When Ball State hired Brady Hoke as the new football coach last winter, he the quarterback position for this fall was left wide open.
But after spring practices, conditioning and part of fall practice, there ended up being no change at all.
Andy Roesch, who replaced classmate Talmadge Hill and started the final seven games of 2002, was named on August 19 as the starting quarterback for Thursday's season opener against Indiana State.
"I think both of them made great strides through the summer and were very competitive," Hoke said. "It was a hard decision, but one that we obviously needed to make, and one that I think we as a staff did a good job evaluating.
"I think we're in a good position to have two experienced, fifth-year seniors who have started games."
Roesch threw for 1,341 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions last year, and Ball State was 4-3 with him at the helm.
Hill, who had started 23 consecutive games prior to the quarterback swap, had 803 yards and five TDs against nine interceptions. A pair of redshirt freshmen -- Joey Lynch, son of Hoke predecessor Bill Lynch, and Todd Racine -- are battling for the third-string job.
"Both guys have so much respect (from teammates) because of their work ethic and what they've done," Hoke said. "I don't think you can gauge the players liking one more than the other. One thing about this team is that it's a selfless team."
Roesch agreed with his coach's observation that he was more relaxed since being named the starter.
"I feel very comfortable," Roesch said. "It was nice to know the decision because it took some pressure off. But like Coach Hoke told me: my position is like any other position; if I don't produce, I'll be replaced.
Roesch's competition with Hill was close and intense.
"We had an even split on reps, right down the middle, ever since spring ball," Roesch said.
Hill practiced some at receiver last year after Roesch replaced him. While still tight-lipped, Hoke indicated that Hill could be used in other capacities.
"When you have an athlete like Talmadge, it wouldn't be very smart for us not to utilize those talents," Hoke said. "There may be some things that we'll do with him to let him get on the field.
"I know one thing: When we come out, he'll be next to me on the sideline. After that I don't know."
Also last week, the Cardinal players selected two captains for this season -- offensive tackle Travis Barclay and outside linebacker Lorenzo Scott. Barclay, an academic All-American, is starting on the line for a third season. Scott, who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles and played minor league baseball this summer, returned to Ball State for his fourth year as a starter. He has been the Cardinals' leading tackler the past three seasons.
Assistant Sports Editor Mike Genet can be reached at sports@bsudailynews.com
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