By MIKE ORGAN, Staff Writer , Tennessean
Tennessee State Coach James Webster acknowledged quarterback Antonio Heffner did not play well in Saturday's 49-23 loss to Alabama A&M and that his backup, freshman Calvin McNairl, was plenty impressive.
But Webster said he is not considering changing quarterbacks as the Tigers prepare for Saturday's game against Jackson State in the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis.
"It's obvious to everybody that Saturday was not one of Antonio's better games,'' Webster said. "There were some situations where he could have made some better throws. But he did make some plays. The guy gave his best, he tried, and that's all I can ever ask any of them to do.
"Heff's going to be OK, and we're going to be OK."
Heffner was unable to keep the offense in gear. His ability to run and throw kept A&M's defense off-balance at times, allowing TSU to sporadically make big plays.
But Heffner was responsible for four turnovers — three interceptions and a fumble — and A&M scored three touchdowns as a result. He completed 15-of-30 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. But he also was sacked once and had three passes broken up.
After Heffner's third interception, he was replaced by McNairl midway into the fourth quarter.
McNairl gets a chance
The freshman from Henry County, considered one of the state's top quarterback prospects, showed no jitters. He broke several tackles on a 19-yard TD run and gained 15 yards on a keeper later. He finished with 43 yards on just three carries.
But many of A&M's starters were out of the game, and he completed only 1-of-3 passes.
"I thought it was good game experience for (McNairl) to be able to come in,'' Webster said. "He moved the football team and put us in the end zone. He operated things well, particularly considering that he's a true freshman."
Tennessee State Coach James Webster acknowledged quarterback Antonio Heffner did not play well in Saturday's 49-23 loss to Alabama A&M and that his backup, freshman Calvin McNairl, was plenty impressive.
But Webster said he is not considering changing quarterbacks as the Tigers prepare for Saturday's game against Jackson State in the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis.
"It's obvious to everybody that Saturday was not one of Antonio's better games,'' Webster said. "There were some situations where he could have made some better throws. But he did make some plays. The guy gave his best, he tried, and that's all I can ever ask any of them to do.
"Heff's going to be OK, and we're going to be OK."
Heffner was unable to keep the offense in gear. His ability to run and throw kept A&M's defense off-balance at times, allowing TSU to sporadically make big plays.
But Heffner was responsible for four turnovers — three interceptions and a fumble — and A&M scored three touchdowns as a result. He completed 15-of-30 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. But he also was sacked once and had three passes broken up.
After Heffner's third interception, he was replaced by McNairl midway into the fourth quarter.
McNairl gets a chance
The freshman from Henry County, considered one of the state's top quarterback prospects, showed no jitters. He broke several tackles on a 19-yard TD run and gained 15 yards on a keeper later. He finished with 43 yards on just three carries.
But many of A&M's starters were out of the game, and he completed only 1-of-3 passes.
"I thought it was good game experience for (McNairl) to be able to come in,'' Webster said. "He moved the football team and put us in the end zone. He operated things well, particularly considering that he's a true freshman."
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