West Virginia vs. Texas Tech Preview: Player Stats, Odds, and Prop Bets

The West Virginia Mountaineers travel to face the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders at Galaxy Stadium on November 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET. Oddsmakers position Texas Tech as a 16.5-point favorite with the total set at 65.5.

This preview breaks down the matchup by examining the featured player, prop angles on the quarterback, receiver, and running back leaders, and a special teams rundown.

This Week’s Matchup

The Mountaineers enter this Week 10 matchup fresh off a 24-20 road victory over TCU, while No. 13 Texas Tech (7-1) recently defeated Arizona 34-26. The Red Raiders are 16.5-point home favorites, and the consensus total sits at 65.5 for the 9:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Galaxy Stadium, alongside a moneyline of Texas Tech -775 and West Virginia +533. Statistically, this matchup features two productive offenses. West Virginia averages 35.9 points and 468.1 total yards per game, narrowly outpacing the Red Raiders’ season marks of 35.6 points and 425.8 total yards per contest.

Featured West Virginia Player

West Virginia’s offensive catalyst is sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. Through eight games, the dual-threat signal-caller has completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,598 yards (199.8 per game), 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions. On the ground, Hawkins has rushed for 836 yards (104.5 per game) and 16 scores, amassing 2,434 total yards and 27 combined touchdowns. He faces a split Texas Tech defense that ranks 13th nationally against the run (94.9 yards allowed per game) but sits 135th against the pass (285.0 allowed). Oddsmakers have set his consensus passing yards prop at 183.5 (Over -114). Given the Red Raiders’ vulnerable secondary and their ability to limit the rushing attack, Hawkins is positioned to attack this passing total.

West Virginia Quarterback

With Michael Hawkins Jr. handling the starting duties (covered above), the West Virginia quarterback room has seen limited rotation. Hawkins commands a 97.0% share of the team’s pass attempts. In brief relief appearances, sophomore Scotty Fox Jr. has completed 2-of-4 passes for 27 yards while adding 21 rushing yards, representing a 2.4% attempt share. Freshman Jyron Hughley also saw action in one game, completing his lone pass for a 27-yard touchdown and rushing for 28 yards. For Hawkins, oddsmakers set his consensus rushing yards prop at 77.5 (Over -114) and passing touchdowns at 1.5 (Over +172).

West Virginia Receiving Leaders

DJ Epps is the primary deep threat, recording 22 receptions for 556 yards and five touchdowns (25.3 yards per catch). Oddsmakers set his consensus receiving yards prop at 43.5 (Over -115) and Anytime Touchdown at +173.

Prince Strachan provides secondary production, securing 14 catches for 275 yards and zero touchdowns (19.6 yards per reception). His consensus receiving yards total sits at 34.5 (Over -115), with Anytime Touchdown odds at +238.

Jaden Bray serves as a reliable target, logging 12 receptions for 174 yards and zero scores (14.5 per catch). His consensus Anytime Touchdown prop is +363.

West Virginia Rushing Leaders

Cam Cook handles the bulk of the backfield workload, taking 186 carries for 923 yards (4.96 per carry) and seven touchdowns. He adds 11 catches for 115 yards and two receiving scores. Oddsmakers set his consensus rushing yards prop at 89.5 (Over -114), a challenging number against a Texas Tech rush defense that allows just 94.9 yards per game.

Amari Latimer provides change-of-pace production as a freshman, turning 40 carries into 178 yards (4.45 per attempt) and three touchdowns. His consensus Anytime Touchdown prop sits at +265 against the Red Raiders.

West Virginia Special Teams Leaders

Senior kicker Jack Cassidy anchors West Virginia’s special teams, converting 7-of-8 field goal attempts (87.5%), including a season-long 54-yarder. Cassidy has been perfect on extra points (37-for-37), tallying 58 total kicking points. Senior punter Bryan Hansen averages 42.6 gross yards across 32 punts. On returns, DJ Epps averages 21.5 yards per kickoff, while Matt Sieg averages 11.3 yards per punt return. Bettors should note that lines and odds fluctuate, so always confirm prices at your sportsbook before the 9:30 p.m. ET kickoff.