West Virginia finally broke through in Big 12 play — and did it in dramatic fashion.

Jack Cassidy’s 35-yard field goal as time expired lifted WVU to a 45-42 victory over Cincinnati at Milan Puskar Stadium, giving the Mountaineers their first conference win of the season. It was West Virginia’s only lead of the game.

Head coach Rich Rodriguez described the victory as a massive emotional release after three consecutive losses, saying the Mountaineers repeatedly found ways to answer when it appeared the game might follow the same script as recent weeks.

Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. delivered a career performance, completing 25-of-33 passes for 464 yards and three touchdowns while adding 77 rushing yards. Rodriguez called Hawkins “phenomenal” and praised his composure throughout a game in which Cincinnati largely took away WVU’s rushing attack.

DJ Epps led the Mountaineers with eight receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown, while Ryan Ward added 59 receiving yards. Rodriguez also praised the work WVU’s receivers did after the catch.

But the defining offensive moment came with WVU backed up at its own 2-yard line and less than two minutes remaining. On third-and-9, Hawkins launched deep for Prince Strachan, who made a contested 41-yard catch. Hawkins went right back to Strachan for another 39 yards two plays later, moving WVU into position for Cassidy’s game-winning kick. Rodriguez called the first Strachan catch the play of the game.

The Mountaineer defense also produced the stop it desperately needed late, giving Hawkins and the offense one final opportunity. Rodriguez said that defensive stand was essential to creating the chance to win.

WVU improves to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play with the 45-42 Homecoming victory.

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