Jacquizz Rodgers has touched officially touched a football 454 times during his one and a half years as an Oregon State running back -- 387 rushes and 67 receptions.
Incredibly, the diminutive back has not lost a single fumble.
One of Southern Cal’s objective’s this Saturday against the Beavers is put a halt to that streak. Obviously, though, the know it won’t be easy.
“Guys don’t hit him and they can’t get to the ball because of the way he protects it,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ll try and go for it and break the streak.”
Not only does Rodgers simply not put the ball on the ground -- he hasn’t fumbled, let alone lost one -- he’s very productive while hanging onto the football. The sophomore is second in the Pac-10 in rushing and leads the league with 13 touchdowns.
Linebacker Chris Galippo says the ball security when combined with the production makes for one helluva conference challenge.
“That’s just an unbelievable stat,” Galippo said. “I mean, what a challenge.
“He was not only making people miss, but running people over, breaking tackles. The guy just has unbelievable balance.”
