Here to Prove.

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  • djp73
    Coach Porter Davis
    • Jun 2009
    • 8504

    #136
    Re: Here to Prove.


    Restless Mind

    Cam sat in his New York hotel room, staring at the muted glow of the city skyline through the window. The lights of Times Square blinked in the distance, but his thoughts were far from the hustle and energy outside. His suit was neatly hung on the back of a chair, and the television murmured softly with pre-ceremony coverage of the Heisman Trophy ceremony—a ceremony he had nearly convinced himself not to attend.

    “This is all so surreal,” he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. But if he was being honest with himself, the surrealism wasn’t as comforting as it was daunting.

    His coaches had urged him to make the trip, reminding him that skipping it would only raise questions. “You deserve to be there,” they’d said. “Enjoy it. We’ll keep getting ready for Alabama when you get back.” Cam had reluctantly agreed, though he’d rather be in San Antonio, locked in film sessions or running drills with his teammates. This—the glitz, the attention, the scrutiny—wasn’t what he played for. Football, at its heart, was simple. This was anything but.

    He leaned back against the bed’s headboard, letting out a long breath. His restless mind raced. The season had been a whirlwind: 4,800 passing yards, 50 touchdowns, and a playoff berth for UTSA. Yet here he was, a kid from a non-Power Five school, sharing the Heisman stage with Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and Boston College’s Thomas Castellanos.

    Cam knew the odds. Klubnik was the frontrunner, leading a Clemson team that seemed to live in the national spotlight. As he sat in his room, he couldn’t help but wonder: did the others feel the same way? Did Simpson or Castellanos truly believe they had a shot, or were they just going through the motions, like him? Did Klubnik already know this was his moment, his trophy to lose? The thought of it all made Cam’s head spin, the uncertainty gnawing at him. Cam’s numbers might have been better, but history wasn’t on his side. Players from schools like UTSA didn’t win Heismans. The thought didn’t bother him as much as it should have. He hadn’t come to New York expecting to win; he’d come because it felt like the right thing to do.

    Still, the weight of it all pressed on him. The interviews, the endless travel, the responsibility of representing his team and school on a national stage. And then there was Alabama. The game against the Crimson Tide loomed like a mountain on the horizon, both a challenge and an opportunity. He’d spent countless hours envisioning it—Alabama’s defense, their relentless pass rush, the chess match he’d have to play against their linebackers and secondary. What lay on the other side of that game? Glory, perhaps. Or heartbreak. Either way, it was all that truly mattered to him right now. He wished, for just a moment, that he could step back from it all and focus on the thing he loved most: playing. But the Heisman ceremony was part of the journey. A necessary stop, even if it felt like a detour.

    A knock at the door broke his thoughts. “We’re ready to head out,” came a voice from the hallway.

    Cam sighed deeply and swung his legs off the bed. The ceremony loomed ahead like a game he wasn’t quite sure how to play. Grabbing his suit jacket, he moved toward the door, forcing himself into the moment.

    ---

    The theater buzzed with anticipation as the ceremony reached its crescendo. Cam sat in his seat, flanked by the other finalists, his hands folded tightly in his lap. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but his heart raced. The host’s voice echoed through the room, building suspense as the name of the winner drew closer.

    “And the winner of the 2025 Heisman Trophy is…”

    Cam didn’t flinch when Cade Klubnik’s name was announced. The Clemson quarterback rose to a roar of applause, smiling as he embraced his family and approached the stage. Later, when someone told Cam how close the final vote had been, how he had finished just behind Klubnik in one of the tightest races in recent memory, he didn’t really react. He nodded, put on a polite smile, and shrugged it off. What was there to say? It didn’t change anything, and it wasn’t where his focus lay. Cam clapped politely, standing with the other finalists to honor Klubnik. He offered a genuine “congratulations” when the ceremony’s focus shifted to handshakes and photos. Yet, he couldn’t shake the strange energy that had lingered between him and Ty Simpson throughout the evening. Both of them knew that in just over a week, they would be facing each other in the College Football Playoff. It was an unspoken tension, a mix of respect and competitive fire. Cam caught Ty glancing at him a few times, and each time, their eyes met briefly before shifting away. There was no trash talk, no overt animosity, but the weight of the impending battle hung in the air like a storm cloud. They weren’t just finalists tonight—they were rivals gearing up for the biggest game of their lives.

    How long until I can leave? How long until I’m back in San Antonio, back with my team, preparing for the game that truly matters?

