Hawkins accounts for 4 TDs in West Virginia’s 52-7 win over UT Martin

Michael Hawkins Jr. delivered a dominant performance as West Virginia crushed UT Martin 52-7 on Saturday. The sophomore quarterback connected for two touchdown passes and added two more rushing scores, while also contributing 96 yards on six carries. Hawkins threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to DJ Epps to start the game and followed that with a 71-yard and a 5-yard rushing touchdown.

He continued his explosive play in the third quarter with a 32-yard scoring toss to tight end Ryan Ward. Despite struggling at times on defense, the Mountaineers' offense put on a clinic, accumulating 313 total yards. Hawkins was replaced by Scotty Fox Jr. in the third quarter. UT Martin's offense struggled throughout the game, as they had yet to throw a touchdown pass in their past three games.

A fumble by John Betts III led to the only touchdown for the Skyhawks, as Tate Surber completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Makhia Sherrard. West Virginia now stands at 2-0, their first unbeaten start since 2018, and remain undefeated all-time against Championship Subdivision opponents. The Mountaineers face a tough road ahead with Power Five competition looming.