Turnovers, defensive struggles doom WVU against Arizona, loses third straight
October 10, 2026
For only the second time in West Virginia football history, the Mountaineers rushed for more than 300 yards, recorded 30-plus first downs and still came away with a loss. Despite putting up big numbers on offense, West Virginia couldn't overcome costly turnovers and defensive struggles in a 52-31 loss to Arizona Saturday. Read more: Turnovers, defensive struggles doom WVU against Arizona, loses third straight.
Mountaineers get off to a strong start
West Virginia moved the ball well on its opening drive, with Michael Hawkins Jr., a redshirt sophomore quarterback, picking up seven yards on a keeper before Cam Cook, a senior running back, added a couple of runs ...
West Virginia has not had much trouble scoring points lately. The problem has been stopping the other team. The Mountaineers are back Milan Puskar Stadium for a Big 12 matchup with Arizona, trying to bounce back from two straight losses. WVU fell 41-24 to Oklahoma State before dropping a 45-42 shootout at Iowa State. The offense has consistently produced, especially on the ground, but the defense needs to find answers against an Arizona team with plenty of firepower. And that is firepower that remains despite numerous injuries.
WVU Football (3-2, 0-2) is back at Milan Puskar Stadium after a 45-42 loss at Iowa State. The Mountaineers welcome Arizona (4-1, 1-1) to Milan Puskar Stadium at noon in just the second all-time meeting between the programs and the Wildcats' first trip to Morgantown. The visitors come in with a depleted offensive attack, but veteran quarterback Noah Fifita will still be a player to watch out for against the sixth-worst total defense in the country. WVU, despite back-to-back losses, still boasts a two-man wrecking crew in the form of Michael Hawkins Jr. and Cam Cook. Game day is here, so here is everything you need to know.
