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UT Martin vs West Virginia game
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
West Virginia hosts UT Martin on Sept. 12, favored by 41.5 in their first-ever meeting.
The game matters because WVU is chasing its first 2-0 start in eight years.
Background
West Virginia opened 2026 with a 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina, leading 24-0 at halftime before being outscored 24-7 after the break. UT Martin, an FCS program in the Big South-OVC, lost its opener 36-24 to Central Arkansas before beating Chicago State 42-7. The two schools have never met in football, and WVU is seeking its first 2-0 start in eight years.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026West Virginia beat Coastal Carolina 31-24, leading 24-0 at halftime before being outscored 24-7 in the second half.
- Sep 7, 2026WBOY.com posted game time and TV/stream info for West Virginia vs. UT Martin.
- Sep 10, 2026247Sports posted where to watch the game, and Sports Illustrated posted score predictions.
- Sep 12, 2026Kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, W.Va., broadcast on ESPN+. UT Martin enters at 1-1; West Virginia enters at 1-0.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Sports Illustrated's Joey Bray and Christopher Hall predict lopsided West Virginia wins, 45-10 and 48-9 respectively, saying UT Martin lacks speed at the skill positions and physicality on the offensive line.
- Official
- WVU Athletics' John Antonik notes West Virginia is seeking its first 2-0 start in eight years and that the defense, breaking in nine new starters, is expected to improve weekly.
- Caution
- Yahoo Sports notes UT Martin was picked to win the OVC in the preseason but faces a major step up in competition, having gone 2-31 against FBS opponents since 2006.