AMHERST — When Sadiq Palmer dropped an open pass on third down early in the second half, Andrew Ford sought him out on the sideline.
“I know he felt bad about it on the sideline. I told him, it’s part of the game. Mistakes happen,” Ford said. “It was really impressive to see a freshman bounce back the way he did. When he got back on the field, it was a new drive and he forgot about it. That’s big in this game. You’ve got to turn the page and move on to the next play. He made a really big play for us.”
That play was a 19-yard touchdown reception at the left sideline in the fourth quarter against Mississippi State. Ford had to step out of the pocket and move to his left, waiting for Palmer to get open to make the play happen.
Counselling Palmer and then finding him for a touchdown showed Ford’s growth as a leader and a passer. He’ll take that into start No. 3 Saturday when the Minutemen (1-3) host Tulane (2-2) at 3:30 p.m. at McGuirk Stadium.
Ford said he feels like he’s got a better feel for his teammates now.
“Now a couple of weeks into the season, each and every day we’re getting more reps. I have a really good feel for each receiver and where they like the ball and how they come out of their breaks,” Ford said. “This offense is really built on timing. It’s important to get on the same page as everybody.”
Ford is 52 of 82 for 551 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in two games since taking over for injured starter Ross Comis. The junior college transfer who began his career at Virginia Tech led UMass to a win over Florida International and helped keep the team in a shootout with Mississippi State.
Palmer was one of six players he hooked up with Saturday as the Minuteman offense looked as balanced as it had all year.
“We have a lot of great players. It’s my job to spread it around and make everybody happy,” Ford said. “They did a great job of making plays and making me look good. … Each day we’re out there, the guys get more confident in me. That’s big. As a quarterback everybody has to have trust in you and we’re taking steps to go in that direction.”
UMass coach Mark Whipple said he’s trusting Ford more.
“He’s had two weeks of getting more reps with first team guys,” Whipple said. “Against a really good team he performed well. We just have to clean up a couple things.”
Whipple said he has a better feel for how to tailor a game plan for Ford now.
“There’s a lot of things he’s practiced that we’re going to apply on Saturday that he feels good about,” Whipple said. “I’m learning him a lot more. He’s learning me.”
Palmer said Ford has given the team a spark.
“Andrew has been having a few good weeks and things are falling into place,” Palmer said.
PORTER LIKELY TO PLAY — Junior cornerback Jackson Porter, who has missed the last two weeks with an undisclosed injury, will likely play Saturday according to Whipple.
“I have to check with Jen (Brodeur, head trainer), but it looks like he’ll be dressed and ready to go,” Whipple said.
True freshman Isaiah Rodgers, who started in his absence, played well enough to continue to see action even after Porter returns.
“He learned some lessons,” Whipple said. “He’s a foot short of a couple of interceptions. He’s a competitor and he’s going to have a great career here.”
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage