Shanna Rose | WV Sports Chat
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Michael Hawkins Jr. led West Virginia past No. 25 Virginia 38-27 on Saturday night in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at the Carolina Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium.
Hawkins completed 10-of-17 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
For the first time since 2018, the Mountaineers are 3-0 to start the season.
“Really excited for our players and our fans, a really nice win,” WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez said. “I thought we had a home field advantage. Our fans were fantastic. The whole game.”
Cam Cook finished with 123 yards on the ground and DJ Epps led the receivers with 92 yards and two touchdowns.
“It feels great,” Hawkins said. “Coming to a new program and getting the guys behind you and playing as a whole is a big key. All of us were on the same page tonight. I learned a lot at Oklahoma. I just brought that along with me to West Virginia.”
The Mountaineers’ ground game accounted for 247 yards while WVU outgained the Cavaliers (2-1) 437 to 354 in total offense.
UVA forced the Mountaineers to a three-and-out to open the game before taking over at its own 38. Jekail Middlebrook opened the scoring with an 8-yard run to give the Cavaliers a 7-0 lead after the PAT.
Hawkins immediately responded with a 13-yard run to tie the game. UVA took the lead back when Xavier Brown broke free on third and 2 and ran 47 yards into the end zone with six seconds left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Hawkins connected with Epps for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Epps also caught a 42-yard pass to set up Hawkins’ second touchdown run, giving WVU a 21-14 lead.
In the third quarter, the Cavaliers tied the game, but Hawkins gave the Mountaineers the lead for good when he found Epps for a 21-yard touchdown.
UVA responded by driving to the WVU 13-yard line, but a sack moved the Cavaliers back to the 22. Will Bettridge’s 41-yard field goal attempt was wide right with 9:13 remaining.
After the miss, Hawkins directed a 78-yard drive to clinch the victory, scoring on a 5-yard run with 5:24 left in the game.
UVA quarterback Beau Pribula threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 33 passes.
WVU returns home on Sept. 26 for a night game in Morgantown against Oklahoma State.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
