Breaking: WVU to Start True Freshman Scotty Fox Against UCF

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, freshman Scotty Fox Jr. is expected to start at quarterback for WVU in today’s game against UCF. EerSports.com broke the news first on Saturday morning. WV Sports Now was able to then confirm that report.

This comes after most expected Khalil Wilkins to remain the starter based on ascending up the depth chart and performing admirably as the starter at BYU before the bye week.

Aside from the outcome of the game, Rich Rodriguez seemed mostly satisfied with the effort of his freshman starting quarterback in WVU’s 38-24 loss at BYU.

And when asked directly to evaluate Khalil Wilkins’ play from his first college start, Rodriguez was willing to cut the kid some slack.

Play hard. He was a freshman in that kind of environment,” said Rodriguez.

“I thought he was into the game. I think he would like to have a lot of plays back, but I also think he competed his tail off,” he added.

Wilkins finished his debut start 7-for-15 through the air for just 81 yards and two interceptions. With most of the plays called as designed runs, Wilkins also added 89 yards on the ground off 23 rushing attempts and a score.

“Shoot, that was a rough environment to get your first start in,” reiterated Rodriguez, showing Wilkins a level of grace.

Fox, who had a big run in the season opener and threw two picks in the Backyard Brawl, was a perfect 3-for-3 passing for 54 yards during his opportunities against the Cougars. Fox capped off his night by throwing a touchdown strike to Cam Vaughn to get WVU on the board one last time. Fox also ran for 22 yards.

West Virginia is now 2-4 and 0-3 in Big 12 play. Conversely, UCF is now 3-3 and 0-3 in the conference after losing to Cincinnati on Saturday.

WVU and UCF are set to battle at FBC Mortgage Stadium at 1 pm ET.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, WVU is viewed as a touchdown underdog against UCF.