Quarterback Mike Hawkins, receiver D.J. Epps connection aids in WVU football’s win over U.T. Martin
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MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia football's offense had a pretty good idea of what U.T. Martin's defense was going to run. The Mountaineers knew what coverages to expose, and the biggest one had to do with receiver D.J. Epps.
Just three minutes into the game and on WVU's first drive, Epps lined up in the slot, with Mike Hawkins Jr. in at quarterback. Hawkins and Epps both could see the coverage and knew there was a potential for a big play.
Hawkins dropped back and hit Epps down the seam. Epps used his speed to shake a defender and took off for the house. It was the first score of the game and the first touchdown for the Troy transfer. The touchdown between the two started a big Saturday, which turned into a 52-7 win.
"It was a pretty good feeling for sure," Epps said. "Kind of happened fast, but it was a great feeling for sure."
Epps and Hawkins connected later on a similar play. Epps caught the ball over the middle of the field for a longer 59 yards, but didn't score. The pitch and catch later set up Hawkins to punch it in for a five-yard rush to make it 28-0. Epps caught just those two passes and led the team in receiving with 112 yards.
Rich Rodriguez said the big gains on the seam plays start with Hawkins and his ability to throw the ball on time. Hawkins hit tight end Ryan Ward over the middle of the field to start the third quarter, too. Then, it takes discipline from the receiver, Epps, to run the route on the mark to catch the timely pass.
"The timing from Mike on those seam throws was really on the mark," Rodriguez said. "Really on the right time."
Hawkins didn't throw the ball too much, and went 5-for-7 passing for 155 yards and the two over the middle of the field touchdowns. Hawkins said he felt even more comfortable Saturday against the Skyhawks, and Rodriguez said he was efficient. Hawkins said just moving the chains helped him be more efficient.
"I thought he saw the field well," Rodriguez said. "I thought he was really sharp. The more experience he gets in our offense, I think the more comfortable he will be. I thought he played well."
Epps and Hawkins first connection came on third down. The Mountaineers converted on eight of 12 third downs, and had 23 total.
For the timing to be perfect and to keep the chains moving, the quarterback and receiver need to be in sync. Hawkins transferred from Oklahoma this offseason, and Epps from Troy, so the two had never played with each other before the spring. In the seven to eight months, the two had to really quickly develop a relationship, and most of that came from reps in practice, according to Epps.
Through two games, Epps and Hawkins have connected on five passes for 148 yards and a touchdown, which leads the team in both stats early.
With undefeated No. 25 Virginia coming up in a week, Epps and Hawkins will have to connect a couple of times for an upset in Charlotte. The Cavaliers’ defense has allowed a total of 11 points, and the pass defense has averaged just 130 yards a game.
Epps and Hawkins are just getting started and look to continue to develop the connection as the season goes on.
"We have a great connection," Hawkins said. "Just learning each other when we first got here in spring ball, summer and fall camp. We've developed a great relationship. Just getting that in the game is a great feeling."