Rich Rodriguez didn’t spend much time celebrating the style points after the last-second win over Cincinnati. The finish was thrilling, but the postgame read from the coach was all about the uneven middle of the fight.
“It looked like the same story. They scored and we couldn't get over the hump.
We tie it up, they score. We tie it up, they score.... but it was the same kind of pressure.
Gotta answer it. Gotta answer it.
Gotta answer it..... it's frustrating to know we have some pieces in place, but we also have some things that we need to clean up if we want to win some games going forward.”
The biggest bright spot, according to Rodriguez, was Michael Hawkins, who took control with his arm and kept the offense alive. Rodriguez said, “How about Mike Hawkins?
He was phenomenal. I didn't know he threw for 464.
He made some great throws..... I've said it all year.
He can make all the throws and we got good wideouts, but he's such a dynamic runner that people [forget about the passing]..... I have no hesitation on any pass play if Mike can make the throw.
Today, he made a lot of them.”
The late-game decision-making also came into focus after Oklahoma got close enough for a kick instead of pressing for a touchdown. Rodriguez explained the choice this way: “Once we got into Jack's range, we could have tried to score, but I felt good about it being in the middle of the field. I trusted him and Jack nailed it.”
The run game never fully found its footing, and Rodriguez said Cincinnati deserved credit for that part of the outcome. “I didn't think we had our best game blocking wise.
You have to give them some credit for that. It opened up some big pass plays as well.”
Asked about Cincinnati’s rushing production, Rodriguez noted that the Bearcats changed course after a strong first half on the ground. “I don't know if we made any adjustments. They just started throwing the ball.”
Even with the win, Rodriguez pointed to the defense giving up too many explosive plays. “I don't think our guys are not playing hard, but we give up some big plays that are just head scratching..... we're fortunate to win when you give up some of those like that.”
In Other News...
WVU Put Up 45 But These Grades Exposed Bigger Problems
West Virginias offense gave plenty to like through seven games, and the Pro Football Focus grades back up what showed up on Saturdays. DJ Epps and Ryan Ward were among the brighter spots on that side of the ball, giving the Mountaineers some needed production as the season moved into its second half. Even with the offense carrying more of the load, the grades painted a broader picture of a team still trying to sort out where its strengths really are.
The deeper issue was on the other side of the ball, where the offensive line and several defensive groups drew lower marks. Injuries on the defensive line have only added to the strain, while linebackers and safeties have had a hard time holding up in pass coverage. For West Virginia, the concern is not just about one bad showing, but whether those breakdowns are becoming a pattern the staff has to solve quickly. [Read more 🡒]
Michael Hawkins Jr. Just Answered WVUs Biggest Offensive Question
Michael Hawkins Jr. gave West Virginia the kind of offensive lift it had been searching for against Cincinnati, and he did it in a way that showed both control and explosion. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 464 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, then added 77 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground as Rich Rodriguez shifted the offense toward the passing game and let the Mountaineers attack vertically.
Prince Strachan was a big part of that change in rhythm, with deep completions helping stretch the field and set up scoring chances. West Virginia still had to finish the job the hard way, and the defense delivered a crucial late stop, including snuffing out a fake punt, to help lock in a win that felt like more than just one good night for the offense. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginia Finally Broke Through But One Concern Isn't Going Away
West Virginia finally snapped its skid Saturday with a 45-42 win over Cincinnati, a result that gave the Mountaineers their first victory since Sept. 19 and pushed them to 4-3. It was the kind of needed response that can steady a team in midseason, especially with Mike Hawkins Jr. delivering one of the biggest passing days of the year and DJ Epps doing major damage downfield.
Mike Hawkins Jr. was nearly unstoppable, completing 25 of 33 passes for 464 yards and three touchdowns while adding 77 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Epps was just as central to the offense, catching eight passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns, but even in a breakthrough win, the way West Virginia won made clear there is still plenty to sort out moving forward. [Read more 🡒]