Sophomore Cyler Miles, penance done, will start at quarterback in the Huskies’ home football opener Saturday against Eastern Washington. Sophomore Jeff Lindquist, who threw a stellar touchdown pass but otherwise was often shaky at the season opener in Hawaii, will be the backup.
“Cyler will start and we’ll see what he can do,” said coach Chris Petersen at his weekly press conference. “I think he’s got a pretty good football IQ. He can put things together quickly, football-wise.”
Lindquist was 10 of 26 for 162 yards, but the offense punted in eight of nine second-half possessions, including five three-and-outs in the 17-16 squeaker over Hawaii, a big underdog from the Mountain West Conference.
Miles, 6-4 and 225 pounds, was suspended indefinitely for his role in two altercations with Seahawks fans after the Super Bowl triumph in February over Miles’s home-state Denver Broncos. The suspension went through spring ball until after the Hawaii opener.
In his only interview since the episode, Miles, UW’s only experienced QB after the graduation of three-year starter Keith Price, apologized, even though he was not charged due to lack of evidence.
“I messed up big time, and I’m willing to face the consequences,” he told reporters after a recent practice. “I highly regret it, and I’m just very excited to get back on the team and do my best to put this past me and start working with my guys again.”
Notes
The Huskies reported no significant injuries from the game, although Coleman Shelton, a redshirt freshman from Pasadena, may start again at right tackle for Ben Riva, the senior starter who suited up but did not play because of a knee injury.
“Ben was ready to play for the most part,” Petersen said, “He could have played if we needed him.”
Five true freshmen played against Hawaii: DB Budda Baker, DB Darren Gardenhire, DB Naijiel Hale, WR Brayden Lenius and PK Tristan Vizcaino . . . Another seven players made their UW debuts: Shelton, TE David Ajamu, LB Kieshawn Bierria, DB Brian Clay, TB Lavon Coleman, DB Jermaine Kelly and DL Elijah Qualls. All are redshirt freshmen . . . No Husky coach had begun his tenure with a road victory until Saturday . . . Saturday’s game against Eastern (2-0), ranked No. 2 in the Football Championship Series poll, is at noon on the Pac-12 Networks.
1 Comment
I liked the Lindquist of the 1st half against Hawaii. Obviously, Hawaii made adjustments and Lindquist couldn’t modify his play accordingly. If there’s going to be a change now would be the time to do it rather than in the middle of the season. If Miles falters then at least Lindquist has a game under his belt.