Buie’s balanced game

A year of experience has appeared to make a world of difference for sophomore running back Andrew Buie.

Buie rushed for 31 yards on seven carries against James Madison, but also added 90 receiving yards on five catches while adding a strong blocking game on plays he was not directly involved in.

Buie was named the team’s offensive champion coming out of the weekend for that versatility, said Dana Holgorsen.

“He had five knockdowns, so he is becoming more versatile. What you guys see is a guy that catches the balls on the flats, but from a protection standpoint and from a run blocking standpoint, he’s a powerful kid that puts his body in danger sometimes because he plays so hard and plays so physical,” said Holgorsen. “He ran the ball well, he did a great job on punt return and he knocked five or six guys down throughout the course of the game. From a receiver standpoint, he looked good, so a guy that does that many things is a guy who will get rewarded.”

Buie said he’s made a concerted effort to make sure he's someone the offense can count on in any situation.

“I want to be a guy that any play is a possibility I’m out there on the field,” said Buie.

He said some added size and strength has helped him this year: “I think it helped me in the sense that my body is more healthy, I can take hits and my body won’t wear down as fast. Last year on a Tuesday I’m still feeling the hits from the last Saturday.”