Home / Sports / WVU Stuns UC Despite Run Game Domination
WVU Stuns UC Despite Run Game Domination
18 Oct
Summary
- Hawkins' passing dazzled for 464 yards and three touchdowns.
- Bearcats outgained Mountaineers 622-598 but lost.
- A late field goal secured a 45-42 victory for WVU.
The Cincinnati Bearcats focused on stopping West Virginia's potent running duo, but quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. exploited their defense through the air. Hawkins, who had a season-low 77 rushing yards, threw for a career-high 464 yards and three touchdowns.
A pivotal moment occurred late in the game with the score tied 42-42 and WVU pinned at their own 2-yard line. On third down, Hawkins connected with Prince Strachan for a 41-yard reception, enabling WVU to set up and convert a 35-yard field goal.
Despite the loss, the Bearcats outgained the Mountaineers 622-598 in total yards. UC quarterback JC French IV also had a strong showing, passing for 389 yards and three touchdowns, and leading the team with 52 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Cincinnati's defense successfully contained WVU's run game, holding them to 134 rushing yards. However, they struggled against WVU's passing attack, with DJ Epps catching eight passes for 163 yards and a touchdown.
