CORAL GABLES – For the next few days, there is only one thing that matters at Miami.
Who will be the starting quarterback for Thursday night’s ACC opener against North Carolina? Is it N’Kosi Perry or Malik Rosier?
“I am,” Miami offensive coordinator Thomas Brown jokingly tells media members in a burst of laughter.
“Whoever gives us the best shot to be able to win,” he added. “We feel really good about having as much depth as we can at any position, including the quarterback spot for guys who can help us perform well. The guys that practice the best will play and help us win.”
The vast majority of the Miami Hurricanes fan base wants Perry to be the next starting quarterback. If one takes some time to read the blogs, message boards, and the latest social media posts, it’s clear as the blue sky to see that Perry is their choice.
But here’s the problem: the Miami coaching staff will make that decision, and it’s theirs alone.
Let’s get straight to the point. When will the starting quarterback decision be made?
“It’ll be some time before the game,” Brown said.
So we’ll have to wait until Thursday for the big announcement. But how are Perry and Rosier handling this situation right now?
“I think both of those guys have had really good attitudes,” Brown said. “I think they’re both rooting for each other and celebrating with each other when guys have success. Obviously everybody wants to play. Those guys have done a really good job of coming together and helping each other out.”
As everyone knows by now, Perry had a game to remember against FIU last week. He was 17-25 passing for 224 yards, three touchdowns, and one touchdown in Miami’s 31-17 win.
“I think he played well,” Brown said. “He had, I would say, one ill-advised throw. He kind of underestimated his arm a little bit on the scramble to try and take a shot. But other than that, I thought he was very accurate. I thought he ran the offense very well. I think he showed some escape ability, at times, when the pocket kind of broke down and holes opened up.”
Meanwhile, Rosier had an outstanding game in Week 3. The fifth-year senior quarterback completed 13 of 23 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 80 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on the ground in Miami’s 49-24 win over Toledo.
If one only goes by the past two games, it’s a prudent move for the coaches to take their time with the final decision. Like it or not, they want everything to flow naturally with the practices in mind.
“I think competition solves most of your problems,” Brown said. “I think competition makes everyone better. No one guy at any spot should ever feel comfortable like, ‘it’s my job, no matter what happens.’ Obviously the more depth we have, the more guys that are prepared to play to help us win, the better we’ll be down the stretch.”
Tune in to ESPN on Thursday night (Sept. 27) at 8 p.m. to see for yourself in live action.
