End Zone: Rockets

10/14/2010

Sophomore Austin Dantin and redshirt freshman Terrance Owens have shared time behind center for the last two games, but it appeared that arrangement would come to an abrupt halt after Dantin had to be taken off the field on a stretcher early in the fourth quarter of last weekend's loss at Boise State. He was later diagnosed with a mild concussion and a neck sprain, but seemed no worse for the wear when meeting with the media on Monday.

Now, we won't get into the rationale of having either of your franchise quarterbacks in the game when you're losing by 50. It's completely indefensible. UT coach Tim Beckman can talk all he wants about making his players better, but no starter is getting better in the fourth quarter of a 50-point blowout.

Nonetheless, it won't come back to haunt Beckman because Dantin was cleared to play Wednesday by team doctor Roger Kruse, and Beckman said Dantin will be the starting QB against Kent State on Saturday. Beckman also said Owens would see playing time again, although how much time and when he'd enter the game is still up for debate.

If Dantin or Owens is your guy, then pick him and stick with him. At least then the Rockets will have one QB on their roster.