USJ football tops St. George's, win streak at four thanks to improved rushing attack

Jacob Buie is the statistically the top passing quarterback in West Tennessee.

There is no doubt in that statement as he has thrown for 1,846 yards through six seven games for University School of Jackson.

But a difference maker as the Bruins beat St. George's 48-28 for the fourth straight win of the season has been an improved rushing attack.

"The kids are gradually getting better in the run game, and it is a change of culture here," USJ coach Michael Stroup said. "We continue to practice it. Week by week we are getting a little bit better in that area."

USJ (4-3, 3-0) had four rushing touchdowns in the win over the Gryphons, and that has helped take the pressure off of Buie and his passing game.

"It's always awesome to have a balanced offense," Buie said. "I am not stressing to throw it every single play. I have two great running back in Trevor [Spencer] and T.J. [Tharpe] to help me out in those situations."

With USJ's potent passing attack, opposing teams are trying to focus on containing that, and it is leaving some lanes open.

"I think that plays into it," Stroup said. "We are recognizing some things on the sideline and making adjustments. We had a good ground game tonight."

Buie actually had the first rushing touchdown of the game for USJ as he scampered 24 yards.

"Our offensive line picked up their responsibilities really well," Buie said. "We have had incredible coaching and incredible running backs, and we have done what we needed to do to get the job done every week."

But it was T.J. Tharpe that had the next three as he has played a key role in the turn around in rushing attack.

"Our line up front has been blocking for us, and I am just running behind them," Tharpe said. "A lot of people are focusing on [receiver Ryan Miller], so that is helping us."

The Bruins had 61 rushing yards combined in the first two games of the season - losses to Chester County and Crockett County.

But Friday marked the fifth straight game that the Bruins have rushed for over 100 yards.

"We have been working hard on our offense," Tharpe said. "At the beginning of the season, our running game wasn't very good, so this is a big accomplishment."

USJ sits in a three-way tie with Lausanne and Northpoint Christian, and the Bruins play both in the next three weeks with a bye week in between.

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.