With two capable quarterbacks, the Bobcats have decisions to make before traveling to Marshall.
Just two games into the season, Ohio has a quarterback controversy.
Well, kind of.
During the second quarter of Saturday’s 20-3 loss to Kentucky, coach Frank Solich made a quarterback change to spark the Bobcats offense.
Derrius Vick, a redshirt junior, started after leading Ohio to a week one victory, but didn’t complete any of his six attempts during the first four drives, which all ended in punts. He earned the only first down during that span by scrambling for a 13-yard run.
Vick also experienced misfortune from dropped passes by his wide receivers. On Ohio’s second play from scrimmage, he targeted a wide-open Daz Patterson about 40 yards downfield, but the ball went between his hands.
Regardless of Vick’s play, the Bobcats needed a change of pace offensively or they would’ve had no chance to come back after the Wildcats scored touchdowns on their first two possessions.
Into the game came redshirt sophomore backup JD Sprague, who completed his first three pass attempts to spark a 10-play, 49-yard drive that ultimately ended with a turnover on downs. Still, the drive was progress for a sputtering offense, which gained just 25 yards with Vick under center.
“All week I prepared like I was going to come in and when I did, it came natural,” Sprague said. “The other guys looked to me and I think they didn’t lose faith in me, so they kinda trusted me to keep doing what we were gonna do.”
Sprague showed signs of excellence at times by scrambling out of the pocket and keeping plays alive. Although he was under pressure and had miscues with receivers, he was competitive against a Southeastern Conference defense.
“All 11 guys weren’t on the same page when we did have miscues and when we did mess up,” Sprague said. “That goes back to executing.”
Sprague remained at quarterback until the final drive, when Greg Windham, a redshirt sophomore, entered and eventually fumbled the ball away in the rain.
While Vick started both games, the duo has similar statistics heading into week three at Marshall. As to who will start, Solich said after the game he couldn’t determine that yet and the coaches will need to evaluate film.
“You don’t wanna get on a merry-go-round with your quarterbacks,” Solich said. “In saying that, do both of them deserve playing time? Does one deserve to be ahead of the other? That’ll play itself out.”
Solich said he planned to play both quarterbacks during Saturday’s game and echoed similar sentiments before the season began. Until a decision on the starter moving forward is made, Vick and Sprague will continue to practice with the mindset either can be playing at any time.
“(A decision is) up to the coaches I really don’t have a personal preference, but I’m confident if I go in there I’ll be ready to go,” Sprague said. “I support Derrius and Derrius supports me.”
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