Proving value of a quarter at NU

No second thoughts about two-QB plan

Anthony Orio is back as Northeastern's starting quarterback, but he knows he won't play the entire game, per coach Rocky Hager's wishes. (BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF)

It doesn't matter if Anthony Orio has thrown for 10 touchdowns and is on pace to shatter the NCAA record for passing yards in a game. At the end of the first quarter, the Northeastern quarterback will head to the bench.

The second quarter belongs to the backup QB. Coach Rocky Hager did it for a decade at North Dakota State, and brought the practice to Northeastern in 2004. The hope is that it makes the backup, in this case junior John Sperrazza, better and keeps him focused.

"I believe it's something that provides that backup quarterback the inspiration to study film well during the week, to prepare as though he's going to have to play, which he will," Hager said.

"And that just keeps them sharper and doing more things to be ready to take their opportunity."

Orio, also a junior, was put off a little by the practice at first. Would he be able to keep his rhythm after sitting for a whole quarter plus halftime?

"At first, that was my No. 1 concern, but last year I don't think it did [affect me]," Orio said.

"I think we both have strengths in this offense and we both perform well on the field. And I felt fine when I came in after [Sperrazza] had his series in the second quarter."

Sperrazza's extra seasoning became crucial last Sept. 30 at Richmond, when Orio suffered a sprained ankle in the first half, forcing Sperrazza into action for more than his usual 15 minutes.

Though Sperrazza struggled in the loss, completing as many passes to his own team (two) as opposing defenders, he transitioned seamlessly into the starting lineup the next four games as Orio recovered.

"[As a backup] you're always, they say, one play away. But when you're in the second quarter, you're actually in the game ready to go," Sperrazza said.

"It helped a lot. The more you play, the more experience you get, the more you know defenses."

Sperrazza led the Huskies to consecutive wins against Delaware and New Hampshire in his first two starts, throwing for 272 yards against the Blue Hens -- by far the high mark of the season for either quarterback -- and 175 yards in an overtime win against UNH.

He struggled after that, throwing for just 182 yards combined (with two interceptions and no touchdowns) in losses to Massachusetts and Maine, but Sperrazza's stint as the starter still left Hager proud.

"He struggled at Richmond some, but there are some reasons for that," Hager said. "He came back and played very nicely over the course of the next month, and I feel very good about what he has been able to do."

Sperrazza ended up passing for more yards than Orio (803 to 726), and posted a slightly higher efficiency rating (112.6 to 112.1). Orio is a better scrambler -- rushing for 98 yards last year -- while Sperrazza has a quicker release.

"The bottom line is that [Sperrazza] is going to compete like crazy trying to beat Anthony out during fall camp, and that's very good for us," Hager said.

Despite the competition, the pair has grown close.

"We compete with each other, we get the best out of each other," Sperrazza said. "We're good friends, and we help each other out on the field."

Orio said he was happy to defer to Sperrazza each second quarter, especially since it paid dividends after his injury.

"When Spazz is given the opportunity, he's done well, he played great," Orio said. "He led us to victories."

And Orio knows, if he's able to hold off the charge and keep his starting spot, he will be ceding those 15 minutes once again. The only times Hager has ever deviated has been when the backup is hurt.

"When the second quarter starts, I know he's going in," Orio said. "I'm behind him, I support him, and I hope he does well."