Former Nebraska football quarterback Richard Torres had to think he was going to have a much better first career start. Unfortunately, the Incarnate Word Cardinals QB1 found out in a hurry that practice is quite a bit different than a real game. In his team's Week 0 debut, he had what can only be described as a disastrous outing.
Torres transferred to UIW after the first spring practice of the Matt Rhule era. He then backed up the starting quarterback in 2024. Still, he won the starting job during fall camp for the San Antonio-based Catholic college a few weeks ago. Heading into their matchup with Nicholls State, Incarnate Word was expected to roll.
Former Nebraska quarterback Richard Torres struggles mightily in first career start
Instead, the former Nebraska signee struggled after a solid start. In fact, he began the game 4-for-4 for over 50 yards and led his team to an early 3-0 lead. Torres was on the drive again when he was hit from behind and spun around as he threw, tossing the ball backwards, losing 16 yards and out of bounds. UIW punted on that possession, and Nicholls was able to tie it 3-3 on their ensuing drive.
Torres' next few snaps were the worst of his college career so far. The former Husker threw a pick-six that allowed the Colonels to take a 10-3 lead, which they never looked back from.
In the 20-6 season-opening loss, the former Nebraska football commit completed 23 of 35 passes for 175 yards. Still, he also tossed another two interceptions, was sacked for a grand total of 45 yards lost, and fumbled twice (though he lost neither). In all, the game might have moved a bit too fast for him at times. That's to be understood in his first career start. Here's hoping Richard Torres' second start, against Eastern Washington on August 30, goes better.