UNC Mirror

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Joy Quarterback Dominic Breazeale, 14, will start in the Homecoming game against Weber State because of a better start last week against Idaho State. Mike Vlahogeorge will have to sit out, because of a lack-luster performance and a sprained ankle in the Idaho State game.

There are many words that can be used to describe the University of Northern Colorado's quarterback situation in the 2007 season.

Consistent is not one of them.

The Bears have used two quarterbacks, junior transfer Mike Vlahogeorge and senior Dominic Breazeale, in each of their six games so far this season and have lost all six games.

Breazeale, who started the Bears' season opener at Hawaii, will start under center in the Bears' Homecoming game against Weber State at Nottingham Field on Saturday. Although Vlahogeorge exited last Saturday's loss at Idaho State in the third quarter due to ineffective play and a sprained ankle, Breazeale knows there are other reasons that he's been given a second chance.

Breazeale said his decision-making and ability to play his best earned him a nod for Saturday's game.

"I just needed to fine-tune some things," said Breazeale, who has thrown two touchdowns and completed 25 out of 48 pass attempts in mop-up duty since being pulled from the 63-6 loss to Hawaii.

UNC coach Scott Downing was pleased with Breazeale's performance against Idaho State.

"He came in and had a solid second half," Downing said. "He made heady decisions, and I liked his composure."

Downing said one particular point when the offense fell apart on a shovel pass, Breazeale took matters into his own hands and rushed for 13 yards and a first down.

"He ad-libbed a little bit," Downing said. "That's the sign of a good offensive player, making plays outside of the realm of the game plan. That's what you're looking for."

 Offensive coordinator Dennis Darnell had nothing but praise for Breazeale's recent play.

"Dominic has certainly earned it," Darnell said. "In the last three games, he's played the better of the two. You owe it to every guy on the team to put the best guy out there. The kid's worked too hard to not start this game."

As for Vlahogeorge, who completed 6 of 13 pass attempts for just 21 yards against ISU, Darnell said he is still optimistic.

"During this four-week road stint, they've both learned how to handle adverse situations," Darnell said. "I really hoped that Mike would settle, but the third quarter wasn't much different than the first half, so we had to make the change."

Both coaches said they realize what has become a quarterback platoon isn't exactly the most conventional of methods, but insisted it's best for the team.

"Until somebody steps up and consistently does things right, we will struggle," Darnell said. "I'd love to finish the season with the same quarterback at every snap, but they've got to perform."

Downing said people shouldn't criticize the football team's manner of using two quarterbacks.

"If you think we're unique at the University of Northern Colorado by using two quarterbacks, then you're sorely mistaken."

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