ASHLAND — Austin Brenner is ahead of schedule, which is good news for the new-look Ashland University offense.
A redshirt freshman, Brenner has completed 34-of -47 passes in his two collegiate starts. His .723 completion percentage leads the nation.
What’s more, Brenner led the Eagles (1-2, 1-0 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) to their first win last week at Wayne State. The Copley High School product completed 15 of 20 passes for 113 yards and also carried the ball five times for 31 yards.
“He’s never lost poise or composure,” AU coach Lee Owens said. “He’s doing a lot of things really well. He’s doing things right. He’s making plays with his feet, too.”
Brenner is operating behind an offensive line that includes three true freshmen and a redshirt freshman. Owens said it is the most inexperienced line he has had during his 15 seasons at AU.
“Those guys are doing a nice job,” tailback Andrew Vaughn said after a season-opening loss to Indiana (Pa.) University. “Our offensive line responded really well.”
A senior, Vaughn has rushed for 337 yards and four touchdowns on 58 carries. The Black River graduate is averaging a robust 5.8 yards a carry, helping steady the ship while Brenner and his young receiving corps find their footing.
Redshirt sophomore Logan Bolin is the leading receiver with 10 catches for 67 yards. True freshman Garrett Turnbaugh had a team-high four catches for 58 yards in last week’s win at Wayne State.
The Eagles will welcome Northwood (0-3, 0-1) to Jack Miller Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday for Homecoming. The Timberwolves are coming off a 53-10 home loss to No. 6 Ferris State.
Northwood quarterback Joe Garbarino has completed 14 of 23 passes for 205 yards and rushed for 140 yards on 25 carries.
Former AU great Vince Cashdollar will be inducted into the AU Hall of Fame before Saturday’s game. Cashdollar played at AU from 2003 to 2007 and was an All-American center during his senior year.
“He was the first player I had a chance to coach here who was (a first-team) All-American and really set the bar pretty high for others who have been recignized the same way,” Owens said.
