West Virginia Upsets Virginia
West Virginia Defeats No. 25 Virginia 38-27 Behind Michael Hawkins Jr.
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Key Points
1
The victory made West Virginia 3-0 for the first time in eight years, following opening wins over Coastal Carolina and UT Martin.
2
West Virginia’s first touchdown drive was sustained by a Virginia defensive pass-interference penalty on third down; Cam Cook then broke two tackles for a 23-yard run before Hawkins scored on a 13-yard rush to tie the game.
3
Virginia’s opening touchdown came at the end of a 12-play, 62-yard drive, with Jekail Middlebrook scoring on an eight-yard run after the Cavaliers moved the ball effectively with quick passes and consecutive carries.
4
Virginia’s defeat was its second loss in Charlotte in the previous 10 months; the Cavaliers had also lost to Duke in the 2025 ACC championship game at Bank of America Stadium.
5
Virginia will not begin ACC play until Oct. 3, when it visits Florida State, leaving the Cavaliers at 2-1 before their conference schedule begins.
West Virginia knocked off No. 25 Virginia 38-27 on Saturday at the Duke's Mayo Classic in Charlotte, staying unbeaten at 3-0 for the first time in eight years. HJ News reported that transfer quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. was the star, accounting for 313 total yards and five touchdowns to secure the Mountaineers' first victory over a ranked nonconference foe since 2021.
Hawkins Jr. Dominates With 313 Yards and Five Scores
Hawkins Jr. completed 10 of 17 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 123 yards and three more scores. Running back Cam Cook also had 123 rushing yards, and receiver D.J. Epps caught both passing touchdowns for 92 yards on three catches. West Virginia's offense produced more than 430 total yards of offense in the dominant performance.
West Virginia's Defense Shuts Down Virginia After Halftime
After Virginia opened with an early lead and tied the game twice, West Virginia's defense took over. The Mountaineers limited the Cavaliers to just 27 yards across three straight drives after intermission, effectively controlling the second half. Virginia struggled to generate momentum against the aggressive West Virginia pass rush and coverage.
Late Completion Sets Up Game-Clinching Hawkins Touchdown
A crucial 38-yard completion to Jaden Bray with time running down set up Hawkins Jr.'s decisive touchdown run that sealed the upset. Virginia's comeback bid fell short when its 41-yard field goal attempt missed and the Cavaliers took a late sack. The loss dropped Virginia to 2-1 before its conference schedule begins October 3 at Florida State.
West Virginia's 3-0 Start Marks Historic Achievement
The victory capped West Virginia's perfect start after opening wins over Coastal Carolina and UT Martin. West Virginia's first touchdown drive was aided by a Virginia defensive pass-interference penalty on third down. The 3-0 record marks the program's best start in eight years under coach Rich Rodriguez's leadership.
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