QB presents dual threat for Wolverines
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/06/2009
sponsored by
In his first year in college football, freshman Tate Forcier looks to bring Michigan to a bowl game.
So far this year Forcier has thrown the ball for 1,424 yards and nine touchdowns. Forcier and the Wolverines started off the year hot and won their first four games, including a 38-34 win against Notre Dame. When Michigan (5-4, 1-4 Big Ten) entered its Big Ten part of the schedule, its luck ran out.
In Michigan’s first four games Forcier had seven touchdowns and two interceptions. In the last five games, when Michigan’s only win came against Delaware State and he did not play much, Forcier has two touchdowns and three interceptions. In part, this lack of production led to last week’s humiliating 34-13 loss at Illinois.
Forcier also has the ability to run the ball when needed. Thus far in the season, Forcier has 214 yards with his longest rush being a 31-yard touchdown run. However, Forcier is often switched for freshman Denard Robinson when the quarterback is called to run.
During Tuesday’s press conference, Purdue coach Danny Hope drew similarities between Michigan’s quarterbacks and Jeremiah Masoli, the quarterback of Oregon. Masoli rushed for 84 yards and passed for 163 yards for a narrow 38-36 victory over the Boilermakers.
“They’ve got real mobile quarterbacks, a similar style offense and similar style skill players,” Hope said. “I think they’re similar in a lot of ways.”
Taking it one step further, junior defensive end Ryan Kerrigan said that Forcier may be the most balanced quarterback Purdue has faced yet.
“He’s a true dual threat,” Kerrigan said. “He presents the option of running and passing about as well as anybody we’ve played against. As a defensive line and defense as a whole, we’ll have our hands full with that.”
Senior linebacker Jason Werner believes there are a lot of playmakers on the Wolverines team, but believes the defense can handle them.
“They spread it out. They do the dual quarterback thing, too, but both of them are pretty shifty,” Werner said. “With the starter (Forcier), he can throw and run a little bit. I think really we’ll have to be sound and defend what they do within the spread and make tackles.”
Kickoff is at noon Saturday at the Big House. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.