HUNTINGTON, W.Va.— Saturday’s game at Old Dominion features two of the most prolific passers in college football. Marshall’s Rakeem Cato and Old Dominion’s Taylor Heinicke have combined to throw for 24,356 yards in their college careers. Besides the numbers, Doc Holliday sees similarities between the two quarterbacks.
“These two guys, when you watch them on film, are very similar. The one thing, I think, that (Taylor) Heinicke does like (Rakeem) Cato, when he gets in trouble, is number one he can beat you with his feet and his eyes are constantly down the field. He makes a lot of throws in scramble situations, does a great job stepping up in the pocket, and he makes all the throws.”
Last week, Heinicke moved into the top 10 in FBS career touchdown passes and total offense. He threw for 362 yards and four touchdowns in the 41-28 loss to Middle Tennessee State. In the Monarchs win over defending Conference USA Champion Rice, Heinicke threw for 430 yards and five touchdowns, plus he rushed for another score.
“He’s a lot like Cato,” assessed defensive coordinator Chuck Heater. “He keeps his eyes downfield, has a great feel in the pocket, slides in the pocket, finds the windows. He throws the ball before the receivers are open, he throws as they come open.”
So, how do you slow down Heinicke, who is one of just 18 quarterbacks in Division I with 10,000 career passing yards 1,000 rushing yards?
The same as you would slow down any quarterback, by putting pressure on him and making him uncomfortable in the pocket.
“You can’t just stand back there and let him pick you apart, because he can do that. You watch him play and he can make all the throws. There’s a reason he could end up being the most prolific passer in college football history,” said Holliday. “He’s good. He’s really good at what he does and he has good players around him. He’s going to make some throws. He’s made throws against everyone.”
Luckily for Marshall’s defense it has plenty of experience chasing a quarterback that moves in the pocket, extends plays and is constantly looking downfield. The Herd’s defense has been trying to slow down Rakeem Cato in practice for the last four years.
“We have an advantage because we practiced against him all camp and every day. That should help us,” said defensive lineman Joe Massaquoi.
Heinicke not only creates problems for the defense, he can also be a special teams nightmare. Old Dominion will line Heinicke up as the punter giving them the option to punt or go for it on fourth down.
“You never feel comfortable as a coach when you’re playing that team. They are always looking for extra possessions. That is why they have that quarterback in punt formation on fourth down and, at times, they will go for it,” said Holliday.
Heinicke will need a big day, if not a career day, for Old Dominion to pull the upset on The Herd Saturday. In the end, we will learn a lot about how good Taylor Heinicke is or we will get a gauge of how tough Marshall defense is.