WVU football’s offense running into top rushing defenses in the Big 12 in Arizona
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MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia football's identity since Rich Rodriguez came back to Morgantown in the winter of 2024 was using a tempo offense and running the rock down the field, even if he didn't have the pieces to do so. The Mountaineers had the fifth-most rushing attempts in the Big 12 last season.
In 2026, Rodriguez finally has the talent to run the ball effectively. He brought in last year’s and this year's second-best running back, Cam Cook, a quarterback who can pass and run, and a more physical and talented offensive line. WVU averages the most rushing yards per game in Power Four, and would be the most in the FBS if it weren't for the military academies.
The Mountaineers didn't hesitate to run the ball last week against one of the top Big 12 defenses, Iowa State. WVU rushed for 291 yards and four rushing touchdowns. Cook had 142 yards and Hawkins another 165 yards.
But this week, when Arizona comes to Morgantown, WVU won't have it that easy. The Wildcats have the third-best rushing defense in the Big 12, allowing 79-yards per game. Arizona's defense held undefeated Cincinnati to just 74 rushing yards.
"They can make you look ugly in a run game," Rodriguez said.
If the rushing attack can't get going, the Mountaineers and Hawkins will have to score through the air. Hawkins is known for his legs, but has connected multiple times downfield and has thrown just one pick, which was deflected.
Hawkins has thrown for 836 yards and seven passing touchdowns through five games. He had a season-high 227 yards against the Cyclones and had two 30-yard-plus passing scores.
Rodriguez said Hawkins is learning every day as a passer. He is learning his receivers and knowing the intent of each route.
"He’s made some really good throws," Rodriguez said. "There’s some touch passes that he made in the last game, which a month ago he might have been overthrown a little bit."
It'll be more up to the offensive line in protecting Hawkins in the pocket. Arizona sends a lot of pressure and is tied for the most sacks (18) in the conference. Linebacker Chase Kennedy is tied for the most sacks in the Big 12.
The offensive line has done its part so far. The new-look offensive line has allowed eight sacks through five games. The line has had a tough time recently, letting Hawkins be sacked six times, but it's significantly improved from last season.
"This is the blitz-happiest team since I've been back, probably have seen in the past six-seven years," Rodriguez said. “They’ll bring it all the time. That’s who they are. That’s their identity defensively."
Arizona sends blitzers from all different places, is really good at timing up the snap and tackling in the backfield. It'll be up to the experience of WVU's offensive line and Hawkins to call out where the pressure is coming from before the snap.
If the Wildcats get too greedy, Hawkins can penalize them by rolling out and picking up the yardage with his legs. He's currently 10th in the nation in rushing and has the most rushing yards as a quarterback.
"They’ll probably have somebody keeping their eye on him," Rodriguez said. "I don’t think they’re just like abandoning their blitz packages because that’s who they are, but I’m sure they’ll have particular quarterback-type blitzes on, or have somebody spying or keeping an eye on him."
Based on the pressure, Rodriguez and the offense will have to be mindful of it. But the priority is still going to be pounding the ball down the field, and if that's not there, Hawkins can take off and run, or beat Arizona over the top.
With WVU's defense still finding its identity, the offense will have to be clicking once again.
"You still gotta run your offense," Rodriguez said. "Every week there’s certain plays that you think might be better than others based on how they play you... "We’re unique in what we do, so we’ll see something unique on Saturday.”