Nov. 18, 2011
Reach Football Contact Michael Stambaugh for more details - 386.481.2278
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - B-CU's multi-headed attack has helped the Wildcats to be among the national offensive leaders, sparked by weekly competition at the QB spot from three talented signal callers. The varied looks make it a real challenge in game planning, especially when the starter themselves is playing through warm-ups without knowing they're `the guy'. It's a process the Wildcats are hoping to capitalize on this weekend against Florida A&M this weekend in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic.
It's a process borne not only of the talent on the team, but from last year's Florida Classic.
Flashback: The Wildcats had surged back after an early deficit under quarterback Matt Johnson to take a 27-14 halftime lead and the game looked to be taking a Wildcat slide. However, an injury to Johnson's scapula stopped the Wildcats cold offensively, feeding the Rattlers, who capitalized in the 38-27 win.
The clear starter all season, Jake Gaither Award winner Johnson didn't leave a lot of room for backups to have top-level minutes in games.
"That's something I learned last year at the Florida Classic," said B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins, "Don't get caught without a replacement that can move your team and lead your offense. Having three quarterbacks that are capable of leading us to victory allows us to be very strong at that position."
With each of the three quarterbacks starting at least two 2011 games, all three have at least 400 yards passing and three TD's by air. They are all capable runners as well, with 14 rushing TD's among them, leading the MEAC's top offense.
Just like any week, the competition will continue through practices to determine Saturday's starter.
"We've got so much talent there that there's competition every day on who's going to be the trigger-puller on Saturday," said Jenkins. "I think that's only made us better as a football team."
Quarterback is not the only skill position where opponents face a multi-point attack; Running back has been by committee since Jenkins set foot on campus, and clearly it's working, with the Wildcats ranked sixth nationally among FCS teams in rushing offense.
Though the primary starters may be a known, the unknown for opponents is who they will face in the backfield and when. The Wildcats use up to five different backs that vary on productivity and situation.
Isidore Jackson has seen the most time, racking up 778 yards on 127 carries, taking in seven TD's for B-CU. However, at 5.4 yards per carry, Rodney Scott is not that far off, earning 518 yards on 96 carries.
Between the tackles, Johnathan Moment often gets his number called, carrying 27 times for 147 yards, or it could be the Wildcats' bowling ball, Anthony Jordan, who has 201 yards on 41 carries to tie Jackson with seven touchdowns. Then there's do-everything back Andronicus Lovette, chipping in 5.1 YPG of his own.
Variety carries over to the passing game too, with 14 different receivers with two catches or more, led by Maurice Francois, at 524 yards on 28 catches, and Eddie Poole, who has 390 on 37 catches and a team-high four TD.
With the `Classic' looming, the Wildcats are definitely prepared for the challenge they face in the Rattlers, not because of special emphasis, but because they are preparing as they have all season. Routine has proven to be a key to success in the Brian Jenkins era, which breeds consistency and focus on the task at hand.
"We prepare to win and play to win every game, and this game is no different," Jenkins said
Kickoff at the Citrus Bowl is set for 2:30 p.m. to wrap up the 2011 regular season, with both teams scrapping it out for a possible at-large playoff berth. The game is televised live on ESPN Classic.
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