AMHERST — Andrew Ford is aware of the perception of quarterback toughness.
“There’s a stereotype out there that quarterbacks might be a little soft,” the UMass junior said. “Playing the position, I’d like to think it’s a little wrong.”
In four games, he’s been sacked more than a little, a nation-leading 23 times in fact. That number is a little misleading because UMass started a week earlier than most teams. But the 5.75 sacks allowed per game is also more than anyone else, as is the 31.25 yards per game lost on those sacks.
Ford has steadfastly defended his offensive line, blaming himself for holding the ball too long while crediting defenses. After every hit he’s gotten back up.
“That was instilled in me at a young age. You’ve got to get up. You don’t want to show any signs of weakness,” he said. “When the defense sees a quarterback on the ground they know they’ve done some work. For me personally, it doesn’t matter how hard the hit is, I’m going to get up each and every single time and fight to the end. It’s a momentum play every time there’s a sack or a big hit on myself. You have to take it one play at a time to make sure we get the momentum back.”
UMass coach Mark Whipple liked the way Ford has played through the hits.
“He’s kept grinding and fighting,” he said. “We ask a lot of him. He’s playing good.”
As a Penn State fan, Ford, a southpaw, grew up rooting for Nittany Lion lefty quarterback Zack Mills. His toughness stood out.
“He’s the reason I wear No. 7. He took some shots when he played at Penn State. He was one of the toughest kids I ever watched play football,” Ford said. “From an early age I realized that this position requires a quarterback to take some hits and get up. If that’s what I have to do, I’ll do it.”
Ford said despite the hits, he’s feeling good going into Game 5 and thanked strength coach Joe Connolly and head athletic trainer Jennifer Brodeur.
“Coach Connolly has done a good job of putting us through stuff in the offseason that builds that toughness and camaraderie. Other guys are taking just as many hits. I appreciate what they do,” he said. “I feel fine. Everybody is a little banged up at this point of a college football season. Coach Connolly and Jenn have done a great job getting me ready every single week.”
BRENEMAN UNDETERMINED — Senior tight end Adam Breneman, who re-injured his right ankle in Friday’s loss at Temple, didn’t practice for the second day in a row.
His status for Saturday at Tennessee is uncertain, but Whipple said he planned on making a decision sooner that Saturday.
“We’ll see where he’s going to be later in the week and make a decision, probably a little sooner that game time,” Whipple said. “No practicing makes it a hard game to play. He hasn’t practiced in a couple weeks. If he goes some, we’ll look at it. It’s only Tuesday.”
KICKING UNDETERMINED — Whipple said that Logan Laurent is healthier and Michael Schreiner has kicked well in practice since his struggles Friday in Philadelphia, leaving him unsure of who’d be kicking field goals and/or extra points Saturday.
“Logan did everything today. We’ll see. Mike was good today. Logan was good,” Whipple said. “We’ll see as the week progresses.”
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage