Mohler to start

Written by Michael Howe Friday, 23 October 2009 08:00

NDSU returns home tomorrow for a Missouri Valley Football Conference clash with the Missouri State Bears in the 36th annual Harvest Bowl.

The Bison are still looking for their first conference win of the season after a 28-13 loss last weekend at South Dakota State. Missouri State is hoping to keep their playoff chances alive as they come to the Fargodome with a 4-3 overall record, 2-2 in the MVFC.

Last season, the Bison went to Springfield, Mo. and beat the Bears 48-27. Tyler Roehl rushed for 190 yards and two scores and Pat Paschall ran for 87 yards on just 10 carries. Paschall sat out last week’s game at SDSU due to a one game suspension, but will be back in the starting lineup this week.

Coach Bohl on Monday announced a significant change in the depth chart. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jose Mohler will make his first career start, as senior quarterback Nick Mertens will be the backup. Bohl said inconsistency at the quarterback position led to the change.

“We feel like our offense needs to get a little more rejuvenated,” Bohl said. “Jose has shown some good things in practice and it’s going to be his opportunity.” On Tuesday, Mohler talked about the chance to play.

“I am really excited for the opportunity,” Mohler said. “I just can’t wait until Saturday.” 

Bohl mentioned that changing quarterbacks is not an easy decision. “If there’s any coach out there that says that all the positions are the same, I don’t think they’re being honest.”

Mohler, who sat out last season as a redshirt, has had some off the field incidents involving alcohol. Last year he was cited for a two minor-in-possession charges and a driving under the influence charge. Mohler was suspended from spring practice and the first two games of this season. Coach Bohl believes Mohler has matured and learned from his mistakes.

“We’re pleased with his demeanor, his attitude in the classroom, and off the field,” Bohl said. “On the field, all those things have been good.” Mohler also talked about how his maturity on the field has played out.

“Last year I really didn’t have my feet under me,” Mohler said. “Now I have learned all the formations inside and out.”

The senior Mertens is number two on the depth chart, but will still serve his role as a captain and leader of the team.

“I think in Nick Mertens, you’ll find to be a true team player,” Bohl said. “Nick will be coaching Jose up like you can’t believe on the sideline with a lot of positive reinforcement.” Mohler also talked about how much he respects Mertens.

“He is a great guy,” Mohler said. “He said he is going to help me out. I know I have his support.”

Mohler has played in just one game in his career. Mohler took snaps against Wagner College. His only pass was an 11-yard touchdown pass. 

Missouri State, traditionally a bottom-feeder in the conference, has surprised many this season. Last week against Western Illinois, the Bears came back from a 16-0 deficit to beat the Leathernecks 17-16. Also, two weeks ago the Bears had an opportunity in the final minutes to beat SDSU, but came up short 24-17. 

“I think Missouri State is certainly an improved football team from where they were last year,” Bohl said. “They’ve really got some great weapons and they’re playing well.” 

One of those weapons is tight end Clay Harbor. Harbor had eight receptions for 171 yards in last week’s win. 

“They’ve got an All-American tight end and we struggled with him last year,” Bohl said. “He’s a really athletic guy that can get down the field, and he’s got excellence hands and runs the field well.” Sophomore Preston Evans is also well aware of the talent of Harbor.

“He is a beast,” Evans said. “He is the one that is going to be making the plays.” 

The Bears run a spread offense, something the Bison have struggled with this season. 

“Offensively they’re an explosive wide open offense,” Bohl said. “They run a spread offense and the quarterback is mobile.”

Defensively, the Bears run a 3-4 scheme, something that posed challenges to the Bison when Southern Illinois ran it earlier this season. 

Injuries continue to hamper the Bison as well. Starting tight end Matt Veldman will be out again this week with a turf toe injury. Backup running back Matt Voigtlander will be out for the second straight game with a knee injury and kicker Shawn Bibeau is out with a groin injury. 

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. tomorrow night at the Fargodome. Michael Howe and Adam Sprengeler will broadcast it on 96.3 FM KNDS.