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Rich Rodriguez blasts West Virginia's second-half effort against Coastal Carolina

The Mountaineers escaped with a win over the Chanticleers but did not look good late in the game.
Sep 5, 2026; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez yells at an official during the third quarter against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Sep 5, 2026; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez yells at an official during the third quarter against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

West Virginia football earned their first win of the year in their season opener, butit wasn’t necessarily a pretty win.

The Mountaineers jumped out to a 24-0 lead at halftime, with all facets of the game clicking – and it appeared the Mountaineers might be able to run away with a handy victory. But then the Chanticleers reversed the momentum in the second half, out-scoring the Mountaineers 24-7. But time ran out on their rally attempt as WVU won 31-24.

Immediately after the game, Rich Rodriguez was interviewed by TNT's sideline reporter, and his first thoughts following the narrow win was that the teamdid not live up to his standardin the second half of the contest.

“First half we played pretty well, the second half we stunk. Penalties, gave up long drives, lost contain, offense wasn’t moving the ball. We’ve got a lot to work on. I’m proud of the guys the way they came out, but the second half was embarrassing, and we’ll get that fixed.”

WVU HC Rich Rodriguez on the game:pic.twitter.com/5WEhOT6jGX

— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB)September 5, 2026

WVU football struggles in second half during Coastal Carolina win

The Mountaineers were undoubtedly two different teams in the first half of Saturday's game and in the second half of Saturday's game. In the opening 24 minutes of fobll, they looked like a much improved team from last year, and seemed like a team that could be a real competitor this season.

But in the final 24 minutes, West Virginia struggled mightily and showed flashes of last season's struggles, and that won't win them many games this season. Offensively, it felt like Rich Rodriguez might be holding a bit back, and the team just ot out of rhthym for a bit. Defensively, there were major concerns as Coastal Carolina shredded West Virginia in the passing game.

The Mountaineers looked great early, and not-so-great late. Rich Rodriguez seemed convinced he could get it fixed, and he luckily has an FCS opponent next week to help in that process. But he'll want to make sure the kinks are worked out before a Week 3 showdown with Virginia in Charlotte.

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