    As the ceremony continued, Cam smiled for cameras and endured the spotlight. But in his heart, he was already gone, back in the Alamodome, the roar of his home crowd fueling his focus, his restless mind finally at peace.

    Later that night, his phone buzzed incessantly with a flood of text messages and social media notifications. Most of them he ignored, brushing off the congratulatory notes and reactions to the ceremony. But one message made him pause. “Have you thought about it anymore? Time is running out!” it read. Cam’s thumb hovered over the reply button, his brow furrowed as he considered what to say. Instead, he closed the app and tucked his phone away, a sigh escaping his lips. The restlessness in his mind, which had momentarily quieted, began to stir again.

    Still, as Cam lay back in bed, he couldn’t help but smile faintly. He had been named AP College Football Player of the Year, won the Davey O’Brien Award, and earned First Team All-American and First Team All-Conference honors. These were accolades he had only dreamed of as a kid, a wide-eyed boy who once envisioned nights like this. But one big difference between his childhood dreams and the reality of today gnawed at him. Reaching for his phone again, he hesitated, his finger hovering over the screen as his thoughts spiraled.

    ---

    Comment

    • tobin834
      Rookie
      • Jun 2017
      • 334

      #137
      Re: Here to Prove.

      The story you've told with this one player is incredible. I love your writing. I am jealous of your dedication haha. Great work as always.

      Comment

      • djp73
        Coach Porter Davis
        • Jun 2009
        • 8504

        #138
        Re: Here to Prove.

        Thank you. Appreciate the kind words. Lot's more to come!
        ---

        Comment

        • cookies00
          Rookie
          • Jun 2024
          • 83

          #139
          Re: Here to Prove.

          Absolutely gypped from the Heisman. Racked up a ton of accolades to be proud of, at least. Looking forward to seeing how the CFP plays out.

          Comment

          • djp73
            Coach Porter Davis
            • Jun 2009
            • 8504

            #140
            Re: Here to Prove.

            Originally posted by cookies00
            Absolutely gypped from the Heisman. Racked up a ton of accolades to be proud of, at least. Looking forward to seeing how the CFP plays out.
            hard to beat those SEC guys, great season, proud of the awards. Thanks for reading and posting.
            ---

            Comment

            • djp73
              Coach Porter Davis
              • Jun 2009
              • 8504

              #141
              Re: Here to Prove.


              SPORTS//UTSA
              Heartbreak in Tuscaloosa: UTSA Falls to Alabama in College Football Playoff Thriller
              By Kregg Lucas, Staff Writer




              The UTSA Roadrunners’ historic season came to a valiant end Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, as they fell to the Alabama Crimson Tide, 34-27, in a hard-fought College Football Playoff first-round matchup. Despite leading early in the fourth quarter, the Roadrunners couldn’t hold off Alabama’s late surge, as Ty Simpson and the Crimson Tide’s firepower proved too much to overcome.

              “I couldn’t be prouder of our guys,” UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor said after the game. “We fought until the very end against one of the most talented teams in the country. This group has nothing to hang their heads about.”

              Alabama struck first when quarterback Ty Simpson connected with Ryan Williams for a 26-yard touchdown, though a missed extra point left the Tide with a 6-0 lead. UTSA answered midway through the first quarter, with Cam Fitzpatrick finding Devin McCuin for a seven-yard touchdown to give the Roadrunners a 7-6 advantage. Simpson and Williams quickly retaliated, hooking up for another score to put Alabama ahead 13-7.

              The Crimson Tide extended their lead early in the second quarter when Simpson found Ty Lockwood in the end zone for a 20-7 lead. But UTSA’s never-quit attitude shone through as Fitzpatrick capped a resilient drive by hitting Willie McCoy for an 11-yard touchdown to close the gap to 20-14.

              UTSA appeared poised to take the lead late in the first half, driving deep into Alabama territory, but a rare mistake from Fitzpatrick changed the momentum. Cornerback Jaylon Braxton read an out route perfectly, intercepting Fitzpatrick for just the second time all season and preserving Alabama’s 20-14 lead at halftime.

              The third quarter saw both defenses tighten, but UTSA broke through late in the period. Running back Rocko Griffin powered his way into the end zone on a five-yard run, giving the Roadrunners a 21-20 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

              UTSA extended their lead to 24-20 early in the fourth quarter on a 29-yard field goal by Chase Allen, silencing the home crowd and putting Alabama on their heels. But the Crimson Tide showed their championship pedigree, with Simpson connecting with Kendrick Law for a 19-yard touchdown to reclaim a 27-24 lead.

