WVU Football Back as Heavy Underdog on Road at TCU

Jack Cassidy’s game-winning field goal helped WVU football avoid a fourth-straight loss. Instead, the Mountaineers got by Cincinnati 45-42 on Saturday for their first conference win.

However, oddsmakers believe West Virginia is vulnerable to turn around and lose again in Week 8, setting WVU as much as an 8.5-point underdog on the road to TCU.

The Mountaineers beat Cincinnati despite the defense allowing a season-worst 615 yards. Quarterback Mike Hawkins saved the day for WVU with an historic performance.

Validating his ability to throw if necessary, Hawkins threw for 464 yards, a career-high that also made program history, in West Virginia’s shootout win over Cincinnati.

Only able to run for 77 yards on top of Cam Cook’s 40-yard day, Hawkins accounted for 541 of the Mountaineers’ 598 yards of total offense in the game. The former four-star recruit and transfer from Oklahoma became the first West Virginia signal caller to throw for over 400 yards and run for at least 75 in a single game. His 464 yards passing are the most for any Mountaineer quarterback since Will Grier’s 539 against Oklahoma in 2018.

West Virginia quarterback Mike Hawkins runs against Cincinnati during the 2026 season. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

Hawkins may even be more motivated to be at his best at TCU. The Dallas, Texas native will now try to keep up the momentum next week in a game he admitted he’s had circled all year, a road trip to TCU to face the Horned Frogs.

TCU heads into the matchup at 3-3 (1-2, Big 12) after defeating Baylor 17-6.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.