STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Drew Mestemaker #17 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys throws a pass before the game against Oregon at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 12, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) Getty
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. #3 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Milan Puskar Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/Getty Images) Getty
The West Virginia Mountaineers blew a chance to start 4-0, giving up 609 yards in a 41-24 home loss to Oklahoma State. Now, less than 48 hours after that defensive defeat, head coach Rich Rodriguez seems tired of answering questions about it. That’s unlikely to sit well with a fan base still looking for answers about theirs.
Advertisement
According to Ripchik Spencer, who covers West Virginia athletes for the Dominion Post, Rodriguez expressed frustration while talking about the Oklahoma State game.
“I’m taking questions now, but hey, I’m not going to tolerate it another minute. You know what I’m going to say? We’re going to give you the **** answer,” Rodriguez said.
Rich Rodriguez’s frustration comes at a difficult time for WVU
There’s nothing wrong with Rodriguez being angry about Saturday’s performance. In fact, Mountaineer fans have every reason to expect the head coach to be furious after watching Oklahoma State tear their defense apart in Morgantown. However, impatiently raising questions about a game that exposes such significant problems sends the wrong message, when accountability is exactly what fans want to see.
GettySTILLWATER, OKLAHOMA – SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Drew Mestemaker #17 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys throws a pass before the game against Oregon at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 12, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker completed 22 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Caleb Hawkins added 180 rushing yards, while receiver Wyatt Young paced West Virginia’s secondary for 192 receiving yards. The Cowboys averaged nine yards per game and scored 20 non-lonely points to close out the game.
Advertisement
Those numbers demand explanation, especially considering West Virginia led 24-21 late in the third quarter. The Montanans had an opportunity to protect their home field and establish momentum entering Big 12 play.
They suffered their first loss of the season against a program that entered Saturday on an 18-game conference losing streak. Although in the modern era of college football. That status is very misleading considering that Oklahoma State was not the same Oklahoma that had the losing streak.
WVU Fans Deserve Answers After Another Missed Opportunity
Rodriguez deserves credit for accepting responsibility immediately after the loss and acknowledging that his defensive plan failed. However, when the postgame press conference concludes, the responsibility does not end. Fans want to know what changes are coming, how the defense will improve and why Oklahoma State often found itself in huge holes throughout Saturday’s game.
GettyMORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. #3 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Milan Puskar Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/Getty Images)
West Virginia fans have endured enough offensive performances to realize the opportunity was wasted. No one expects Rodriguez to enjoy a convincing narrow defeat, but difficult questions come with the responsibility of leading the Mountaineers. Tired of talking about Oklahoma State is understandable; waiting for everyone to leave before the issues are fixed is another matter.
Advertisement
The Montanans now face a road trip to Iowa State, where Rodriguez will have the opportunity to provide answers that matter most on the football field.
This article was first published in GRAVIS
The post Rich Rodriguez Loses Patience After WVU’s 609-Yard Nightmare, and Answers Fans Force appeared first on HEAVY.