              Allen’s second field goal of the game, a 33-yarder, tied the score at 27-27 with just minutes remaining. But Simpson, named the game’s MVP after throwing for 440 yards and five touchdowns, delivered when it mattered most. The Alabama signal-caller found Williams once again, this time for a 24-yard strike with just over a minute left, giving the Tide a 34-27 advantage.

              On the ensuing drive, UTSA’s hopes were dashed when a fumble ended their comeback bid. Alabama recovered, allowing Simpson to take a knee and secure the victory.

              Despite the loss, Fitzpatrick—who completed 31 of 36 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns—expressed pride in his team’s effort.

              “We gave it everything we had,” Fitzpatrick said. “It hurts that we couldn’t finish, but this team accomplished so much this year. I’m proud to be part of it.”

              Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer praised UTSA for their performance. “They’re a fantastic team,” DeBoer said. “They pushed us to the limit, and it’s a credit to their coaches and players for how they fought tonight.”

              For UTSA, the loss marked the end of a season that saw the program reach unprecedented heights.

              “This isn’t the ending we wanted,” Traylor said. “But this team has set a new standard for UTSA football. We’ll be back.”

              As the Crimson Tide march on in pursuit of another national title, the Roadrunners return to San Antonio with their heads held high, knowing they’ve laid the foundation for future success. Their playoff run may have ended in Tuscaloosa, but their impact on the college football world is just beginning.

              ---

              Comment

              • djp73
                Coach Porter Davis
                • Jun 2009
                • 8504

                #142
                Re: Here to Prove.



                Cam Fitzpatrick 2025 Stats:

                Date | Opponent | Result | Passing Stats | Rushing Stats
                08/30/2025 | @ Texas A&M | W 28-12 | 24/40 253Yds 3TD | 3Car -5Yds
                09/06/2025 | vs Texas State | W 42-10 | 38/53 405Yds 4TD 1Int | 3Car 5Yds
                09/13/2025 | vs Incarnate Word | W 59-6 | 33/44 523Yds 7TD | 10Car 23Yds 1TD
                09/20/2025 | @ Rutgers | W 24-13 | 40/58 414Yds 1TD | 8Car -16Yds 1TD
                10/04/2025 | @ Memphis | W 51-13 | 26/38 407Yds 6TD | 1Car 12Yds
                10/11/2025 | @ FAU | W 54-14 | 23/29 341Yds 6TD | 5Car 12Yds
                10/18/2025 | vs East Carolina | W 27-10 | 21/28 299Yds 2TD | 10Car 21Yds 1TD
                10/25/2025 | vs Army | L 24-27 | Did Not Play - Injury
                11/01/2025 | @ North Texas | W 36-34 | 31/47 329Yds 3TD | 7Car -9Yds
                11/08/2025 | vs Rice W 38-14 | 23/34 366Yds 3TD | 4Car 15Yds 2TD
                11/15/2025 | @ Temple W 62-9 | 29/40 678Yds 6TD | 5Car -4Yds 1TD
                11/29/2025 | vs Tulsa W 45-35 | 28/38 368Yds 4TD | 6Car 49Yds 2TD
                12/13/2025 | vs Charlotte W 45-17 | 22/28 417Yds 5TD | 4Car 28Yds
                12/20/2025 | @ Alabama L 27-34 | 31/36 285Yds 2TD 1Int | 7Car -12Yds

                Season Totals | 369/513 5,085Yds 52TD 2Int| 73Car 119Yds 8TD


                #13 12-2(7-1)
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                Comment

                • djp73
                  Coach Porter Davis
                  • Jun 2009
                  • 8504

                  #143
                  Re: Here to Prove.


                  Cue Country Roads

                  The leather chair seemed to swallow Cam whole as he sank into it, his body heavy with exhaustion but his mind racing with possibilities. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—celebrating a conference championship one moment, then finding himself sitting in New York City for the Heisman Trophy ceremony the next, surrounded by college football’s elite. Though he didn’t win, being in the room was surreal, a validation of the season he’d just completed.

                  But the high of that honor quickly gave way to the heartbreak of the playoffs. The playoff game at Alabama had been a gut-wrenching experience—a clash of titans under the glare of the brightest of lights. His team had battled fiercely, but the Crimson Tide proved too much, and the loss left Cam staring at the confetti falling for someone else.

