UT Martin vs West Virginia Picks and Prediction for Saturday September 12 2026

The UT Martin Skyhawks travel to Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia, to face the West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday, September 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. UT Martin enters at 1-1 after beating Chicago State 42-7, while West Virginia is 1-0 following a 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. Before placing your wagers, check out our free college football picks for more predictions throughout the season.

UT Martin Runs Over Chicago State

UT Martin bounced back from its season-opening loss to Central Arkansas with a dominant 42-7 victory over Chicago State. The Skyhawks accumulated 477 total yards while holding Chicago State to only 191.

The running game was particularly effective. UT Martin rushed for 216 yards and six touchdowns, while the passing attack added another 261 yards. The Skyhawks finished with 25 first downs and allowed only 38 rushing yards defensively.

That balance gives UT Martin something to build on entering Morgantown, but West Virginia represents a major increase in competition. The Skyhawks' best opportunity to stay competitive is establishing the ground game and shortening the contest rather than allowing the Mountaineers to dictate the number of possessions.

West Virginia Survives Coastal Carolina

West Virginia opened its season with a 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina, although the final score doesn't tell the entire story. The Mountaineers built a 24-0 halftime advantage and still led 24-7 entering the fourth quarter before Coastal Carolina made the final margin considerably closer.

Michael Hawkins Jr. accounted for touchdowns through the air and on the ground, including a 49-yard touchdown pass before adding a rushing score in the fourth quarter. West Virginia demonstrated the ability to generate explosive plays and establish control early.

The late defensive problems are worth noting, however. West Virginia allowed Coastal Carolina to turn what looked like a blowout into a seven-point game. UT Martin doesn't possess the same FBS talent level, but the Skyhawks just produced 477 yards and shouldn't be completely dismissed offensively.

UT Martin vs West Virginia Picks and Prediction

Pick: UT Martin +28.5 or Better

West Virginia should win comfortably, but UT Martin +28.5 or better is my target. The Skyhawks produced 477 yards and six rushing touchdowns against Chicago State, while West Virginia allowed Coastal Carolina to significantly reduce a 24-point deficit during the second half. The Mountaineers should control this matchup, but four touchdowns provides substantial protection if UT Martin can generate a couple of scoring drives. Take UT Martin +28.5 or better.

Pick: Under 55.5

For the total, Under 55.5 is my preferred target. West Virginia can control the game without pushing the tempo, while UT Martin's best strategy is leaning on a rushing attack that just produced 216 yards. The Mountaineers should also have a substantial defensive advantage against an FCS opponent. Something around 38-14 or 35-14 fits the matchup. Take the Under if the total is set at 55.5 or higher.

Final Picks: UT Martin +28.5 or better and Under 55.5 or higher