He probably won’t win the Heisman Trophy this year, but say this about Washington State’s highly touted quarterback: Ryan Leaf doesn’t fumble when it’s time to sound humble.
I’m not Drew Bledsoe, Leaf says when asked about the Cougars’ great quarterback tradition and where he fits. He’s not Mark Rypien or Jack Thompson, either, he’s quick to add.
“I feel in my heart I could win it,” Leaf says of the Heisman. “But that’s not what this team is about.
“Really, I don’t do too much. My offensive line does the work–and my receivers. I’m just the guy who dishes it out. They’re the ones who take the seven- and eight-yard passes and turn them into 80-yard touchdowns.”
Illinois coach Ron Turner would agree that Leaf can dish it out.
As Turner prepares his struggling 0-2 football team for its toughest test yet Saturday at Memorial Stadium, he knows Leaf is much more gifted than he lets on.
“Leaf fits right in with all the great quarterbacks they’ve had there,” Turner said. “He’s very strong, extremely accurate and has a great touch on the ball. He can make every kind of throw there is.”
Yes, we know, said Illini junior defensive end Ryan Murphy.
“He (Leaf) is definitely a premier quarterback,” Murphy said. “He picks up defenses well. This week it’s vital to get to this guy. Everyone has to put pressure on him.”
Of course, as Illinois learned Saturday when it sacked Louisville quarterback Chris Redman five times but still was burned for 349 yards and three touchdowns, pressure has its downside.”
“I think I’d rather face a running team,” Murphy said, “but we also welcome the challenge of playing against a guy as good as he is.”
Redman last week. Now Leaf. Who’s next, Brett Favre?
The 6-foot-6-inch, 235-pound Leaf has thrown for 736 yards and six touchdowns in Washington State’s two victories–two victories that were as inspiring as any team could hope for this early in the season.
“Washington State is a very good, very confident football team right now,” Turner said.
Until Saturday, the Cougars hadn’t beaten Southern Cal in Los Angeles in 40 years. Their season-opening win over UCLA gave them a sweep of their L.A. foes for the first time in the school’s 107-year football history.
Even before the estimated 40,000-45,000 Dad’s Day fans settle into their seats Saturday, Illinois has two things going against it: Leaf and Washington State’s momentum.
But there’s more, Turner said.
“Their running back (Michael Black) is very quick and explosive, with good hands out of the backfield. Up front, they’ve got seven or eight guys who they keep fresh. (Defensive end) Dorian Boose is a great pash rusher and they average 300 pounds inside.” Last week, USC was held to 31 yards rushing.
To have a chance, the Illini know they must play a nearly perfect game. Their must-do list includes a fumble-free day from tailback Robert Holcombe, who lost two against Louisville, continued improvement by quarterback Mark Hoekstra and more consistency from the wide receivers.
“We aren’t getting the big plays out of that group,” Turner said, “either in yardage after the catch or the ability to get behind the secondary.”
The result is that Holcombe (averaging 128 yards rushing, 26 receiving) has accounted for half the offense.
