Rich Rodriguez Lets Out Frustration, Points to Lack of Discipline Against ASU

Rich Rodriguez couldn’t help but let out his frustration after West Virginia’s 25-23 loss to Arizona State. And while some fans are trying to look on the bright side of being competitive against a quality opponent, Rodriguez believes his team should’ve won the game.

Rodriguez made his feelings about his team’s play crystal clear in his brief postgame press conference that lasted just over three minutes. He focused on the struggles of the run game, mistakes by the defense and an abundance of missed opportunities as why WVU lost.

“You got to be able to run this far (puts hands close together to show an inch) to win the game. And you got about seven opportunities to do it and you don’t do it. You for 68 yards – it’s embarrassing! If you can’t run for more than 68 yards you don’t deserve to win the game,” said a frustrated Rodriguez.

The Mountaineers’ second half comeback doesn’t provide Rodriguez any comfort either. He feels his team beat themselves more than got beat by the Sun Devils.

“The game was tight in the first half if we can move that much. I didn’t feel like in the first half they were better than us in the first half. They’re better than us because they won. Can’t move the ball that much. Then, we get stupid penalties on defense – give them first downs. It’s just lack of discipline. It goes back to coaching.”

The lack of discipline made Rodriguez call out the coaching staff along with his players.

“Can’t even get line up on the last play – the field goal block. Can’t even get line up right there – lack of discipline, coaching. Can’t get this much – seven, eight times in the game. Run it for 68 yards. I know some of them are sacks but….”

And now based on WVU’s latest loss, Rodriguez and his team no longer have bowl eligibility to play for. West Virginia will have to embrace playing the role of spoiler in their season finale against Texas Tech.

However, before their final 2025 kickoff, they have a bye week waiting as they try to get everything Rodriguez mentioned (and much more) fixed.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez at WV Sports Now.