The Return of the Dual-Threat Dominance in Morgantown
For West Virginia University (WVU) fans, the feeling of nostalgia is hitting hard, and it’s all thanks to a spark of brilliance on the field and the vocal endorsement of one of the program’s most famous alumni, Pat McAfee. After a thrilling 38-27 victory over No. 25 Virginia in Charlotte, the Mountaineers aren’t just winning games—they are reclaiming an identity.
Pat McAfee, the media mogul and former WVU standout, has been closely monitoring the team’s 3-0 start, and he has one name on his lips: Michael Hawkins Jr.
The Pat White Comparison: A Rare Feat
Comparing a current player to a legend is always a bold move, but when Pat McAfee does it, people listen. Hawkins, a transfer from Oklahoma, has put up numbers that haven’t been seen in Morgantown for over a decade. During the clash against Virginia, Hawkins was the engine of the offense, accounting for all five touchdowns and racking up 313 total yards.
The stats speak for themselves:
- Passing: 10 of 17 completions, 190 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
- Rushing: 18 carries for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns.
This specific performance marks the first time since the legendary Pat White in 2008 that a WVU quarterback has recorded at least three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns in a single game. As McAfee noted, the current state of the Mountaineers is “pretty reminiscent” of the golden era of WVU football.
Could College GameDay Return to West Virginia?
Beyond the individual brilliance of Hawkins, McAfee is dreaming bigger for the city of Morgantown. With the team currently undefeated, the conversation has shifted from “can they compete?” to “how far can they go?”
McAfee hinted that if WVU continues its momentum—specifically with the upcoming Big 12 home opener against Oklahoma State on September 26—it could create the perfect storm to bring ESPN’s College GameDay back to West Virginia. For the fans, the prospect of the most famous show in college football descending upon Morgantown is the ultimate validation of their resurgence.
Why This Matters for the Big 12
The emergence of a dynamic quarterback like Michael Hawkins Jr. changes the landscape for the Big 12 Conference. When a team possesses a dual-threat weapon that can punish defenses both through the air and on the ground, they become a nightmare to game-plan against.
Whether this is a temporary hot streak or the beginning of a new dynasty, one thing is clear: Pat McAfee and the rest of the football world are officially paying attention to West Virginia once again. For the Mountaineer faithful, it feels like old times—and the best is yet to come.
