Coming into the 2013-14 season, the University of the Cumberlands (UC) football team had one huge question mark about their team.  Who would be the quarterback to lead this team in 2013?  Also, would they be the weakness of this Patriot team?  It is always hard to replace a quarterback, much less one with the success that Jay Bright, a three year starter for the Patriots, had along with his numerous school records.  Head Coach John Bland looked to a true freshman to guide his high powered offense and the results have been superb.  

Adam Craig (Jackson, TN) has come in and played like anything other than a freshman this season.  Craig has helped guide the Patriot offense to being ranked number 1 in the nation in numerous rushing categories and averaging 46.6 points per game.  He also has not lost a game as a starter as he is currently holds a 12-0 record, which is a school record for wins in a season.  A number 1 ranking in the NAIA for the first time in school history is something else Craig has been able to lead this team too. Now, Craig and the Patriots have a chance with a win this week against Carroll College to be the first team in school history to be in the NAIA National Championship game.  What makes Craig so special is his ability to do just as much damage with his legs as he does with his arm.

Throughout this season, Craig has broken numerous school records.  With his 119 yard performance rushing the ball against Saint Francis last week, Craig now has 4 career 100 yard games rushing, passing Kyle King and Larry Hay for the most 100 yard rushing games in a season by a quarterback.  He also passed Kyle King with the most 100 yard rushing games in a career.  Craig also passed Larry Hay for most rushing yards in a season for a quarterback as he now sits with 992.

Craig may be rewriting the history books once again this week.  If Craig gains 8 yards rushing on Saturday, he will become the first quarterback in UC history to pass for 1,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.  Craig enters the NAIA FCS Semifinal round with 1,207 yards passing.  Craig could also break Terrance Cobb's single season record for rushing touchdowns in a season as he needs 4 to tie Cobb's 26 touchdown mark in 2012 and 5 to hold the record. 

Head Coach John Bland has been pleased with Craig's progress as he commented, "Adam has done a great job for us all season long.  He has made big time play after big time play, and I am happy for his accomplishments."

On Saturday, Craig will look to get the only stat he and his Patriots really care about, another victory to add to the win column.  The Patriots will take on the Carroll College Saints at 12:00 pm at James H. Taylor, II Stadium in Williamsburg, KY. 

For more information on the Patriot football program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.