MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — In an exciting season opener, West Virginia triumphed over Coastal Carolina with a score of 31-24, showcasing impressive performances from Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr. on Saturday. Cook, who transferred from Jacksonville State, rushed for 142 yards and scored two touchdowns, while Hawkins contributed significantly with both a passing and rushing touchdown.
The game was particularly special for West Virginia, as it coincided with the retirement of the No. 5 jersey, honoring the legacy of former quarterback Pat White, who holds numerous records for the Mountaineers. West Virginia started strong, establishing a commanding 24-0 lead in the first half, but they faced challenges as the game progressed, particularly in the second half where they struggled to maintain their momentum.
Coastal Carolina, led by redshirt freshman quarterback Deuce Bailey, mounted a late-game comeback that saw them score 24 unanswered points, narrowing the gap significantly. Bailey threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half that energized the Chanticleers. However, despite their efforts, Coastal Carolina's attempt at an onside kick after scoring a field goal with just 27 seconds left was unsuccessful, as the ball went out of bounds, allowing West Virginia to secure the win.
West Virginia's offense was initially dominant, with Cook making an explosive 72-yard run on the first play from scrimmage, setting the tone for the game. Hawkins, who transferred from Oklahoma, also made a significant impact, rushing for 103 yards on 20 carries and throwing a 49-yard touchdown pass to Armoni Weaver-Bomar. However, the Mountaineers' offense faltered in the second half, failing to score on their first four possessions and only managing 77 yards after halftime.
Defensively, West Virginia started strong, limiting Coastal Carolina to just five first downs in the first half. Yet, they appeared to lose their grip on the game after halftime, allowing the Chanticleers to outgain them with a total of 425 yards compared to West Virginia's 413. The Mountaineers will need to address their defensive lapses as they prepare for the upcoming games.
Looking ahead, Coastal Carolina will host Fordham from the Championship Subdivision next Saturday, while West Virginia will face FCS opponent UT Martin at home. Both teams will aim to build on their performances and address areas for improvement as the season progresses.
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