Fayetteville State coach Kenny Phillips never wavered on Bryan Hardy as his starting quarterback, and the play caller rewarded his faith.

Hardy shook off the rust of three games on the sidelines with a groin injury late in the first quarter against Saint Paul’s. Once he found his rhythm, the senior quarterback threw for all four touchdowns in a 28-0 victory Saturday night at Nick Jeralds Stadium.

If there was any lingering pressure from backup Ben Williams leading FSU to the best offense in the CIAA after three games, Hardy didn’t acknowledge it. The starter since preseason camp, he gave way to Williams after only 12 pass attempts in the opener because of a groin injury suffered during practice.

Hardy watched his backup throw for 526 yards in three games — two against Division I-FCS opponents. This got him fired up to continue the success in the conference opener, and he finished 15 of 27 for 249 yards — the team’s highest passing total this season.

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