Bowling Green State University Athletics
Jacobs a Team Player
September 30, 2005 | Football
Sept. 30, 2005
By JACK CARLE, Sentinel Sports Editor - By his own admission, the performances have been sub-par this fall.
Still, there's no lack of confidence for Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green's quarterback, who was the darling of the national media during the preseason. Jacobs threw for 4,002 yards and 41 touchdowns with only four interceptions a year ago, helping the Falcons go 9-3, including a victory in the GMAC Bowl.
The impressive numbers attracted the attention of, among others, "ESPN The Magazine", ESPN Radio, and USA Today, all wanting to chronicle how Jacobs ended up in Bowling Green and not some big-time program.
"All the publicity is great for our program, for the university," said BG head coach Gregg Brandon. "Omar is doing a great job with that. He's a great spokesman for our team ... The attention this program has brought to this university the last few years, you can't measure that."
That's pretty heady stuff for Jacobs, who slipped under the recruiting radar because of an injury suffered in a post-season all-star game in Florida.
"I was in awe, it was: Wow, `ESPN The Magazine.' It wasn't something that was a nuisance and something that bothered me," he said. "It's not something that I love to do, but it's not something I hate to do."
J.D. Campbell, BG's assistant athletics director/communications said his department has had to say no to several interview requests for Jacobs since the season has started. Jacobs is usually available 30 to 45 minutes each week during the season.
Even with all the attention, Jacobs is still a team player who just wants to help the Falcons win.
"He's definitely a level-headed guy, but I think he's got a lot more confidence this year, just the way he carries himself and handles the offense," said Rob Warren, BG's starting left offensive tackle.
"On the field, he does everything that we do ... We run together, we do all that. He's just another teammate," said John Lanning, BG's backup center.
However, the Falcons haven't gotten off to the best of starts. BG takes a 1-2 record, with road losses at Wisconsin and Boise State, into Saturday's Homecoming contest against Temple. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.
"I can't say it hasn't bothered me," Jacobs said about BG's 1-2 start, "but it's not something I'm panicking about.
"We're just trying to find those things that are going to make us better ... instead of keying on the negative approach to it."
Jacobs has thrown for 1,106 yards with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions in the three games.
However, he gives himself grades of C-minus for the 56-42 loss to Wisconsin; a D in a 41-30 win over Ball State; and an F in the 48-20 loss to Boise State.
"I'm so conscious of making a mistake ... Maybe I would over-think the coverage ... Maybe I was over-analyzing stuff," Jacobs said. "I just need to play football and go and have fun. I kind of was going away from that.
"I need to take what I see and don't do extra stuff."
One of the things Jacobs hopes to improve on, is knowing when to run with the ball.
"I can do it," Jacobs said about running. "It's just my mentality. I'm always looking down the field. There could be a bunch of green grass in front of me, but I'm still looking downfield (for an open receiver)."
Jacobs is the perfect fit for Bowling Green's spread offense. He was recruited by Urban Meyer, now Florida's head coach, after Kansas State canceled his recruiting visit.
"I just had a good feeling with the guys when I came here," Jacobs said.
After redshirting in 2002, Jacobs was the backup to Josh Harris in 2003 before coming into his own last fall.
"We look for a passer first and then a kid who has some running ability is nice," Brandon said about recruiting a quarterback. "Athletic quarterbacks similar to Omar and Josh Harris, those are the type of kids who fit in our system."
Even with the rocky start, Brandon still likes the situation at quarterback.
"Omar knows what he needs to get done," Brandon said. "He needs to lead, continue to make the throws that he's made, continue to make good decisions ... and good things will happen."
"Omar has put a lot of pressure on himself," Brandon added. "He's gotten a lot of pub (publicity) and a lot of hype. He's got to deal with the good and the bad and right now he's dealing with the bad."
