West Virginia didn’t just beat No. 25 Virginia in Charlotte. The Mountaineers announced themselves with a 38-27 upset at Bank of America Stadium, and the biggest reason was a true sophomore quarterback who looked every bit like the center of the show.
Michael Hawkins Jr. was electric from the jump. He entered the game with only 21 pass attempts through West Virginia’s first two contests, then turned around and handled 17 throws against the Cavaliers while putting the offense on his back.
Hawkins finished with 190 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, but the real damage came on the ground, where he piled up 123 rushing yards and three more scores. Five total touchdowns.
That was the night.
What stood out even more than the numbers was how cleanly he played. Hawkins has still not thrown an interception this season, and he showed the kind of arm talent and accuracy that made it clear the passing game can be more than just a side note.
West Virginia hadn’t leaned heavily on that part of the offense in its first two games, but Hawkins had already flashed big-play ability. Against Virginia, all of it came together.
The Mountaineers are 3-0 for the first time since 2018, and quarterback play is a huge reason why.
He wasn’t the only one stretching Virginia’s defense. DJ Epps kept building on what he did last week against UT Martin, when he went for 112 receiving yards on just two catches.
Against the Cavaliers, the senior wideout caught three passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He’s quickly becoming West Virginia’s top big-play threat, and maybe one of the most dangerous receivers around.
West Virginia also won the line of scrimmage in a way that was hard to miss. The Mountaineers ran for 248 yards and moved an experienced Virginia defense around all night. That was a major part of how they controlled the game, even with Virginia coming in as the more seasoned and physically imposing team on paper.
There was plenty of edge on the defensive side, too. Sophomore defensive back Nick Taylor delivered hard hits throughout the night before getting ejected in the final minute for targeting.
True freshman Matt Sieg also joined in with the physical play. West Virginia played with force, and Virginia felt it.
Rich Rodriguez’s team didn’t just survive a ranked opponent. It pushed right through one.
In Other News...
Virginia Just Handed West Virginia Fans A New Reason To Clap Back
Virginias football account gave West Virginia fans something to chew on this week when it posted a hype video with the caption Defend our state ahead of the teams meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. The clip leaned into regional landmarks and history, and even without the usual rivalry buildup, it landed like a shot across the bow for plenty of Mountaineer supporters watching from afar.
The reaction online showed how quickly a neutral matchup can pick up edge when one side frames it as more than a game. West Virginia and Virginia are not locked into a traditional rivalry, but moments like this can give a regional meeting a little extra bite, especially when fans on both sides read the message as a territorial challenge. [Read more 🡒]
Rich Rodriguez Saw Something In WVU's Win Fans Will Love
Rich Rodriguez had plenty to like after West Virginia handled the kind of game that can turn on one possession, and he seemed especially pleased with the way his team finished. Against a ranked opponent, the Mountaineers leaned on effective running plays late and showed the kind of poise coaches want to see when a lead has to be protected, not chased.
The other part Rodriguez pointed to was how the defense settled in after a rough start and started delivering the stops that changed the feel of the game. He also singled out Michael Hawkins for the way he has grown through his third game, praised Jaden Bray for his explosive plays, and noted DJ Epps for his competitive edge and timely catches, a sign there may be even more to like as the season moves forward. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginia Just Gave Fans A Reason To Dream Bigger
West Virginias season got a much-needed jolt in Charlotte, where the Mountaineers handled No. 25 Virginia 38-27 at Bank of America Stadium. It was the kind of non-conference win that can travel well beyond one afternoon, giving a program looking for traction a marquee result against a ranked opponent and a clearer sense of what it can be when things click.
Michael Hawkins Jr. was the catalyst, doing damage both through the air and on the ground as West Virginia found ways to put pressure on Virginia all game. The victory gave the Mountaineers their third win of the season and offered the Big 12 a notable out-of-conference boost, while also leaving West Virginia with a little more room to imagine what the rest of the year could still become. [Read more 🡒]