⚡ CFB Dashboard

- RB: I was hyping him up couple months ago and was saying I was hoping to see a good amount from him this year.

- West Virginia's opener produced 9 conversions on 18 third downs, with Mike Hawkins completing all eight third-down passes and rushing for 110 yards. That is an encouraging first-game change from a 2025 offense ranked No. 132 in third-down conversion rate, not yet proof the improvement will hold against stronger opponents. - Cam Cook supplied a 74-yard run and nine forced missed tackles, per the article's PFF figures. WVU nevertheless debuted 19 team starters against Coastal Carolina; seven true freshmen played, including left tackle Kevin Brown. The explosive rushing start came with substantial lineup turnover. - WVU recorded five sacks in its opener. Next opponent UT Martin entered this preview with no sacks allowed and no touchdown passes through a 1-1 start, while running back Tommy Ansley had five rushing touchdowns. Those early opponent splits point to a different test for WVU's front, rather than establishing a projected score. - Jack Cassidy generated touchbacks on all six WVU kickoffs in the opener. UT Martin is also a specific special-teams concern: the preview credits it with an FCS-leading eight blocked kicks last season and two already this season.

- QB/RB: I know we’re Always going to run the ball, and there’s plenty of work to do in that department, but we need to find out this weekend if we can consistently throw the ball.

- Pick/market: Just depends on if you think this team is closer to the 1st half team or closer to the 2nd half team.

- RB/LB: Not sure if they beat us by 10 or 45, they honestly have a well rounded team, defense as well, UVA #1 RB is suspended for couple of games, let’s just he’s not back...

- RB: That seems a lot more likely but he did seem a little off in his limited time.

- Rich Rodriguez said West Virginia became too conservative with its second-half lead against Coastal Carolina and passed up available shots while trying to rest the defense, adding that Michael Hawkins' composure and generally sound decisions give him confidence the offense can do more going forward. - Chris Talley was next in line for running-back reps before injuring his hamstring during warmups, with Rodriguez describing him as week-to-week and saying West Virginia will eventually need to use more than two backs without specifying a return date or carry allocation. - Rodriguez expressed hope that Prince Strachan can return for the Virginia game, but did not confirm clearance or say that he would be available for the upcoming UT Martin matchup. - Rodriguez said Darius Wiley's injury creates an opportunity for Tobi Haastrup and Jeremiah Johnson to earn roles, without establishing that either has secured a starting job or defining Wiley's recovery timetable. - New arrival JaCorey Thomas can potentially play all three safety spots for West Virginia depending on how much he learns, but Rodriguez said he still has steps to complete, so the discussion does not establish immediate eligibility or game availability.