West Virginia opened the 2026 season with a win, but it took all four quarters to finish the job.

The Mountaineers built a 24-0 halftime lead before Coastal Carolina stormed back in the second half, outgaining WVU 311-77 over the final two quarters and cutting the deficit to one possession in the closing seconds.

Cam Cook gave West Virginia a dream start, ripping off a 72-yard run on the first play from scrimmage before scoring from 3 yards out on the next snap. Cook finished with 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. added 132 yards and a touchdown through the air while rushing for 103 yards and another score. His 49-yard touchdown pass to Armoni Weaver-Bomar helped WVU build its early advantage.

The Mountaineer defense also produced several key takeaways, including a forced fumble by Ashton Woods, a sack and forced fumble from Nate Gabriel, and recoveries by Matt Sieg and Ezekiel Durham-Campbell.

Coastal Carolina refused to go away. Quarterback Deuce Bailey threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns as the Chanticleers pulled within 31-24 with 27 seconds remaining, but West Virginia recovered from its second-half struggles and held on.

Hear from head coach Rich Rodriguez, Hawkins and Cook as they break down the fast start, second-half mistakes and what WVU must clean up moving forward.

Subscribe to MetroNews Television for complete coverage of WVU Football throughout the 2026 season.

Photo Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images