You might look at Brian Lewerke’s passing numbers and just assume he had an off-game, but that’s not entirely the case. Did he pass the ball effectively against the Wolverines? No, but he also didn’t need to. He got all of his passing done in the first half, accounting for over 80 yards and a touchdown, but the second half was all run-based.
Lewerke finished the game 11-for-22 with just 94 yards and a score, but as mentioned earlier, there were at least three dropped balls, so if they were corralled, he would have been closer to 14-of-22 for 120-plus yards and a score. Can’t play the game of ‘what ifs’ though.
The sophomore managed the game well, didn’t make any crucial mistakes and, most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over. Protecting the ball has been the No. 1 key and he’s done a great job of it in the last two weeks.
Lewerke also finished with the team lead in rushing yards, accounting for 61 and a touchdown on 15 carries. The first score of the game was all him and he also finished off the Wolverines, essentially, with a scramble after nearly fumbling a shotgun snap and a gritty first down in the fourth quarter.