WVU Football (5-4, 2-4) dropped an epic clash against No. 15 Texas Tech in a 53-48 shootout Saturday. It ended in heartbreaking fashion, with the Mountaineers unable to preserve the touchdown lead they took into the fourth quarter.
What has unfolded on social media regarding WVU’s top player between fans and the star’s family is not helping in an already uphill battle of keeping him in Morgantown. Read more: Stay in your lane: Why fans’ social media comments matter in the age of NIL.
I can’t tell you how many threads I’ve read of Michael Hawkins Jr. getting dragged for the offense’s fourth quarter struggles and how much it drives me up a wall.
While the final stretch was unacceptable offensively, turning backs on the only person keeping this team from being 2-7 is beyond stupid.
Related: Hawkins’ heroics fall short as WVU drops 53-48 shootout to No. 15 Texas Tech
Getting mixed up in drama with his family, though? That’s a one-way ticket for him to find greener pastures.
Where I stand
There’s a difference about calling out the offense and whatever I’ve been reading on X and Facebook. It’s animalistic at times, if we’re being honest.
To be clear, I wouldn’t normally take social media banter for anything of substance or this would be a weekly column. But when it could impact the future of the entire football program, it matters.
I’m all for holding the team accountable.
The defense allowed 638 yards, touchdowns by the handful, and failed to create a turnover. Much like the TCU game, though, they tightened up by blanking the Red Raiders in the third quarter to put WVU in the driver’s seat.
The offense went absolutely bananas for three quarters, led by the dynamic duo of Hawkins and Cam Cook as always. That changed in the fourth quarter, with the squad finishing with -11 yards and no points in the final frame.
Simply put, the Mountaineers couldn’t play a full four quarters on both sides.
The problem in this entire situation is this — unruly fans online had to get involved. And let’s face the music, WVU fans can be… strong-willed.
Pick and choose your battles
Hawkins isn’t immune from criticism. He’s like any other player.
Making nasty comments to his family after they defend one of their own isn’t the best move, to say the least. Unfortunately, this is especially true when you realize the likelihood of WVU being able to afford to keep him shrinks by the week.
Add in what was said leading into the game, with one source saying Hawkins is confirmed to return. His mother had to respond and debunk that, which isn’t a good look for any side.
So when you combine blatantly midweek false information being peddled along with post-game frustration from fans that got out of hand, it’s a black eye on the Mountaineer faithful.
And, I guarantee if the borderline-Heisman level QB hits the road after the season, those same fans will say they never liked him in the first place. That’s how that side of the fanbase works.
This wouldn’t matter nearly as much if we weren’t in the age of NIL. With money involved and contracts in the mix, there’s a lot more that matters beyond the gridiron.
Time to win and forget
The best way to forget about this whole debacle is to give those fans a reason to shut up.
WVU faces Kansas in Morgantown Saturday. It’s the easiest of the three games remaining on the schedule.
Win and you don’t have to worry about people complaining and taking it too far, getting involved in family matters.
Lose and the noise grows louder.
Let’s just be better, because Hawkins needs to stay at WVU if the Mountaineers are serious about winning next year.
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