Earlier in the week, we discussed North Carolina A&T State University’s historic road football win at Appalachian State University. What made the 24-21 upset even more improbable was the fact that sophomore backup quarterback Kwashaun Quick orchestrated the victory. Senior starting quarterback Lewis Kindle was arrested in July on a charge of driving while intoxicated. As punishment, A&T head coach Rod Broadway suspended Kindle for the season opener.
Quick stepped in and earned arguably the greatest win in program history, meaning the Aggies suddenly have a quarterback controversy.
In general, quarterback controversies are not a good thing, but this situation might benefit A&T. Quick is a player who “showed great speed and an ability to make plays with his legs,” according to his official bio on the Aggies’ website.
Statistically, however, the Aggies were dominated on Saturday. A&T only gained 244 total yards on offense with only 100 of those coming through the air. Quick was the Aggies’ second-leading rusher for the game, gaining 62 yards on the ground. Last season, Kindle averaged 134.1 passing yards per game. The two quarterbacks bring different talents to the program, so the Aggies will need to determine their offensive philosophy before making a decision.
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Elon Offensive X-Factor: The running backs
Last week, Elon University head football coach Jason Swepson compared his running back situation to a hockey rotation. Three players — redshirt freshman B.J. Bennett, junior Karl Bostick and sophomore Tracey Coppedge — all rushed for more than 40 yards and found the end zone on Saturday night. For Coppedge, his 105-yard game was the first 100-plus yard game of his career.
If Elon wants to achieve running success this season, last year’s all-Southern Conference freshman team pick will need to have more 100-plus yard games.
The Aggies' defense poses a formidable foe, as A&T was ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision in defense a season ago.
A&T Offensive X-Factor: QBs Lewis Kindle and Kwashaun Quick
Essentially, see above. Fans might see only Quick or a mix of the two, but this game will certainly be an under-pressure test for Aggies’ quarterbacks. Elon’s defensive strength is its pass defense, so Quick will need to improve on his 12-for-21 day at Appalachian State if he wants to keep the starting job.
Elon Defensive X-Factor: The front seven
Based on pure speculation, Quick will likely be the starter on Saturday night. With two leaders in senior defensive lineman Tony Thompson and junior defensive lineman Michael Pearson injured, the Phoenix is weak up front. With a true running quarterback leading the Aggie offense, Elon will need to be on its game to have success in stopping A&T.
A&T Defensive X-Factor: Secondary
A&T returns nine of its eleven defensive starters from that second-ranked unit in 2012. Elon is a pass-friendly team, regardless of what sort of running game the Phoenix will utilize. The Aggies’ secondary will have a busy day trying to defend junior quarterback Mike Quinn, who did not throw an interception last week.
Analysis
This game will be a very close one. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and the game will come down to who makes fewer mistakes. A&T is coming off of a huge win, and that just might come back to bite the Aggies.
By the same token, the Appalachian State win could be a springboard into the home opener at Aggie Stadium. Either way, a win here for Elon would be huge. That’s why I’m going with…
Elon 28, North Carolina A&T 23