Rolovich Tabbed Bobcat Starter
8/27/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Montana State coach Rob Ash named senior Jack Rolovich the Bobcats' starting quarterback for Saturday's season opener at Texas A&M.
Rolovich started the final seven games of the 2006 season, entering the Portland State game after Cory Carpenter suffered an ankle injury that would all but end his season. MSU won six of its final eight games, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Division I Playoffs. Carpenter led MSU to a season-opening win at Colorado, earning National Player of the Week honors for that effort, and helped snap a three-game losing streak with MSU's 39-32 win at Northern Arizona.
"Both guys know how to run the offense, both guys throw the ball extremely accurately, both guys are ready to play," Ash said. "Jack just made a few more plays, that's probably the biggest difference. Whether it's being able to stay alive in the pocket and find a receiver, or make a read and get the ball down to the second level a few more times, I think he just made a few more plays."
Ash indicated he maintains full confidence in Carpenter. "It wasn't a negative decision, where one guy made less mistakes, it's more of a positive decision where they're both good and Jack was able to pull out a play a little more often. I'm confident in both. I wouldn't have any trouble playing Cory at any point in the season."
Saturday's contest marks the fifth time in the past six seasons that the player who finished the previous season as MSU's starting quarterback opens the new season in the same position.
Rolovich started the final seven games of the 2006 season, entering the Portland State game after Cory Carpenter suffered an ankle injury that would all but end his season. MSU won six of its final eight games, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Division I Playoffs. Carpenter led MSU to a season-opening win at Colorado, earning National Player of the Week honors for that effort, and helped snap a three-game losing streak with MSU's 39-32 win at Northern Arizona.
"Both guys know how to run the offense, both guys throw the ball extremely accurately, both guys are ready to play," Ash said. "Jack just made a few more plays, that's probably the biggest difference. Whether it's being able to stay alive in the pocket and find a receiver, or make a read and get the ball down to the second level a few more times, I think he just made a few more plays."
Ash indicated he maintains full confidence in Carpenter. "It wasn't a negative decision, where one guy made less mistakes, it's more of a positive decision where they're both good and Jack was able to pull out a play a little more often. I'm confident in both. I wouldn't have any trouble playing Cory at any point in the season."
Saturday's contest marks the fifth time in the past six seasons that the player who finished the previous season as MSU's starting quarterback opens the new season in the same position.
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, June 10
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
