ALERT- The HIDDEN Matchups That Could Help WVU BREAK Virginia!

West Virginia faces its first true test of the 2026 season when the Mountaineers battle unbeaten Virginia in Charlotte—and I have some serious questions that WVU must answer. Can Michael Hawkins Jr. force Virginia out of its run-heavy comfort zone? Can Rich Rodriguez manufacture explosive plays against one of the nation’s best explosive-pass defenses? Will WVU’s offensive line respond against a Cavaliers front allowing only 0.4 yards before contact? And can Ben Cutter, Nate Gabriel, Harper Holloman and the Mountaineer defense pressure Beau Pribula without being fooled by Virginia’s dangerous play-action attack? I break down the seven biggest questions surrounding WVU, the Mountaineers who must deliver and why this matchup could reveal whether West Virginia is truly ready to become a Big 12 contender.