West Virginia is off to its first 2-0 start in eight years after rolling past UT Martin, 52-7, at Milan Puskar Stadium.
The Mountaineers took control early behind quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who accounted for four touchdowns and led an efficient WVU offense. Hawkins connected with D.J. Epps for a 53-yard touchdown, broke free for a 71-yard rushing score and later added touchdowns on a 5-yard run and a 32-yard pass to Ryan Ward.

Cam Cook added a 2-yard touchdown run, while true freshman Amari Latimer scored from 29 yards out after an interception by Ashton Woods. Backup quarterbacks also contributed, with Jyron Hughley finding Kedrick Triplett for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Hawkins finished 5-of-7 passing for 155 yards and two touchdowns while leading all players with 96 rushing yards. Epps totaled 112 receiving yards on just two catches, and West Virginia finished with 525 yards of offense, including 316 on the ground.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez was pleased with the offensive efficiency but made it clear the Mountaineers still have work to do defensively as the schedule gets tougher.

WVU improves to 24-0 all-time against FCS opponents, while the 45-point victory is the Mountaineers’ largest margin of victory since 2022.

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Photo Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images