MOORHEAD, Minn. (8/21/06)-- Despite having eight returning starters back from last year’s team that was fifth in the nation in running and averaged 32.0 points per game, the one question that is on the tip of everyone’s tongue is, “Who is going to replace two-time MIAC MVP Brian Schumacher?”

Head Coach Terry Horan and offensive coordinator Bob Nick were in a similar situation two years ago when Schumacher was a junior and was in a battle for the starting quarterback spot. Schumacher proceeded to win the battle and what followed was an unimaginable run that spanned two seasons and back-to-back playoff appearances. When the dust had settled on Schumacher’s career, he had posted a healthy 21-3 record as the team’s starting signal caller and had placed himself in the Cobber record so many times that he is destined to go into the Cobber Athletics Hall of Fame on the first ballot.  

Both Horan and Nick are hoping the system is the real star of the offense and that the player who follows Schumacher will be able to find the same success because of the players around him and the tutelage that will prepare him.

Even though the loss of Schumacher could be catastrophic, there is reason to believe this year’s offense could be even more explosive. The rationale behind that train of thought comes from the fact that three of the starting five linemen return and the entire starting backfield will also be making a return to the field. Factor in a year of experience in the difficult Double Slot system and a group of supporting players who saw plenty of playing time and you could have the makings of another offensive juggernaut.

“We relied a lot on the running game last year and, truth be told, we need to find a way to incorporate more passing and play action into our game plan,” stated Horan. “That is what we did in 2004 when we were so dangerous and that is what I would like to get back to again this season.” 

In the end, everything will hinge on finding the right replacement for Schumacher and hoping he can step up in pressure situations and be able to deliver the knockout blows late in the game. The ability to make the right reads on the field and not commit a costly mistake will be paramount as Horan looks for an heir apparent.