                  Now, here he was, navigating yet another chapter. Entering the transfer portal had added to the chaos, a blur of phone calls, visits, and meetings, each conversation carrying the weight of his future.

                  Now, Cam found himself in the opulent lounge of yet another football facility, the air conditioned to a perfect chill, the hum of a television playing softly in the background. On the screen, ESPN analysts were yelling about the chaotic nature of the transfer portal, the volume of their debate rising and falling like the chatter in his own head. He tuned them out and closed his eyes, letting the plush chair provide a momentary escape.

                  It was clear this visit had gone well so far. The coaching staff had been persuasive, aligning with Cam’s goals in a way few programs had. The facilities were state-of-the-art, a definite upgrade from what he was used to. The promise of playing on a grander stage was exhilarating. But one item remained on the agenda: a meeting with the head of the NIL collective.

                  Cam never imagined he'd be negotiating his value as an athlete like a free agent, but the transfer portal era had changed everything. His stomach tightened as he thought about the crumpled piece of paper in his pocket, its contents a reflection of something deeply personal. Wild numbers floated across social media daily, but he wasn’t sure where he truly stood in the eyes of this program—or in the grander scheme of things. That paper wasn’t about numbers, not really. It represented a dream, a goal he’d carried quietly, one that felt closer now than ever before.

                  He nearly drifted off before the booming voice of Thomas, the collective's leader, jolted him upright.

                  Thomas enthusiastically extended a hand, his grip firm and confident as he locked eyes with Cam.
                  “Cam!” Thomas exclaimed, his enthusiasm filling the room. “It’s an honor to have this conversation with you.”

                  The two exchanged pleasantries, reminiscing about Cam’s recent championship run and his team’s memorable season. But Thomas quickly got to the point.

                  “Tell me,” Thomas said, leaning forward, “what are you looking for?”

                  Cam hesitated, feigning confidence as he retrieved the paper from his pocket. Unfolding it carefully, he stared at it one last time before sliding it across the table. Thomas picked it up, his expression unreadable as his eyes scanned the page.

                  For a moment, Cam thought he’d miscalculated. But then Thomas broke into a knowing smile.

                  “Cam,” he began, “I’m going to be honest with you. We have a significantly higher value on you than this.” He waved the paper lightly before setting it down. “This is small potatoes compared to what we can offer. I think it’s important for you to have someone experienced in NIL negotiations help guide you—you don’t want to sell yourself short.”

                  Cam exhaled, relief washing over him as Thomas continued.

                  “That being said, we can absolutely make this number happen—and then some. Let’s work together to create a deal that reflects your true value. You’re worth it, Cam.”

                  Relaxing for the first time all day, Cam smiled and leaned back. “I appreciate the honesty,” he said. “I think we can make this work without too much outside help.”

                  Thomas chuckled, and the two shook hands. The deal was as good as done.

                  The next morning, Cam found himself boarding a flight back to Austin, his mind a mix of anticipation and satisfaction. The paperwork was filed, and the decision was made—a deal well above what he had initially expected. Thomas had been reassuring throughout their discussions, explaining that what Cam thought might have been an unorthodox request wasn’t as unusual as he had feared. In fact, Thomas had already set those wheels in motion, showing a level of preparation and commitment that left Cam feeling valued and confident in his choice.
                  Though small doubts lingered, an overwhelming sense of clarity told him he had chosen the right path. The opportunity ahead felt like the perfect fit, a culmination of everything he’d worked toward.

                  Settling into his seat, Cam slipped on his headphones and tapped his music app. Scrolling through his playlists, he smiled and selected a fitting tune: “Cue Country Roads” by Charles Wesley Godwin.

                  As the plane ascended into the clouds, Cam leaned back and let the music carry him forward, a new chapter awaiting just over the horizon.
                  ---

                  Comment

                  • djp73
                    Coach Porter Davis
                    • Jun 2009
                    • 8504

                    #144
                    Re: Here to Prove.

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                    Comment

                    • djp73
                      Coach Porter Davis
                      • Jun 2009
                      • 8504

                      #145
                      Re: Here to Prove.


                      Boys of Faith

                      In the stillness of Christmas morning, Cam found himself hastily wrapping one final gift. The clock had long passed midnight, but sleep was secondary to the pride swelling in his chest. As he carefully placed the last bow on the package, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. Inside the box was a framed photo that meant more to him than any jersey he’d ever donned or accolade he’d earned.

