Andre Ware: A Quarterback Revolutionizing College Football
Introduction
Andre Ware, born on July 31, 1968, is an American sports analyst and commentator and a former professional football player. Ware's college football career at the University of Houston was nothing short of legendary. He played professionally as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) and NFL Europe. His impact on the game, particularly during his Heisman Trophy-winning season in 1989, continues to resonate. This article explores Ware's college statistics, his achievements, and his lasting legacy.
Early Years and Decision to Attend Houston
Ware grew up in the Galveston, Texas region, initially hoping to play football at the University of Texas. However, he said "I was going to Texas. All they had to do was lie to me and tell me I was going to play quarterback once I got there. Thank goodness they told me the truth [that] they were going to move me to defense". After graduating from Dickinson High School, Ware instead played at the University of Houston, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1989, along with the Davey O'Brien Award, the latter award given to the most outstanding college quarterback of the year.
The Run and Shoot Offense
Ware's arrival at Houston in 1987 coincided with the arrival of the run and shoot offense of new Cougars head coach Jack Pardee. As it turns out, Ware was custom-made for the system. This innovative offensive scheme, known as the "Run and Shoot," revolutionized college football. It was predicated on four wide receivers, quick reads, and a quarterback's ability to make decisions at the line of scrimmage. Ware's skill set perfectly complemented this system, allowing him to flourish.
College Career Overview
Andre Ware played 3 seasons for Houston. In three years, Ware threw for 8,202 yards and 75 touchdowns. His career statistics at Houston are a testament to his talent and the effectiveness of the Run and Shoot offense:
- Completion Percentage: 61.5%
- Pass Yards: 8,202
- Pass Touchdowns: 75
- Yards per Pass: 7.6
- Rating: 143.4
- Games: 27
- Rush Yards: 144
- Rush Touchdowns: 6
- Interceptions Thrown: 28
- Sacked: N/A
The Historic 1989 Season
The year 1989 saw one of the greatest seasons in NCAA history by a quarterback. In that memorable 1989 season, Houston’s Heisman winner and consensus All-America quarterback set a staggering 26 NCAA passing records. Ware's 1989 season was one of the greatest years ever recorded by a collegiate quarterback. That season - his junior year - averaging 52 passes per contest (365-of-578, 63.1%), he threw for 4,699 yards (427.18 yds/g or 127 yds/quarter), 46 touchdowns,[6] and set 27 NCAA records over the span of 11 games, seven of which he sat during the fourth quarter. Ware and his offense held the NCAA records for passing yards (4,699), passing yards per game (427.2), touchdown passes per game (4.2), and completions per game (33.2) and 23 others. Some of his remarkable achievements from that year include:
Read also: A Legacy of Leadership in HBCU Sports
- Passing Yards: 4,699 (NCAA Record)
- Touchdown Passes: 46
- Yards per Game: 427.2
- Completions: 365
- Completion Percentage: 63.1%
Ware’s 1989 season was one of the greatest years ever recorded by a collegiate quarterback. In the 1989 opener, Ware completed 30 of 48 passes for 390 yards and five touchdowns in a 69-0 win over UNLV. The fourth game of the season, however, is when Ware began grabbing national attention. That week the Cougars met up with Baylor who had the top-ranked pass defense in the country. Ware ripped them to shreds connecting on 33 of 53 passes for 514 yards and six touchdowns in a 66-10 Houston rout. Houston went on to lose two of its next three games but Ware’s personal performances continued to impress. His Heisman chances came down to the final game of the season as the Cougars were set to face nationally ranked Texas Tech. Ware turned in a stellar performance completing 37 of 62 attempts for 475 yards and four touchdowns in a 40-24 win that sealed his selection.
Many of the records (including the notable 340 yards/5 TDs in the first quarter and 517 yards/6 TDs thrown in one half, set on October 21, 1989, in a 95-21 rout against the SMU Mustangs[7][8]) were thanks to the innovative use of the run and shoot offense, which his successor, David Klingler, also used to great effect.
