The West Virginia Mountaineers didn't quite get the job done on Saturday against Arizona State, but despite a difficult and heartwrenching loss to the Sun Devils that officially eliminated the Mountaineers from bowl contention, fans were optimistic with their reactions after the loss.
The Mountaineers did keep the game close, storming back from a 12-point deficit in the second half to take a one-point lead before a late-game Sun Devils' field goal secured the win for the home team. And there were a lot of moments the Mountaineers could have won the game with slightly better execution on the field, giving hope to the fact that this team is in the process of building something better for the future.
And WVU has looked like they're building something better for the future. WVU is 2-2 in their last four games after losing four straight games beforehand, and have lost those two games in the last four weeks by just eight combined points. True freshman Scotty Fox Jr. has been far from perfect, but has shown flashes of greatness, and the team finally looks to be playing with the 'hard edge' culture associated with a Rich Rodriguez program.
So while West Viginia's postseason hopes have fallen to the wayside, the Mountaineers and their fan base do have some positives to look forward to, and one more home game to play in two weeks. Take a look at the most hopeful reactions following WVU's loss, and let us know how you're feeling after the game.
Not the result we wanted today for @WVUfootball but so proud of the effort these guys are playing with and the way they are fighting for each other. One more opportunity at home with this group. Let’s Go!
— Wren Baker (@wrenbaker) November 15, 2025
Frustrated but not discouraged at all by this game.
— Gold And Blue Zone (@GoldAndBlueZone) November 15, 2025
WVU football is on the right track now.
The culture is being set. The talent and experience will improve big time.
We’re such a better team than we were a month ago. Very happy with the boys not giving up when things were rough and excited about 2026. Future looks bright in morgantown.
— Overtime McBee (@OvertimeMcBee) November 15, 2025
F* it. @WVUfootball lost but the kids played their butts off. Coulda used some better play-calling by RR at times but still calling this a step forward by the Mountaineers. They showed a hard edge for sure.
— Mitch Vingle (@MitchVingle) November 15, 2025
Win or lose we can all say honestly that a month ago we lose this game by 50.
— Josh Wolfe (@Jwolfe4250) November 15, 2025
Excited for the future. Let’s go Mountaineers.
It's so silly but the fact that Rod is back to losing his shit on the sideline is a positive indicator. He wasn't doing that with Nicco and Jaylen. They're close.
— The Smoking Musket (@smokingmusket) November 15, 2025
They will get a number by their name next year.
Win, lose or draw, the program has made strides the last 3 games. We have turned the corner.
— Whitey Williams (@MountainGrown71) November 15, 2025
Team fought. They already look 10x better than 4 weeks ago. Could’ve won easily if we didn’t struggle in redzone.
— Jerry West Enthusiast (@Eersfanatic) November 15, 2025
Let’s finish strong vs Texas Tech
Should have been up way more than 3-0 after the first quarter, bit us in the ass. Still love the battle and the hard edge. Culture shift still moving in the right direction. See you in Morgantown Thanksgiving weekend to close this thing down
— Eers & Beers (@eersandbeers) November 15, 2025
WVU is 2-2 over its last four games, but has lost by a combined margin of eight points. Lots of bright spots to find from a previously lost season.
— Bryce Cohen (@bryceocohen) November 15, 2025