Central Arkansas’ new quarterback hurt UT Martin with his arm and legs. Now the Argos have to deal with a quarterback whose own coach believes he can be even better.
Donovyn Omolo didn’t need much time to establish himself as one of the biggest problems on UWF’s early UAC schedule.
In his Central Arkansas debut, Omolo completed 20 of 27 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-24 win over No. 22 UT Martin. He added 118 rushing yards to finish with 361 yards of total offense.
The performance earned Omolo UAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
And somehow, Central Arkansas coach Nathan Brown came away believing there was more out there.
“I know he would be the first to tell you that he left some stuff out there and can improve greatly,” Brown said. “He is a competitor and strives to be the best he can be.”
That makes Saturday’s trip to Conway an interesting test for a UWF defense coming off an impressive FCS debut.
The Argos showed against Southern Illinois that they can create disruption. Cameron Anderson finished with 12 tackles and three tackles for loss, while Demontrae Gaston added eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
UWF also intercepted Southern Illinois three times.
Omolo presents a different problem.
Getting into the backfield isn’t necessarily enough against a quarterback who can turn a broken passing play into a first down with his legs. If UWF’s edge rushers get too far upfield or interior defenders lose their lanes, Omolo has already shown he can punish them.
UWF’s challenge isn’t simply getting pressure on Omolo. It’s getting pressure without creating an escape lane.
There’s another number the Argos should be watching, too.
Central Arkansas converted 10 of 15 third downs against UT Martin while producing 471 yards of offense. Omolo’s ability to throw accurately and extend plays helped keep drives alive.
That puts even more importance on UWF winning first and second down. Third-and-long loses some of its advantage when the quarterback can beat pressure with his legs.
And now UWF has something UT Martin didn’t have: a full game of film showing exactly how Central Arkansas intends to use its new quarterback.
The question is whether that makes Omolo easier to contain — or gives him another week to get better.
Brown already believes there were plays his quarterback should have made.
After 361 yards in his first start, that might be the most concerning part for UWF.
