Rich Rodriguez takes issue with ‘hypothetical’ injury question

It’s been a rough start to Big 12 play for the West Virginia Mountaineers. In the last two weeks, they’ve lost by scores of 41-10 and 48-14, respectively. In the wake of those struggles, head coach Rich Rodriguez is now looking for answers.

One possible reason West Virginia has been struggling, or a potential contributing factor, is the increasingly large number of injuries the Mountaineers were dealing with. It’s notable enough that Rodriguez would be asked after West Virginia’s most recent loss to the Utah Utes if being at full strength could have even changed the result, given it was a 34-point blowout.

It was a hypothetical question, emphasizing that while injuries are an issue, they’re clearly not the only issue. It was also a question Rodriguez wasn’t thrilled with in the moment. He’d dismiss the question, emphasizing that hypothetical aspect of it.

“You want me to [give] a hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question?” Rich Rodriguez said. “I mean, you get beat like that, whether that makes a difference or not, I don’t know.”

Regardless, injuries have taken their toll. In particular, several key offensive players weren’t able to go for the Utah game. Starting quarterback Nico Marchiol missed the game, forcing Jaylen Henderson and Khalil Wilkins to split time on Saturday. They’d combine for 6 completions on 13 attempts for 85 yards and a touchdown. That injury was combined with running backs Jaheim White, Cyncir Bowers, and Tye Edwards being out. That’s a group that includes West Virginia’s top two rushing leaders from the running back position.

It’s a long list of injuries to key positions. However, part of why Rich Rodriguez took issue with the question is that he hasn’t been blaming the injuries. They might be a factor, but they’re also a challenge he expects his team to be able to overcome.

“Did you hear me say injuries were the reason we lost? It makes it more difficult and more challenging, but you could overcome them,” Rodriguez concluded.

Throughout this season, West Virginia has had an ongoing quarterback battle. That was exacerbated by the Marchiol injury. However, as Rodriguez has been looking to navigate injuries and find a way to spark the offense, the Mountaineers have seen five different quarterbacks get multiple practice reps. So, injuries or not, there are still some major personnel questions.

Rich Rodriguez is heading back to the drawing board now, and the Mountaineers will hope to get healthy quickly. It’s going to be a tough road ahead in Big 12 play, though. Next up is a cross-country road trip to take on the BYU Cougars.