NC State’s Matt McKay has a Historic 1st Career Start

It’s been awhile since a quarterback made their first career start at NC State.

Ryan Finley’s first start was at Boise State. Jacoby Brissett’s first start was at Florida. Brandon Mitchell’s first start was at Arkansas. Pete Thomas’ first start was at Colorado State.

Redshirt Sophomore Matt McKay started his first career game yesterday in the Wolfpack’s 34-6 win over the Pirates, becoming the 1st quarterback to do so since Mike Glennon on September 3rd, 2011.

McKay blew up the box score on his first career start, completing 25 of his 37 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown (0 interceptions), with a Passing Efficiency Rating of 146.41. He also rushed 6 times for 35 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Since 1970, Mckay is only the 3rd quarterback in school history to throw for 300+ yards in his 1st career start.

Here’s a look at how McKay’s 1st start compares to all the quarterbacks who started their first career college football game at NC State since Philip Rivers in 2000.

Mike Glennon (2011) – 18/31 for 156 yards and 1 touchdown (111.0)

Russell Wilson (2008) – 1/5 for 12 yards (concussion) (40.2)

Harrison Beck (2007) – 26/50 for 321 yards with 0 touchdowns (5 interceptions) (85.9)

Daniel Evans (2006) – 15/31 for 179 yards with a touchdown (1 interception) (101.1)

Marcus Stone (2005) – 10/26 for 128 yards and a touchdown (2 interceptions) (77.1)

Jay Davis (2004) – 16/22 for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns (0 interceptions) (166.9)

Philip Rivers (2000) – 29/57 for 397 yards and 3 touchdowns (0 interceptions) (126.8)