By: Clark Johnson | WV Sports Chat
Morgantown, WV – On Saturday, the West Virginia Mountaineers crushed the UT-Martin Skyhawks, 52-7. While the score was one-sided, fans were left with a mixed bag on the field. Today, we are going to unpack five overreactions to Saturday’s final result.
What can fans expect moving forward?
- Michael Hawkins is legit: It only took me two weeks, but I’m sold. Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins had an electric day against the Skyhawks on Saturday. Yes, it was only an FCS opponent, but his explosiveness was on full display. If he can continue this level of play, the Mountaineers will have a chance in every game they play.
- The defense is a mixed bag: I truly don’t know what to make of the defense. Sure, they technically recorded a shutout. However, the Skyhawks had ample opportunity to score and make it a game. While they were able to keep their opponents in check over the first two weeks, the schedule gets serious over the next two weeks. We will learn everything we need to know about this unit this Saturday in Charlotte.
- Jack Cassidy was a major addition: Not only has the kicker been perfect on field goals and PATs, but he has also booted every kickoff through the end zone. Given WVU’s recent track record with kickoff coverage, this is a major weight lifted off the shoulders of the program and fanbase. Never underestimate the impact of good special teams.
- DJ Epps could be a game changer: The Mountaineers haven’t passed the ball much so far. When they have, though, explosive plays have ensued. Troy transfer DJ Epps had a monster game on Saturday. With 2 receptions for 112 yards and a 53-yard touchdown, if he can bring this type of play-making ability to conference play, this team will beat teams they aren’t supposed to. Getting Prince Strachan back from injury will only improve WVU’s situation at wideout.
- I think Rich Rod is getting this figured out: He has said it before – Rich Rodriguez “knows what the hell he is doing.” Though things have been up and down, this team is still leaps and bounds better than last year’s. Do I think the Mountaineers contend for the Big 12 in 2026? Not necessarily, but I believe the sky will be the limit in 2027. The WVU Football program is in good hands.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
