WVU Football Drops in ESPN FPI Again

Far from an actual ranking, WVU football fell in the ESPN FPI after their loss to Iowa State on Saturday afternoon.

West Virginia’s “atrocious” defensive effort, as per Rich Rodriguez himself postgame, has the Mountaineers down two more spots to No. 61. WVU dropped 10 places the week prior following its first loss to Oklahoma State, one that included a complete second half collapse.

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 defeat 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.

“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.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.