches has caused doubt among the fan base. Recent data shows the defensive struggles have persisted, with the unit ranking 133rd out of 138 FBS teams in total defense, allowing an average of 456.6 yards per game. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley expressed frustration after the Iowa State game, in which the defense allowed 45 points and 577 yards, stating his intention to change his approach and return to basics like stopping the run. Despite these struggles, Rodriguez has expressed public support for Alley, citing his successful track record at Oklahoma. Alley has indicated the staff is looking at personnel changes and positional shifts, prioritizing athleticism and versatility in the secondary to address issues with effort and execution. Coach Rodriguez has attributed ~~the~~ ongoing difficulties to high roster ~~turnover, noting that 10 new starters are still adapting to a new system. Following a 45-42 loss to Iowa State, the team holds a 3-2 record. Scrutiny remains focused on~~ turnover. To mitigate the ~~development~~ impact of the ~~defense under Zac Alley. The program is also managing player injuries~~ transfer portal and NIL era, Rodriguez announced plans to use the ~~recent death of football commit Chris Wilson Jr. in a shooting.~~ upcoming bye week to negotiate multi-year contracts with key players to secure them long-term. Following a 52-31 loss to Arizona, the Mountaineers have extended their losing streak to three games. ~~Rodriguez noted that the offensive unit is facing ‘immense pressure’ because defensive struggles make every possession feel like a must-score situation.~~

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