By Harold Johnson
Greeneville, North Carolina — West Virginia fans had been eagerly anticipating the debut of quarterback Cam Fitzpatrick, and he delivered in historic fashion. In a 62-28 blowout victory over East Carolina, Fitzpatrick etched his name into Mountaineer history books with one of the most electrifying performances the program has ever seen.
Fitzpatrick, in his first game donning the Gold and Blue, threw for a staggering 543 yards and 8 touchdown passes, numbers that rank among the all-time greats at WVU. His yardage total is the second-most in school history, trailing only Geno Smith’s legendary 656-yard game against Baylor in 2012. Fitzpatrick’s 8 touchdown passes, however, matched Smith’s single-game record, also set in that same high-scoring affair with Baylor.
The junior transfer quarterback’s precision and poise were on full display from the opening drive. He wasted no time finding his rhythm, connecting with Traylon Ray for a 10-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. Fitzpatrick followed up with a 50-yard bomb to Nyck Harbor before the first half was even over, setting the tone for what would become a relentless aerial assault.
By halftime, Fitzpatrick had already amassed over 300 yards and five touchdowns, helping the Mountaineers build a commanding lead. His favorite targets included Traylon Ray, who hauled in three touchdowns—including a jaw-dropping 99-yarder in the third quarter—and Dillon Office, whom Fitzpatrick played with early on in their high school careers, who added two scores of his own.
“When we brought Cam in, we knew he had the tools to do something special, but this performance was beyond anything we could’ve predicted,” said WVU head coach Neal Brown. “He played with incredible confidence, and his connection with the receivers was electric.”
West Virginia’s offense didn’t let up in the second half. Fitzpatrick connected with Traylon Ray twice on long scoring plays—a 76-yarder and the aforementioned 99-yarder. The latter showcased Fitzpatrick’s arm strength and vision, as he stood strong in the pocket in his own endzone then hit Ray in stride to put the game well out of reach.
Fitzpatrick’s efficiency was equally impressive. He completed passes in tight windows, extended plays with his mobility, and consistently found open receivers downfield. His 8 touchdown passes accounted for all but one of WVU’s scoring plays, as kicker RJ Kocan added a 41-yard field goal in the final quarter.
The Mountaineers’ victory was more than just a showcase for their new quarterback; it was a statement to the rest of college football. With Fitzpatrick at the helm, WVU looks poised to challenge for Big 12 supremacy.
“It’s an honor to be mentioned alongside Geno [Smith],” Fitzpatrick said after the game. “He’s one of the all-time greats here, and I just wanted to come out and play my best for my teammates and the fans. This is just the beginning.”
For Mountaineer fans, the performance brought back memories of Smith’s thrilling days lighting up scoreboards in Morgantown. If Fitzpatrick’s debut is any indication, he might be ready to carve out his own legacy in West Virginia lore.
FITZPATRICK SETS UP TO THROW FROM HIS OWN ENDZONE ON WHAT WOULD BE A 99 YARD TD PASS TO TRAYLON RAY
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