HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -
Against Nebraska last Saturday, Anthony Alford rushed 15 times for 84 yards, which lead the team for the afternoon. Earlier this week, Ellis Johnson said the former Petal High School All-American "had the brightest day." Three days later, the Golden Eagles' head coach decided it was enough to name him the starter heading into the home and conference opener on Sept. 15.
For now.
"We finally looked at the tape, we've looked at practice and so forth, and the thing that gives us the best chance to move the sticks and stay ahead of the down and distance right now, and Anthony (Alford) is going to get the lead reps," said Johnson following Thursday's practice.
While naming Alford the starter, Johnson also left many to suspect the quarterback battle is far from a done deal. "I don't want (Alford) looking over his shoulder and second guessing himself every other play, but he's got to play good or we're going to the next guy," he said, "Chris (Campbell) is getting the second most number of reps right now. Ricky (Lloyd) is still getting some reps."
In the team's 49-20 loss in Lincoln, Campbell completed 6-of-12 passes for 69 yards and the team's second touchdown. While Alford may have showcased the speed and athleticism he so often displayed at Petal, his arm left something to be desired, as he completed only one of five passes for six yards.
But Johnson is determined to push the tempo, so to speak, and find out who will take command of the Golden Eagle offense. "We're into the season and guys got to get the job," he said, "He's got to do the job. If he does the job, it's his job. If he doesn't do the job it's the next guy's job."
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