Tuesday, October 26, 1999
Ohio State QB wants another chance
Moherman has played 6 minutes in last 6 games
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS — Austin Moherman said Monday he does not believe the Ohio State coaching staff has given him an adequate opportunity to regain the starting quarterback job.
“Oh no,” he said. “That's clear.”
Moherman started the Buck eyes' first two games but hasn't seen more than six minutes in a game since.
“I guess you'd say UCLA is when I lost it,” Moherman said of the starting job. “But you look at the next two games, that's not a fair chance or opportunity to win the job back. It was probably made up in their minds after that.”
Moherman completed 20-of-41 passes for 214 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions in the Buckeyes' first two games against Miami and UCLA.
Fellow sophomore Steve Bellisari, who flopped against Miami, came in against UCLA and passed for 159 yards and two scores and scrambled for 50 yards. He solidified his role against Ohio and Cincinnati, playing 38 minutes to Moherman's seven minutes.
Those three teams have a combined record of 8-15. Two of three are in last place in their conference, and Ohio is fourth in the Mid-American Confer ence's East Division.
“I don't know if it was a done deal or not,” Moherman said. “I just came to practice, tried to put myself in position to play, and it didn't really happen.”
Bellisari has been the unquestioned starter since the second game, despite the offense's sporadic play. The Buckeyes have scored on eight of the 44 series Bellisari has played. He has completed 46 percent of his throws with five interceptions and six TD passes.
Moherman has hit 48 percent of his passes, mostly as the game clock is winding down, with one touchdown and five interceptions.
Moherman is not getting serious consideration to start Saturday against Iowa.
“Our plan would be to go with Steve and if we feel Austin can help us move the ball and do some things we're not getting done, we'll be a little less hesitant to put him in,” Ohio State coach John Cooper said.
Moherman said he has been given little insight into how he will be used.
“I'm still in the dark where I stand,” Moherman said. “There's not a whole lot of communication as to whether I'm going in or not.”
However, Bellisari said he had no problem getting feedback from Cooper.
SANDER INJURED: Ohio State freshman backup punter B.J. Sander (Roger Bacon High) has reinjured his kicking foot, first stringer Dan Stultz said. Sander's right foot forced him to the sidelines to begin the season when he bruised it in preseason practice. His injury shouldn't affect the Buckeyes; he had already lost the punting job to place kicker Stultz.
Sander, who wasn't available for comment, hoped to contribute immediately but missed the first two games and was benched for good in the third after punting two balls for a 24.5-yard average.
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