So that Greg Ward, Jr., thing at quarterback seems to be working pretty well after all.
Since the converted wide receiver took over at quarterback, all the Houston Cougars have done is win on the road in come-from-behind fashion against Memphis and throttle Temple. It’s lifted the Cougars up to No. 3in our AAC Power Rankings and put the Cougars back in the conference championship conversation — something that wasn’t even a conception after the offensive and offense-less loss to UCF.
Not only are the Cougars winning games, Ward is thriving in his new role. Many people, including myself, thought the switch to Ward from John O’Korn was an example of coach Tony Levine throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks — a move that reeked of desperation to try to save a season quickly spiraling out of control. Well, so far it’s sticking just fine.
Since taking over the starting job Ward has completed 74 percent of his passes, including a jaw-dropping 29-for-33 effort against Temple. He’s thrown for 456 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception. Not bad for a guy who came into fall camp as a full-time wide receiver. And he’s getting a lot of praise from his head coach.
“You talk about leadership.” Levine said on the weekly AAC Coaches Teleconference. “Some people are born with those type of leadership skills and abilities and I think Greg Ward is someone that fits that mold.”
Ward isn’t just throwing the ball with consistency; he is using his legs to become a true dual-threat quarterback. Ward led Houston against Memphis with 125 yards rushing, including a 64 yard touchdown run that put the Coogs on the scoreboard. He got another 62 yards on the ground against Temple.
“He’s made some plays on the ground running the football with some designed runs,” Levine said. “And at times pulled it down when there were pass plays and scrambled and got us five or so yards.”
That is helping open up the run game and helping an offensive line that was struggling to keep O’Korn upright. Defenses have to respect Ward’s ability to run and can’t just bull rush the quarterback. And Levine thinks Ward could just be getting started.
“The more he plays,” Levine said, “the more comfortable he’s going to get, the more comfortable his ten teammates on the field with him are becoming.”
His teammates are clearly responding to their new signal caller; one even joked Ward could quickly turn into a Heisman Trophy candidate. But Ward isn’t buying his own stock quite yet, saying in the Temple postgame news conference, “I try not to listen to that stuff. I try to go out here everyday and play like it’s my last.”
Ward seems to be having fun out there, but then again winning can do that for a player and a team. Houston is now 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the AAC. It is finally getting the full team effort and results most people thought they’d see from game one.
The Cougars are on a roll. Maybe this bye week is coming at a bad time.
Edited By: Ali Balchunas
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