Chargers prepare for the unknown in Minnesota State quarterback situation

Like sharks at the poker table, finding tells and tendencies in opposing quarterbacks is something players and coaches do each week in film sessions. That is going to be mighty difficult for Hillsdale College as they prepare for seemingly an unknown situation in the Minnesota State signal calling department.

Ryan Fick started the season for the Mavericks after taking them to their first ever playoff appearance a year ago. He got off to a pretty good start, completing 8 of 15 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown in the first half of the team's opener with Bemidji State. That would be it for Fick who would break his leg later in that game. He returned six weeks later for a half of football only to suffer a season ending collar bone break.

Steve Pachan would replace Fick and roll up 10 straight wins and honorable mention all-conference honors before being hobbled late this past Saturday against St. Cloud State, a game MSU would go on to lose.

Neither Fick nor Pachan are listed on the two-deep chart in this week's set of game notes, leaving the reins to RS-Freshman and converted wide receiver Cody Rose. The backup is listed as true freshman Ray Teachout.

Rose has completed 13 of 25 passes for 156 yards and 1 TD. He has been picked off twice, most notably this past Saturday on a last minute drive that sealed the victory for St. Cloud State.

Rose has played in 10 of team's 11 games both at receiver and quarterback. He longest stretch of time calling signals was in the Mavericks' blow-out of Upper Iowa, completing 10 of 17 for 135 yards a touchdown.

Obviously quick to have come in as a receiver, Rose scored 3 rushing touchdowns in that Upper Iowa game from the quarterback position. This is a wrinkle the Charger defense must account for and contain.

While we're sticking with the poker analogies, Hillsdale has to wonder how much of their hand the Mavericks might really be showing. How hurt IS Pachan? Also, in an earlier news article, Fick vowed to return before the season was over.

Head Coach Todd Hoffner stated recently that Rose is their starter and that they are monitoring the other players' medical situations. "We don't have a quarterback controversy. We have two quarterback controversies."

Something the Chargers have heard over and over again from Coach Keith Otterbein is that they are to only worry about what they themselves are supposed to do and to do their things. At this point, Hillsdale could care less who lines up behind center.