West Virginia defeats Coastal Carolina 31-24 in season opener

college football West Virginia Mountaineers Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Rich Rodriguez season opener

West Virginia opened its 2026 college football season with a 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Mountaineers established a dominant 24-0 halftime lead driven by a strong rushing attack and efficient play from new quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who accounted for 132 passing yards and 103 rushing yards. Cam Cook led the ground game with 142 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Despite the early lead, West Virginia struggled in the second half, allowing Coastal Carolina to outscore them 24-7. Coastal Carolina quarterback Deuce Bailey threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, leading a spirited comeback attempt that fell short after a late field goal. West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez expressed dissatisfaction with the team's second-half performance, stating, “In the second half, we stunk.”

The game also featured the retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey. While the Mountaineers secured the win, the performance highlighted defensive inconsistencies and growing pains for a roster featuring 88 new players.

Entities

Cam Cook · Coastal Carolina Chanticleers · Deuce Bailey · Michael Hawkins Jr. · Morgantown · Rich Rodriguez · West Virginia Mountaineers

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Cam Cook scored two touchdowns during the game, including a 72-yard run on the first play from scrimmage.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ryan Beard served as the new head coach for Coastal Carolina during the game.
[○ 1 SOURCE] West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. scored a late touchdown to secure the victory.
[○ 1 SOURCE] West Virginia's offense recorded only 77 yards of total offense in the second half.
[● 2 SOURCES] West Virginia held a 24-0 lead at halftime.
[● 2 SOURCES] West Virginia defeated Coastal Carolina 31-24 in their season opener.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Coastal Carolina scored 14 unanswered points in the second half to narrow the lead.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Coastal Carolina quarterback Deuce Bailey recorded 373 passing yards and three touchdowns.
[● 2 SOURCES] The game was played at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. deadspin.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cam Cook rushed for 142 yards. deadspin.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Clayton Coppock Jr. caught a 34-yard touchdown pass. deadspin.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Deuce Bailey completed 21 of 37 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns. deadspin.com