The loss exposed severe deficiencies in WVU's execution and preparation. The Mountaineers committed eight turnovers, twice as many as in their previous two games. Their defense allowed 504 yards of offense, including 312 rushing yards.
"We didn't play up to our potential today," said head coach Neal Brown. "We made too many mistakes, and we weren't prepared to face a team like Texas."
Brown's coaching has come under scrutiny in the wake of the loss. The Mountaineers have now lost 13 of their last 18 games, and their offense has struggled to find consistency.
"Brown has had three years to turn this program around, and he hasn't done it," said former WVU player and current ESPN analyst Pat White. "It's time for the university to make a change."
Athletic director Shane Lyons has expressed confidence in Brown, but he has also hinted that changes could be coming.
"I'm not going to make any knee-jerk reactions," Lyons said. "But I'll evaluate everything and make the decisions that are best for the program."
WVU has a bye week before facing Kansas on October 23. The Mountaineers need to use this time to address their deficiencies and prepare for the remaining eight games of the season.
"We have a lot of work to do," Brown said. "But I believe in this team, and I know we can turn things around."