West Virginia Mountaineers vs. UT Martin Skyhawks: Stats and Matchup Preview

The West Virginia Mountaineers return to Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium to host the UT Martin Skyhawks on September 12 at 1:00 PM ET. Entering the contest, the Mountaineers are a 41.5-point home favorite with the over/under total set at 55.5. Read on for a complete statistical breakdown of this week’s matchup, highlighting the featured Mountaineer plus the quarterback, receiving, rushing, and special teams leaders.

This Week’s Matchup

The 1-0 Mountaineers face the 1-1 Skyhawks of the Ohio Valley Conference on September 12 at 1:00 PM ET in Morgantown. West Virginia enters this non-conference contest as a 41.5-point favorite with the total resting at 55.5 and the moneyline at -100000.

In their opener, the Mountaineers secured a 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina, generating 413 total yards and converting 50 percent of their third-down attempts. The Skyhawks arrive following a 42-7 win against Chicago State in their most recent action. West Virginia looks to maintain its 80 percent red-zone efficiency against the visiting Skyhawks this Saturday.

Featured Player: Cam Cook

Senior running back Cam Cook highlights the West Virginia offensive attack entering this matchup. In the season opener, Cook handled a heavy workload with 30 rushing attempts for 142 yards and two touchdowns, providing 4.7 yards per carry. He also contributed out of the backfield, catching two passes for 11 yards to finish the contest with 153 total scrimmage yards.

Cook faces a UT Martin defense that has historically struggled against the run. The Skyhawks surrendered 150.3 rushing yards per game against Division I competition last season, ranking 104th nationally. Given Cook’s opening-week volume and the Skyhawks’ vulnerable defensive front, West Virginia will likely rely on their veteran tailback to establish ground control early.

West Virginia Quarterback

Sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. directs the West Virginia offense after taking every meaningful snap under center in the season opener. Against Coastal Carolina, he completed 11 of 14 pass attempts for a 78.6 percent completion rate, 132 passing yards, and one touchdown with zero interceptions. He also proved highly effective on the ground, adding 103 rushing yards and a score on 20 carries. With no other Mountaineer quarterback attempting a pass last week, Hawkins enters this matchup firmly entrenched as the starter, looking to attack the Skyhawks’ defense with his dual-threat capabilities.

West Virginia Receiving Leaders

• Armoni Weaver-Bomar showcased his deep-threat capabilities in the season opener, hauling in a single reception for 49 yards and a touchdown to secure 49.0 yards per catch.
• DJ Epps emerged as a steady target for the passing attack, catching three passes for 36 receiving yards—good for 12.0 yards per catch—without reaching the end zone.
• Jaden Bray operated as the primary short-yardage option during the first contest, leading the receiving corps with four receptions for 29 yards, providing 7.3 yards per catch.

West Virginia Rushing Leaders

With senior Cam Cook commanding the opening-week workload (covered above), remaining backfield opportunities were limited. Freshman Amari Latimer operated as the primary backup, logging six carries for 32 rushing yards. He recorded an efficient 5.3 yards per carry with zero rushing touchdowns in the opener.

Junior Kayden Luke provides further depth to the running back room heading into this contest. If the Mountaineers build a commanding lead against a UT Martin defense that surrendered 228 rushing yards to Central Arkansas earlier this season, both secondary options could see expanded roles.

West Virginia Special Teams Leaders

Senior kicker Jack Cassidy provided seven total points in the season opener, converting his single field-goal attempt from 38 yards for a 100 percent success rate alongside four extra points. Senior punter Bryan Hansen recorded six punts for a 41.3-yard gross average during last week’s action. Freshman Matt Sieg handled the lone kickoff return for 19 yards. The West Virginia special teams units will look to build on this reliable start when the Mountaineers kick off against UT Martin at 1:00 PM ET.