B.J. Daniels, the Game Manager?

B.J. Daniels managed the game against ND and the Bulls got the win. (Picture: AP)

We are still letting the win over Notre Dame a bit (promise, last post about it) but the play of B.J. Daniels during this game was very interesting.

Daniels, limited at one point to a tweaked hamstring, didn't blow the game for the Bulls. He didn't take wild shots down the field, he made smart runs, and made the easy passes as he was instructed. We all know his ability to take over a game with his legs and his ability to fling the ball a country mile, but in this game and maybe down the road, Daniels will simply manage the games and not try to put on the superhero cape that he feels he needs to dawn every game.

Looking at Daniels's numbers, there is not a lot to blow you away. He finished the game 18 for 30 with 138 yards (60% of completion) averaging 4.27 yards per completion and one touchdown. He carried the ball 12 times for 37 yards.

The passing attack was very tame in this game. It may have been due to the pressuring defense of ND and the new offense line, not giving him a ton of time. Most of his throws were very quick bubble screens, getting the ball out to the wing to Griffin and other playmakers. He didn't take a shot down the field as many of us thought he would, but he didn't have to.

Daniels ran the ball more, more than we saw last season. Last season, designed runs for Daniels did not happen most of the time due to fear of injury. However, in this game, Daniels had his number called on several occasions, even a designed run right up the middle of the lineup. While the running game is improved this season, his ability to scramble keeps defenses worried and should be encouraged for the Bulls because it is his strength in the game.

What we saw was a game manager out of Daniels. The coaching staff didn't ask him to throw the hail maries down field, to run the ball like mad, and took the pressure away from him. Daniels was asked to execute the simple play calling, move the ball, and keep control of the ball. They did enough to get the score to Landi and the defense took care of the rest (like they always do).

Will we see this the rest of the season from Daniels? I doubt it. Daniels will get more rushing yards, the big plays will happen, but for a game like this, he managed the game, not losing it like he did last season in Gainesville. This is the type of quarterback play we need this season, not turning the ball over, executing the offense, and keeping the offense on the field. If Daniels can play this way, the Bulls can notch up a few more wins this season.