                      The picture showed Cam in his new football jersey, standing triumphantly in front of the house he had grown up in—the house his family had been forced to leave four years prior. In his hands was a "SOLD" sign, and his grin stretched from ear to ear. It had been a long road, one filled with sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance, but this moment was his gift to his mother, the woman who had held their family together through the storms.

                      He thought of her voice in recent weeks, filled with nostalgia as she talked about the house they had left behind. She missed home, she’d said, though she always tempered her longing with gratitude for the opportunities their move to Austin had provided. It was her way of ensuring no one, not even the universe, could accuse her of being ungrateful.

                      Cam gently placed the shoddily wrapped gift under the tree, imagining his mother’s face when she opened it. With a deep breath, he headed to his room, hoping to catch a few hours of sleep before Christmas morning arrived in full force.

                      ---

                      A few days later, Cam stood in Kayla’s studio, surrounded by the remnants of a whirlwind month. The space, once a sanctuary for his thoughts, now felt like a bittersweet farewell. Conversations with Kayla had been instrumental in Cam’s decision to enter the transfer portal. She had been more than a confidant—she was a friend, a mentor, and, quietly, something more.

                      Their connection was undeniable, though neither had dared to cross the line. Kayla’s daughter, Zoe, had bonded with Cam as well, and the trio had formed something resembling a family during his time in Austin. Now, as he prepared to leave, an unspoken sadness lingered in the air.

                      “I’m so proud of you,” Kayla said, her voice steady despite the emotion in her eyes. “I know you’re going to do amazing things. You’re chasing your dreams, Cam, and that’s exactly what you should be doing.”
                      He nodded, his gratitude too deep for words. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” he managed.

                      She smiled, shaking her head. “Don’t put that on me. You’ve worked hard for this. If anything, I should be thanking you. Your endorsements have done wonders for my business, but more than that, you’ve been a friend—someone Zoe and I could count on. That means more than you know.”

                      Their hug was long, the kind that spoke volumes without a single word. Kayla held back her tears as they said goodbye, each promising to stay in touch.

                      ---

                      Months later, Cam sat in a bustling diner, laughter and chatter filling the air around him. Across from him was Dillon, his best friend since childhood. The two had dreamed of this moment for as long as they could remember—sitting together, preparing for a season where they would finally play side by side at the highest level of college football.

                      “Man, can you believe this?” Dillon said, shaking his head with a wide grin. “We’ve been talking about this since we were, like, ten years old. I mean, how many times did we say this was gonna happen?”

                      “Too many to count,” Cam replied, laughing.

                      “And people thought we were crazy. ‘You’re never gonna play D1 ball together,’” Dillon said, imitating an exaggerated voice. “But we kept the faith, man. We always knew this day would come.”

                      Cam nodded, a warm sense of pride swelling in his chest. “Yeah, we did.”

                      Dillon leaned back in his seat, grinning. “And now we’ve got a shot to make it real. National championship, bro. You and me. Just like we always said.”

                      For Cam, the moment was profound. He thought of the journey that had brought him here—the struggles, the sacrifices, the people who had supported him along the way. From his mother’s unwavering strength to Kayla’s wisdom and encouragement, every step had been a chapter in a story he was still writing.

                      As Dillon kept talking, Cam allowed himself to dream. He wasn’t just chasing championships; he was chasing something bigger—a legacy. One that honored where he came from, celebrated where he was going, and embraced every twist and turn along the way.
                      ---

                      Comment

                      • djp73
                        Coach Porter Davis
                        • Jun 2009
                        • 8504

                        #146
                        Re: Here to Prove.


                        Fitzpatrick bursts onto the scene with 543 yard Eight touchdown performance
                        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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                        Comment

                        • djp73
                          Coach Porter Davis
                          • Jun 2009
                          • 8504

                          #147
                          Re: Here to Prove.



                          Cam Fitzpatrick 2026 Stats:

                          Date | Opponent | Result | Passing Stats | Rushing Stats
                          08/29/2026 | 24/37 543Yds 8TD 1Int | 5Car -17Yds

                          Season Totals | 24/37 543Yds 8TD 1Int | 5Car -17Yds
                          ---

                          Comment

                          • djp73
                            Coach Porter Davis
                            • Jun 2009
                            • 8504

                            #148
                            Re: Here to Prove.


