West Virginia finally broke through in Big 12 play in dramatic fashion, defeating Cincinnati 45-42 on Homecoming at Milan Puskar Stadium on Jack Cassidy’s 35-yard field goal as time expired.

The Mountaineers never led until the final play.

Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. delivered his best performance in a WVU uniform, completing 25-of-33 passes for 464 yards and three touchdowns while adding 77 yards and two scores on the ground.

With the game tied at 42 and WVU facing third-and-9 from its own 2-yard line, Hawkins launched deep for Prince Strachan, who came down with a critical 41-yard reception. Two plays later, Hawkins found Strachan again for 39 yards, putting West Virginia in position for Cassidy’s game-winning kick.

The Mountaineers repeatedly answered Cincinnati throughout the second half. Hawkins connected with DJ Epps for a 37-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28 before Amari Latimer scored from 3 yards out to make it 35-35.

After Cincinnati regained the lead, Hawkins found Ryan Ward for 36 yards on third-and-10 before hitting Cam Cook on a swing pass that turned into a 40-yard touchdown, tying the game at 42 with 3:52 remaining.

WVU’s defense then delivered the stop it desperately needed, forcing a Cincinnati three-and-out and giving Hawkins one final opportunity.

Hawkins was nearly flawless in the fourth quarter, completing 9-of-10 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Epps finished with eight receptions for 163 yards, while Strachan’s two catches on the final drive proved decisive.

Cincinnati quarterback JC French threw for a career-high 389 yards, while Cole Tabb rushed for 118 yards and scored twice.

The victory moves West Virginia to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play and gives the Mountaineers their fifth consecutive win over Cincinnati.

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Photo Credit: Ben Queen Imagn Images