The Paul Rhoads era ended unceremoniously Saturday as the Cyclones were throttled 30-6 in by the Mountaineers in Morgantown, W.V.

Iowa State (3-9, 2-7) fell to West Virginia (7-4, 4-4) to finish a season that will be best remembered by the thoughts of what might have been.

After losing to Oklahoma State by four points, Kansas State by three points and to Toledo in overtime, the Cyclones — who learned last week that their head coach would be replaced upon the season’s end — were not able to muster a competitive effort against a staunch WVU defense.

Quarterback Joel Lanning was 17-for-34 through the air with two interceptions, and running back Mike Warren — who was banged up late against Kansas State last week — was only able to muster 74 yards on 19 carries.

Kicker Cole Netten did all the Cyclones’ scoring, booting home two kicks, while the ISU defense surrendered points in every quarter. The game fell out of reach in the third stanza after Iowa State trailed 14-6 at halftime.

Fifth-year senior Sam Richardson, who was demoted in favor of Lanning during the game at Baylor earlier this season, threw three passes in his final game for Iowa State, completing only one.

The focus for ISU football now turns solely to the coaching search, which has been underway for a week.