Jim McElwain has 'total trust' in backup quarterback Tommy Lazzaro despite goal-line fumble
Central Michigan quarterback Tommy Lazzaro returns to the bench after fumbling at the one-yard line leading to a Bowling Green touchdown Oct. 19 at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green.
Tommy Lazzaro lined up 1-yard away from the end zone.
The senior backup quarterback faked the handoff to senior running back Jonathan Ward and darted toward the end zone with the ball secured in his right arm.
Sophomore right tackle Luke Goedeke created a hole in the defense.
As Lazzaro was entering the end zone, he was hit by Bowling Green junior linebacker Kholbe Coleman and redshirt junior defensive end Roland Walder.
On the tackle, Lazzaro lost his handle on the football.
Sophomore cornerback Caleb Biggers picked up the loose ball two yards deep in the end zone and returned it for a defensive touchdown.
The score tied the game, 7-7, with 1:30 remaining in the first quarter.
First-year Central Michigan coach Jim McElwain didn't hold back when discussing the play following the 38-20 victory for the Chippewas on Oct. 19 at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
"You can't get a yard, that's embarrassing," McElwain said. "That's something we have to get shored up."
The Chippewas answered right back on a 7-yard rushing score by Ward to open the second quarter and eventually made it 21-7 at halftime.
If Lazzaro would have scored, Central Michigan would've likely had a 28-0 edge at the break.
"That miscue is going to hurt you down the road," McElwain said. "We can't let that happen."
When Lazzaro entered the game, it had nothing to do with senior graduate transfer quarterback Quinten Dormady's health.
Dormady is a pass-first quarterback, and that's why he gets the start each week for the Chippewas in a spread offense that emphasizes the run-pass option.
McElwain often calls on Lazzaro to run the football in key third-down situations, rather than hand it off to Ward or sophomore running back Kobe Lewis.
When asked if he would've rather handed the ball off to Ward on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, McElwain said, "Not at all."
Despite the mistake on the goal line against the Falcons, McElwain will continue using Lazzaro in certain situations.
"I've got total trust in Tommy," McElwain said. "He's been really good for this program. He's a guy who is on three special teams for us. He will do anything for his teammates, and that's what makes him special."
Earlier in the drive that was capped off by Lazzaro's fumble, the Chippewas were facing third-and-3 at the Bowling Green 24-yard line.
Since Lazzaro is a threat to run and pass, the Falcons weren't able to load the box due to a foolproof expectation for a run play up the middle from a running back.
There was no telling what would happen, leaving the Bowling Green defense on its toes.
Lazzaro ran the read option and threw a perfect pass to tight end Tony Poljan. It was a 4-yard completion for a first down.
Then, Dormady returned.
"He's got a real package that is part of what we do," McElwain said of his backup. "It's been part of what we do all along."
As for that fumble on the goal line, McElwain made it clear that Lazzaro has already learned from his mistake – being unable to hold onto the football when stretching out and sustaining contact from the defense.
"Sometimes that happens," McElwain said. "He wants it back, but at the same time, he'll make it right next time."
To this point in the 2019 season under McElwain, Lazzaro has completed 1 of 2 passes for 6 yards. He has 11 carries for 37 yards and one touchdown. He is also used in all the special teams packages.
Lazzaro played in six games and made five starts in the 2018 season. He completed 68 of 141 passes for 711 yards, five touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He ran 97 times for 381 yards and three scores.
