FOOTBALL: Experience At Quarterback Should Pay Off For The Bulldogs In 2009

BIG RAPIDS - It's difficult to underestimate the importance of the role quarterbacks play in the sport of college football.

This season, Ferris should be in good shape with two experienced quarterbacks likely to take the snaps in the offensive backfield. Last season, Kyle Parrish and Tom Schneider both had ample opportunities to showcase their abilities for the Bulldogs as, at various times, they ran the show for Ferris. Offensive coordinator Matt McCarthy continues to work with his offensive unit to install the complete package of offense it plans to use for the 2009 season.

One thing already evident is that experience already has made a difference in both Schneider and Parrish who look comfortable in charge on the field. That experience is going to be vital throughout this season as Ferris will face some tough tests and this offense will need to put a lot of points up on the scoreboard.

Saturday, during the team's first scrimmage of the young preseason, all three of the top QBs for the Bulldogs acquitted themselves fairly well, but the offense still has a way to go to reach the high standard it has for itself.

It will be exciting to see how well the offense runs as it continues to mature together during the balance of this preseason and going into the season opener against Tiffin.

Last season the Bulldogs averaged just 16.5 points per game. Ferris will need to do better than that this season to keep up in a league with a lot of offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard. The good news for the Bulldogs is that they have the pieces on the roster to get that job done.

Experienced receivers like Mike Ryan, Chris Wilson and Damien Miller should appreciate the added dimension of fresh new slot receivers like Alan Freeman and Troy McClary. The first scrimmage gave fans a glimpse of the play-making talents of a number of guys on this offensive unit.

This is an offensive with a lot of explosive potential.