The adage suggests that having two quarterbacks means you have none, but New Mexico's head coach Jason Eck sees things differently. As the Lobos gear up for their season opener against Central Michigan, Eck is ready to unveil a multi-quarterback system, a strategy that has roots in his past coaching experiences.
This decision comes after a competitive fall camp that saw sixth-year senior James Laubstein, junior Luke Moga, and sophomore Toa Fa’avae vie for the starting position. The competition intensified when last season's starter, Jack Layne, was sidelined due to an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery. With Layne out of the picture, the Lobos are poised to explore a new offensive dynamic that could redefine their approach this season.
Eck's confidence in a multi-quarterback system is not unfounded; he previously implemented a similar strategy while serving as offensive coordinator at Minnesota State, a Division II powerhouse. There, he experienced considerable success, leading the Mavericks to a 14-1 record in a season where they utilized two quarterbacks effectively. According to Eck, the dual-quarterback approach can create mismatches for opposing defenses and provide depth in case of injuries.
“Some people have asked, ‘is this just the competition (is still) going on?’” Eck remarked, indicating that this could be a long-term strategy rather than a temporary fix. He emphasized that if the system works well, it may become a staple of the Lobos' offense.
The parallels between UNM's current situation and Eck's past experience at Minnesota State are striking. In 2014, he successfully managed a two-quarterback system with Nick Pieruccini and Ricky Lloyd, who each brought unique skills to the field. The duo rotated throughout the season, allowing them to keep defenses guessing and maintain a high level of performance. This strategy not only contributed to their impressive scoring average but also ensured that both quarterbacks were prepared to step up if one was injured.
As the Lobos prepare for their season opener, they hope to replicate that success. The competition among Laubstein, Moga, and Fa’avae is expected to yield a similar dynamic, where each quarterback can leverage their strengths while keeping defenses off balance. This rotation could be particularly beneficial given the lack of extensive FBS game experience among the trio.
However, implementing a multi-quarterback system is not without its challenges. Eck acknowledged that while having multiple quarterbacks can complicate game planning, it also allows for greater flexibility. Each quarterback may have different skill sets that can be utilized depending on the game situation, which can create strategic advantages against opponents.
As the Lobos embark on this new chapter, the effectiveness of their multi-quarterback approach will be put to the test against Central Michigan. The outcome of this game could provide crucial insights into whether this strategy will be a winning formula for UNM in the long run.
In conclusion, while the traditional wisdom suggests that having multiple quarterbacks can lead to confusion and inconsistency, Eck's experience suggests otherwise. With a strong foundation built on past successes, the Lobos are ready to challenge the status quo and potentially redefine their offensive identity in the upcoming season.
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