                            WVU upsets #1 Alabama behind big games for Fitzpatrick and Office
                            By Harold Johnson




                            Morgantown, West Virginia — Under the lights at Milan Puskar Stadium, the West Virginia Mountaineers shocked the college football world with a 26-24 victory over top-ranked Alabama. Behind the electric play of quarterback Cam Fitzpatrick and running back Dillon Office, the Mountaineers pulled off one of the program’s most memorable wins in front of a raucous home crowd.

                            Fitzpatrick, a transfer from UTSA, was masterful, throwing for 466 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores went to Office, his longtime friend and teammate, who turned in a career day with 14 receptions for 179 yards. The pair, who grew up playing backyard football together in West Virginia, realized their childhood dream of representing their home state on the biggest stage.

                            “This is what we dreamed about as kids,” Fitzpatrick said postgame. “To beat the number one team in the country, in our home state, with Dillon by my side—there’s nothing like it. After that pick-six, Dillon and the rest of the guys told me they had my back. Dillon keeps me steady, and I can’t thank our offensive line enough for giving me the time to make plays.”

                            West Virginia jumped out to a commanding 20-0 halftime lead, with Fitzpatrick connecting with Office on touchdown passes of 7 and 23 yards. RJ Kocan added two field goals, including a 51-yarder, as the Mountaineers dominated the first half.

                            But Alabama, led by quarterback Ty Simpson, came roaring back. A third-quarter pick-six by Bray Hubbard off a tipped Fitzpatrick pass cut the lead to 20-7. Minutes later, Simpson found Ryan Williams for a 26-yard touchdown, trimming the Mountaineers’ advantage to 20-14.

                            West Virginia steadied itself with another field goal from Kocan early in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 23-14. Alabama countered with a field goal of their own and then appeared to deliver a crushing blow when Simpson hit Cole Adams for a 60-yard touchdown with just 33 seconds left, giving the Crimson Tide a 24-23 lead.

                            With the game on the line, Fitzpatrick and the Mountaineers answered. Starting from their own 25-yard line, Fitzpatrick quickly found Jarel Williams for a big gain to midfield. He then hit Office twice, the second time on a wheel route for a 21-yard gain that set up Kocan’s game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired. Office fought to get to the middle of the field at the end of the play, making the kick all that much easier for Kocan.

                            “This team never quits,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s not just me and Dillon—it’s every single guy in that locker room. The offensive line gave me time, the receivers made plays, and RJ [Kocan] came through in the clutch. This is what Mountaineer football is all about.”

                            For Office, the win was especially sweet after his journey to Morgantown. The junior transferred from Richmond this offseason, where he had quietly been one of the most productive running backs in FCS. While he managed just 58 yards on 25 carries against Alabama’s stout defensive front, his impact as a receiver was undeniable.

                            “It’s been a long road to get here,” Office said. “Playing with Cam again, wearing this jersey, and helping this team pull off something special—this is why I came to West Virginia.”

                            The victory is a signature moment for head coach Neal Brown, whose program has battled to establish itself in the ultra-competitive Big 12. It’s also a statement that the Mountaineers can compete with college football’s elite.

                            As for Alabama, the loss marks a rare stumble under head coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide will undoubtedly use the defeat as motivation as they look to regroup for the rest of the season.

                            For now, though, it’s celebration time in Morgantown. Fitzpatrick and Office fulfilled their childhood dream, and in doing so, gave West Virginia fans a night they’ll never forget.



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                            Comment

                            • djp73
                              Coach Porter Davis
                              • Jun 2009
                              • 8504

                              #149
                              Re: Here to Prove.



                              Cam Fitzpatrick 2026 Stats:

                              Date | Opponent | Result | Passing Stats | Rushing Stats
                              08/29/2026 | @ East Carolina W 62-28 | 24/37 543Yds 8TD 1Int | 5Car -17Yds
                              09/05/2026 | vs Alabama W 26-24 | 31/42 466Yds 2TD 1Int | 8Car 37Yds

                              Season Totals | 55/79 69% 1,009Yds 10TD 2Int | 13Car 20Yds
                              ---

                              Comment

                              • Bigsheen
                                MVP
                                • Nov 2010
                                • 1741

                                #150
                                Re: Here to Prove.

                                Doing some catch up here and am really enjoying the storylines and layouts.

                                I think the trajectory from UTSA to WVU is perfect. Cam is ready to take the next step and get that Heisman and Natty. Keep it up!
                                My Newport Falcons Football Dynasty (Teambuilder) (CFB25)

                                My Pennsylvania A&T Football Dynasty (NCAA 14)

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