Following a 28-16 loss to No. 11 Iowa State in the highly anticipated Coal Rush game, West Virginia linebacker Josiah Trotter addressed the media, reflecting on the Mountaineers’ struggles and areas for improvement.
The defeat drops WVU to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play. All three losses have come against undefeated teams—Penn State, Pittsburgh, and now Iowa State. Trotter was a standout on defense, leading the team with 12 tackles, including six solo stops, though he did not record any sacks or tackles for loss.
Iowa State’s efficiency on key downs proved to be decisive. The Cyclones converted 9 of 14 third downs and were a perfect 2-for-2 on fourth down, which extended multiple drives.
“It’s definitely something that we have to clean up. That hurt us,” Trotter said. “At the end of the day, we didn’t execute when it came down to it, but I feel like we did a better job at least knowing what gaps to be in.”
The Mountaineers struggled to disrupt the Cyclones’ offense throughout the game. Iowa State committed few penalties, avoided turnovers, and maintained control with long, methodical drives, including a 17-play scoring series.
“Turnovers are really big in football. Even one can change the game,” Trotter said. “When you don’t get any, it’s hard.”
When asked about the emotions in the locker room following the loss, Trotter described the mood as one of frustration and disappointment.
“We believe we could and should’ve won this game,” Trotter said. “We came in confident, but of course, we’re frustrated and upset. The biggest thing now is just keeping guys together, looking at the film, and getting ready for next week.”
One key moment came early in the game when Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel broke free for a 60-yard touchdown after a mix-up in WVU’s secondary. Trotter explained that two different play calls were sent out, resulting in the coverage bust.
“People were kinda mixed up with the two different calls,” Trotter said. “Once it happened, it happened. We just had to communicate on the sideline to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Despite the loss, Trotter emphasized the importance of staying focused on the remainder of the season.
“This is just our first loss in the conference,” Trotter said. “Our goals are still ahead of us. We’ve got to fix these mistakes and prepare for Kansas State, another ranked team. We’ve got a chance to change the narrative.”
West Virginia will look to bounce back next week when they host Kansas State, aiming to regain momentum in Big 12 play.
