In early July, the Montana State Bobcats announced two-year starting QB Chris Murray would be academically ineligible for the 2018 season. Since then, Bobcats fans have been patiently waiting to see who would be behind center versus Western Illinois for Week 1.
Even before Murray’s ordeal, the 'Cats added former four-star recruit Travis Jonsen, a transfer student from Riverside City College and an Oregon signee. Not to mention Montana State already had redshirt freshman Tucker Rovig and last year’s Big Sky freshman of the year Troy Andersen in the program.
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With no true favorite over the summer, a full-fledged QB competition was held during fall camp, something head coach Jeff Choate has wanted since he took the job in 2016.
When camp came to a close there was the expectation by some the team would anoint a signal caller, but when the depth chart came out Saturday it left many with more questions than answers.
Andersen and Jonsen were named co-starting quarterbacks heading into the Western Illinois game. A position that is almost always held by one player will be headed up by arguably the two most athletic players on the roster.
Choate’s decision to essentially call the competition a tie has received criticism.
While there may be some wrinkles to iron out, if the Bobcats pull this off it is going to cause all sorts of headaches for opposing teams. With the help of new passing game coordinator Bob Cole, a seasoned veteran with 20-plus years of experience including stints in the Big Sky, the Bobcats have a chance of doing something unusual.
When Cole came to Bozeman he spoke about simplifying the quarterback position as much as possible, something that is vital if the Cats are going to alternate players at the position throughout the game, and even during a series. When asked about the unique situation Cole said, "we are trying to think outside the box here….it's rare when a team gets two really talented kids like we have now."
Jonsen and Andersen share similarities, but also key differences the Bobcats hope prove advantageous depending on the matchup.
"Each brings something a little different to the table," Cole added. "Troy is a big powerful kid that if we got in a quarterback run game he’s going to cause some issues up inside, and still fast enough to go outside. Travis is real long and can get to the edge quicker so, we are trying to use their skills for what they do best.”
The yin and yang of Jonsen and Andersen may prove difficult to defend, especially when you consider both players could be on the field at the same time. Yeah, if you didn't think the offense was complicated enough, both guys are capable of playing positions outside of quarterback.
Jonsen has practiced at receiver throughout fall camp, and as all Cats fans know, Andersen is one heck of a running back. The versatility of the two QBs certainly opens up the playbook.
Critics have challenged the idea of two QBs, stressing the importance of having one leader, but the Cats aren't concerned they'll endure such a problem. Choate has mentioned on several occasions the amount of respect both Jonsen and Andersen share for each other. He even went on to say they were becoming friends. This was all happening during the middle of the heated competition.
Cole did add, "there are going to be growing pains," which lends to hare uncommon it is. In a day and age in sports when imitation is the norm, Montana State may be setting a blueprint ion 2018.
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