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Zach Terrell lands just outside the top 10 on our top 70 countdown, coming in at number 11. Terrell is considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the MAC and will be looking to duplicate the 2014 performance that catapulted him into that conversation.
What was so great about 2014?
For starters, he was challenged by head coach P.J. Fleck to complete 70% of his passes in order for the offense to run efficiently, and nearly did it. For some perspective, this is a quarterback that was a season removed from completing just barely greater than half of his passes, being asked to complete 20 percent more, and then actually completing 67.9 percent - not quite 70, but nobody's almost three fourths perfect, right?
Terrell didn't stop with just completing his passes either. He completed them for big yardage, averaging a MAC best 9.4 yards per attempt. What's more is Terrell also led the conference in total yards and quarterback rating, making him both the most efficient and most effective quarterback in the MAC. Terrell isn't just effective on the stat sheet, either. Following the turmoil that was the 2013 season, the program was in need of a leader, and fast. It's safe to say the Broncos found the leader they sorely needed, and if 2014 is any indication, Terrell is doing a pretty good job.
New year, new season
Should Bronco fans be expecting an encore performance from the junior quarterback? Terrell set the bar pretty high for himself with his play from last year. In fact, he's set the bar quite high for any quarterback in this conference, and a duplication of 2014 would be a pretty welcome sight in Kalamazoo. Taking into account the out of conference schedule that the Broncos were dealt this season, a repeat performance from Terrell would without a doubt be one of the more impressive season long efforts from a Bronco quarterback in many years, and perhaps ever. That being said, the schedule is pretty daunting for the Broncos at the beginning and end of the season. Road trips to Toledo and Northern Illinois to end the season could spell disaster for the Broncos' championship hopes, and could put a dent into Terrell's stat sheet. However, it's all about winning, and it's no secret that Terrell is the leader of a program that lacks a true signature win. The opportunities to change that are going to be there, and Bronco fans should expect the cards to fall WMU's way in at least one of 2015's big games. The reason for the confidence? Their quarterback.
It's important to note that this team is a year ahead of schedule. 8-5 was a dream season for a team that many believed to be too young and inexperienced to compete in the MAC West. How did this team go from being a year away to arriving on the scene in a large, loud, "Row The Boat" sports car? Look no further than Zach Terrell for the answer.