The West Virginia Mountaineers improved to 2-0 with a decisive 52-7 victory over the UT Martin Skyhawks, fueled by a dual-threat performance from quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.
The West Virginia Mountaineers secured a commanding 52-7 victory over the UT Martin Skyhawks on Saturday, September 12, at home in Morgantown. The win improves West Virginia’s record to 2-0 and places them second in the Big 12 standings, following their season-opening triumph over Coastal Carolina. The decisive factor was the offensive efficiency of quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who accounted for four total touchdowns, alongside a defensive unit that held the Skyhawks to just one score.
West Virginia Mountaineers Performance
Hawkins Jr. was the centerpiece of the Mountaineers’ attack, delivering a highly efficient dual-threat performance. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while adding 6 carries for 96 yards and two rushing scores. His ability to stretch the field was evident early, connecting with receiver DJ Epps on a pivotal 53-yard strike that resulted in a touchdown. Epps finished with two receptions for 112 yards and one score, providing a reliable target in the passing game.
The scoring output was balanced beyond Hawkins and Epps. Cam Cook contributed with a 2-yard run, Ryan Ward caught a 32-yard pass from Hawkins, and Amari Latimer added a 29-yard rushing touchdown. Kicker Jack Cassidy was perfect on extra points and added a 35-yard field goal, ensuring no points were left on the board after the initial surge.
On defense, the Mountaineers maintained pressure throughout the contest. Linebacker Isaiah Patterson led the team with 8 total tackles, anchoring the middle of the field. Defensive end Ashton Woods recorded 1 sack, disrupting the Skyhawks’ rhythm. The defensive line’s ability to contain the run forced UT Martin into predictable passing situations, which West Virginia capitalized on.
UT Martin Skyhawks Performance
UT Martin struggled to find an offensive identity against the Mountaineers’ defense. Quarterback Tate Surber completed 19 of 28 passes for 137 yards but threw 1 interception, highlighting the challenges of moving the ball consistently. While Surber managed to connect with multiple receivers, the lack of sustained drives prevented the Skyhawks from mounting a serious comeback attempt.
Running back Chris Franklin served as the primary ground threat for UT Martin, carrying the ball 12 times for 85 yards. However, the offense lacked explosive plays outside of limited gains, failing to match the tempo set by West Virginia. Receiver Kaleb Costner led the receiving corps with 3 receptions for 36 yards, but he was unable to create separation consistently against the WVU secondary.
Defensively, linebacker Trey Cotton led all tacklers with 10 stops, showing effort in trying to stem the tide. However, the unit could not generate significant turnovers or sacks to shift momentum. The Skyhawks managed only one touchdown, scored by Kedrick Triplett on a 27-yard pass from Jyron Hughley, along with a successful extra point from Nate Flower. The rest of the scoring came via a field goal, underscoring the offensive stagnation for much of the afternoon.
Turning Point of the Game
The turning point occurred when Hawkins Jr. extended his lead through both air and ground attacks. After opening the scoring with a 53-yard pass to DJ Epps, Hawkins followed up with a 71-yard rushing touchdown. This sequence effectively broke the game open, forcing UT Martin to play from behind and abandon their run-heavy approach. The subsequent 5-yard rushing touchdown by Hawkins further demoralized the Skyhawks’ defense, which had shown resilience earlier in the first half.
- Hawkins Efficiency: Hawkins Jr. connected on over 70% of his passes (5/7) while adding nearly 100 rushing yards, making him a difficult matchup for any defense.
- Defensive Pressure: WVU’s defense held UT Martin to just 7 points, with Isaiah Patterson’s 8 tackles crucial for containing the run.
- Offensive Depth: Beyond Hawkins and Epps, players like Cam Cook and Ryan Ward contributed significantly, suggesting a balanced attack capable of sustaining drives.
What It Means Next
The victory solidifies West Virginia’s position as a top contender in the Big 12, sitting second in the conference standings. The performance demonstrates that the Mountaineers can dominate lesser opponents while showcasing the versatility of their offense. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to maintaining this intensity against tougher competition.
West Virginia will travel to Charlottesville to face the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This road test against an ACC opponent will serve as a significant benchmark for the Mountaineers’ playoff aspirations. The defense, particularly Isaiah Patterson, will need to maintain high levels of productivity to counter a more potent Virginia offense. For UT Martin, the loss highlights areas for improvement in offensive execution and defensive consistency as they look to regroup for future matchups.
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