Rich Rodriguez Self Criticizes, Blasts Defense in Post ISU Loss Tongue Lashing

With WVU football fans voicing frustration, Rich Rodriguez took the podium in Ames, Iowa to discuss his team’s 45-42 loss to Iowa State. And knowing Mountaineer Nation as well as any coach could, Rodriguez wasted no time in echoing the fans’ disgust.

“Too undisciplined. Not coached well enough to give us a chance,” said a noticeably frustrated Rodriguez off the top. He then even went as to relate to the fans.”I’m sure if I’m a Mountaineer fan, it’s hard to watch,” he added.

Rodriguez also made sure to cast the blame where he feels it needs to be: on the defense. A week removed from allowing 609 yards to Oklahoma State, Zac Alley’s defense gave up 577 yards, including 202 on the ground to Aiden Flora, in the loss to the Cyclones.

“Two games in a row, atrocious defense,” said Rodriguez, clearly annoyed that nothing he thought would fix the issue worked. Rodriguez then harped on the missed tackles, “chunk plays” against and the costly penalties. To Rodriguez, some of the calls were close, but most were deserved, to the tune of 10 for 86 yards.

“We gotta play better football, in all aspects, but we certainly got some key problems to a level that I haven’t seen in a while,” closed Rodriguez, hinting about the major defensive issues.

The only saving grace for Rodriguez’s 3-2 (0-2, Big 12) West Virginia team is a trip back home, one that will have them prepare to host Arizona at noon ET on Saturday, Oct. 10.

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