WVU QB Mike Hawkins Named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

The Big 12 recognized quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. as the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week for his record-setting performance in Saturday’s 38-27 victory over 25th-ranked Virginia.

The sophomore became only the fourth player in West Virginia University annals to register at least three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in the same game, joining an exclusive list of two, Ira Errett Rodgers and Pat White, whose names adorn the Milan Puskar Stadium wall.

White was the last player to accomplish the feat against Louisville on Nov. 20, 2008. Rodgers did it twice more than 100 years ago.

Hawkins accounted for all five touchdowns in WVU’s upset victory over the Cavaliers. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder crossed the goal line on runs of 13, 15 and 5 yards, while connecting with DJ Epps on scoring passes of 29 and 21 yards.

For the night, he completed 10 of his 17 pass attempts for 190 yards, while equaling Cam Cook’s team-best 123 rushing yards on 18 carries – 12 fewer than his senior counterpart.

For the season, the Oklahoma transfer is now the top-graded quarterback in the country, according to Pro Football Focus, with a stellar 93.5 average. The Dallas resident is tops in the nation averaging 18.3 yards per completion, while leading the conference in passing efficiency (217.3) and yards per pass attempt (12.6).

His three-game passing totals include 26 completions in 38 attempts for 477 yards and five touchdowns. He has also contributed 322 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Meanwhile, the guys up front blocking for Hawkins were also recognized by the conference as its Offensive Line of the Week following its impressive performance versus Virginia. WVU ran for 247 yards and accounted for 437 of total offense against what has been considered one of the stronger defenses in the country over the last two seasons.

Most of this story initially appeared as a WVU press release. 

For a related story, West Virginia’s Mike Hawkins was named to the Davey O’Brien Award’s “Great 8” group for Week 3.