Jacory Harris is one of the most entertaining players in all of college football.
When he is on, there are few better than the senior quarterback. He has a strong arm, fast feet and can drive defenses crazy with both. During his college career, he has thrown for 6,463 yards and 52 touchdowns.
When he is off, he can be the opposing team’s best friend. He rarely gives up on plays, and is never afraid to take chances. Put it this way: He’s a gambler, and his bets don’t always pay off. With 10 games remaining in his senior season, he has tossed 41 interceptions and rushed for negative 80 yards.
For those traits, some have labeled him a “video game quarterback.” Every play he makes is big. Some for the right reasons. Some for the wrong reasons.
After sitting out the first game of the year against Miami with a suspension, he lived up to that claim against Ohio State. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Efficient. But he also threw two interceptions. Ouch.
He was good enough for Miami to beat Ohio State 24-6, but after the game ESPN broke down his plays this way: The good from Jacory Harris, and the bad from Jacory Harris.
It will be interesting to see how Kansas State’s defense approaches Harris. Obviously, he doesn’t mind throwing into coverage. Do the Wildcats try to take advantage of that, and use some disguised formations that make Harris think his receivers are open when they are truly covered?
Or do the Hurricanes possess too much speed for that approach. Bill Snyder has made it sound like he is concerned about his defense simply keeping up with Miami’s offense. With that in mind, it could be difficult to put together a complex strategy.
Then again, K-State’s secondary is coming off a strong game in which Tysyn Hartman intercepted a pass and David Garrett jumped in front of a pass and returned it for a touchdown. They are confident, and could benefit from a few bad decisions by Harris.
The key will be making sure they capitalize on those bad decisions. Harris is bound to make a few of them, but he will also certainly make some spectacular plays. In the end, what will mean more?
With Harris at quarterback, it’s always entertaining to find out.