WVU Football Moves Up Despite Loss in One National Ranking

Even in a loss, WVU managed to gain steam in at least one national ranking. The ESPN FPI actually decided to move West Virginia up one spot after their loss to Arizona State on Saturday.

WVU currently sits at the No. 72 spot on ESPN’s ranking, granted it should be noted that the FPI evaluates teams in a vastly different manner than any other national ranking, often resulting in controversial and confusing results.

The Mountaineers fell to the Sun Devils 25-23 despite being competitive all day and mounting a two-sore comeback late in the second half. WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez even voiced his frustrations after the game, saying his team beat themselves and missed an opportunity at another big upset win.

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.

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

“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….”

But no matter what Rodriguez or any ranking may say, the fact is WVU did lose, and the latest loss ruined any hope for a bowl game. The only thing left for the 4-7 (2-6, Big 12) Mountaineers to play for is to finish out the trying 2025 season on a high note when they host Texas Tech on Nov. 29 after the bye week.

Find more coverage of Rich Rodriguez at WV Sports Now.