Jack Stevens Takes Hold as QB1 in Wagner Loss to Kansas

Wagner went on the road to Big 12 foe Kansas and fell 46-7. Against a power conference school, the outcome is no major surprise.

But the personnel for the Seahawks might have been.

Coach Masella had told us in the spring that he expected Jordan Barton and Jack Stevens to take snaps in the Kansas game. Stevens started, and Barton figured in on only one play, a one yard sack in the 3rd quarter. The Seahawks may have been holding this one close to their vest, but unless this was next level gamesmanship, the battle has effectively been decided, and Wagner will be going with the redshirt freshman quarterback this season.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to know what to make of the statistical breakdown against a power foe- particularly Kansas, who has been on the rise in recent years under Coach Lance Leipold and breaking in a new stadium, which could only help with the energy levels in the crowd. Stevens posted a 13 for 20, with 1 TD and 91 yards. But it was tough sledding for Wagner offensively all day.

The Seahawks were only able to gain 143 yards, averaging 3 each play and 6 total first downs. But, again, the competition has to be taken into account. I don’t think we really learned anything about the Seahawks last night in Lawrence, aside from who the quarterback will be heading into the rest of the season.

Unfortunately, it’s a tough non-conference schedule for Wagner. They’ll be playing Georgetown, an improved Marist team, Norfolk State under new coach Mike Vick, and Central Michigan from the MAC. They’ll be challenged prior to heading into conference play. The hope has to be that they’ll be hardened from the experience and ready to go in conference. They’ll be expected to compete this season with the level of talent they’ve got throughout the offense.

It’s not going to be easy for the next few weeks for the Seahawks. But now we know who their leader will be.