MORGANTOWN, WV — West Virginia’s trip to Athens ended in embarrassment, as the Mountaineers fell 17–10 to Ohio. The loss didn’t just sting on the scoreboard—it showed up in every aspect of the game. Here’s the full report card from Saturday’s debacle.
Quarterbacks: C–
Nicco Marchiol has faced a lot of criticism; he wasn’t bad, but he also wasn’t put in a position to succeed. He went 15 for 26 178 yards, but constant pressure and questionable play-calling kept him handcuffed. The quarterback room wasn’t the problem.
Running Backs: D
Jahiem White found the end zone, but his injury before halftime crushed WVU’s offense. The rest of the backs never got going, largely due to a non-existent push up front.
Wide Receivers: C–
Cam Vaughn’s 31-yard grab was a highlight, but otherwise, the receivers were neutralized. Whether it was poor protection or uninspired play designs, they rarely had the chance to shine.
Tight Ends: F
Non-factors. Blocking was poor. Passing game involvement was invisible. This group flunked the assignment.
Offensive Line: F
Flat-out unacceptable. No running lanes, no pass protection, and no toughness. This unit is the single biggest reason for WVU’s offensive collapse.
Defensive Line: C+
There were flashes—pressures and moments of disruption—but not nearly enough to tilt the game. Ohio’s offense stayed balanced, and WVU’s line didn’t dominate the way it needed to.
Linebackers: C
Solid in spots, but the group wasn’t game-changing. Missed tackles and breakdowns in coverage kept this unit in the middle of the pack.
Secondary: C+
Some good plays in coverage, but also gave up too many key conversions. This group wasn’t exposed—but it didn’t rise to the occasion either. Lone bright spot was Jordan Scruggs, who blanketed defenders throughout the game.
Special Teams: B
The lone bright spot. Kicking and coverage units did their jobs. Not much else to celebrate, but at least this unit avoided the same collapse we saw elsewhere.
Coaching: F
The biggest disappointment. Play-calling was unimaginative, adjustments were nonexistent, and the decision-making left fans shaking their heads. Rich Rodriguez took accountability after the game, but the truth is simple: WVU’s staff got outcoached by Ohio.
Overall Team Grade: D
The numbers don’t lie—West Virginia failed this test. A D overall is generous, and if the Mountaineers don’t fix the glaring issues up front and on the sideline, things could spiral quickly.
Report Card: #WVU vs Ohio
Quarterbacks: C-
Running Backs: D
Wide Receivers: C-
Tight Ends: F
Offensive Line: F
Defensive Line: C+
Linebackers: C
Secondary: C+
Special Teams: B
Coaching: F
Overall Team Grade: D
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) September 7, 2025
The Ohio loss wasn’t about talent—it was about execution, coaching, and effort. If those don’t change, the rest of the season will look just as ugly.
