By Tim Baysinger

Quarterback Brian Savage has been a breath of fresh air for the Pride, playing very efficiently in his first two games, both Hofstra victories.

Savage has passed for 547 yards and two touchdowns, while running for two more. He has a 149.29 efficiency rating and has completed 67 percent of his passes.

Savage credits his early success to his hard work to his time spent over the summer with offensive coordinator Ed Foley and quarterbacks coach Dave Patenaude. “Coach Foley and coach Patenaude went through the offense slowly with me during the summer to make sure I would be able to grasp it, all the credit goes to the tremendous job they did with me,” Savage said.

Savage also spent most of the summer with his skill players, most noticeably senior wide out Charles Sullivan and senior running back Kareem Huggins. Savage explained that having a strong running game behind him has helped him tremendously. “Kareem is a great leader and an explosive runner; any time he touches the ball it could be a big play,” Savage said.

The dangerous running game has helped Savage open up the passing game; 272 of his 547 passing yards have been to Sullivan, along with both his passing touchdowns.

Despite his early success, Savage is not complacent with his performance. “Every week there is always something that I can improve on,” Savage said.

Savage looks to continue his strong performance this season this week, when he leads the Pride against 0-3 Rhode Island in South Kingston, R.I. for the Pride’s first Colonial Athletic Conference game of the season. The Rams have allowed 79 points and 1,127 yards of total offense in three games this season.

“Every week all I am looking to do is put my team in position to have a chance to win,” Savage said.