Heisman Trophy and Other Accolades
His performance did not go unnoticed and Ware became one of the most decorated players ever. In addition to his consensus First Team All-America selection in 1989, Ware became the 54th recipient of the Heisman Trophy. Winner of the Davey O'Brien Award, he was Named UPI National Player of the Year, Chevrolet Offensive Player of the Year and Southwest Conference Player of the Year. Despite playing in only slightly more than the first half of most games because of the Cougars' high scores and team dominance, Ware set NCAA records with 4,699 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 1989. Averaging 427 passing yards per game, he guided Houston to a 9-2 record and a #14 national ranking. That didn’t stop Ware and the Cougars from producing one of the most explosive offenses in NCAA history. Ware threw for 4,699 yards and 46 touchdowns as Houston averaged 53.5 points per game. The list of accomplishments included a 95-21 drubbing of SMU, the most points ever scored by a team with a Heisman Trophy winner. All in all, Ware set 26 NCAA records as Houston finished 9-2 and ranked 14th nationally. Despite the dominant season, Ware won the Heisman in a close vote over Indiana’s Anthony Thompson. Being on probation prevented Heisman voters from seeing Ware on television, which probably affected his support.
Ware won Houston’s first Heisman by virtue of one of the great passing seasons in NCAA history. He remains the only player to win a Heisman for a team on NCAA probation. He was also the first black quarterback to win the award.
NFL and CFL Career
Ware became the top draft pick of the Detroit Lions in the 1990 NFL draft. Head coach Wayne Fontes overrode the advice of the team's scouting director, who resigned the next day. Ware joined the Lions for the 1990 season, teaming with the previous Heisman Trophy winner from 1988, Barry Sanders. Ware spent four years with Detroit, playing 14 games and starting six: Coach Fontes insisted on starting the oft-injured Rodney Peete, and usually replacing Peete with Erik Kramer when Peete was hurt or played poorly. Fontes generally only played Ware when the Lions were out of the playoffs or already losing a game by a wide margin. Ware's best stretch came late in the 1992 season when the Lions were out of the playoffs: he won two of three games. In 1994 Ware was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, but was released before the start of the season. He ended up on the roster of the Los Angeles Raiders, but was released after several games without being activated. In 1995, he was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the NFL's two expansion teams that year. It is debated why Ware failed in the NFL despite a prolific college career. Ware also played in the Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Rough Riders, the BC Lions and the Toronto Argonauts (where he backed up fellow Heisman winner Doug Flutie).
Read also: Drummond's Career Highlights
Broadcasting Career
Since 2003, Ware has been a college football analyst for ESPN. From 2003 until 2008, he called games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN on ABC. In July 2009, ESPN announced that Ware would team up with long-time SEC broadcaster Dave Neal in the fall of 2009 as color commentator for ESPN Regional Television's coverage of Southeastern Conference Football. Ware continued in this role until 2013.
Legacy
Andre Ware's impact on college football extends beyond statistics and accolades. He was a pioneer, demonstrating that a black quarterback could excel at the highest level of the game. His success paved the way for future generations of black quarterbacks. His name is synonymous with the exciting, high-scoring offenses of the late 1980s, and his legacy as one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time remains secure.
Team Performance Context
While Andre Ware's individual statistics are impressive, it's important to consider the context of the Houston Cougars' team performance during his time. Examining team statistics and rankings provides a more comprehensive understanding of Ware's contribution.
Team Rankings
During Ware's career, the Houston Cougars consistently ranked among the top teams in various statistical categories. Some notable rankings include:
- Points Per Game (PPG): The Cougars were known for their high-scoring offense.
- Opponent Points Per Game (OPP PPG): While the offense was dominant, the defense also played a crucial role.
- Rush Yards Per Game: Although the Run and Shoot offense was pass-heavy, the running game complemented it.
- Pass Yards Per Game: This statistic highlights the effectiveness of Ware and the passing attack.
Conference Standings
The Big 12 Standings provide insights into Houston's competitiveness within their conference. Examining their conference record and overall record helps assess their success during Ware's tenure.
Read also: The Rise of DeMarcus Ware
Key Games and Performances
Analyzing specific games and performances further illustrates Ware's impact. For instance, the game against SMU, where Ware set numerous records, stands out as a testament to his abilities.
The Broader Landscape of College Football
To fully appreciate Andre Ware's achievements, it's helpful to consider the broader landscape of college football at the time. Conference standings and rankings from other major conferences provide a comparative perspective.
CFB Rankings
Examining CFB rankings, such as PPG Rankings, Opp PPG Rankings, Total Yards Rankings, Rush Yards Rankings, Pass Yards Rankings, and Sack Leaders, offers insights into the top teams and players across the nation.
Conference Standings
Reviewing conference standings from various conferences, including the Atlantic Coast, Southeastern, Big 10, Mountain West, American Athletic, Big 12, Pac-12, Mid-American, Sun Belt, and Conference USA, provides a sense of the competitive landscape and the relative strength of different conferences.
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