Ohio has the MAC East Player of the Week on its quarterback depth chart.
The Bobcats also have Quinton Maxwell, the starting quarterback.
Ohio played both Maxwell and Nathan Rourke in last week's 59-0 win over Hampton and will continue to do that headed into the Purdue game.
Maxwell went 7-of-9 for 100 yards with a touchdown and interception, while Rourke went 6-of-10 for 72 yards. Rourke gained 50 yards on the ground, including three touchdowns.
But Maxwell is still the starter and will continue to be so, according to coach Frank Solich.
"Quinton is our starting quarterback and I thought he played well," Solich said. "You look at his passing percentage and it was in the 70s. That one interception, I don’t put on Quentin. The receiver got bumped and thrown off stride, so he wasn’t there to fight for the ball, or break it up or make the catch."
The team is viewing the current quarterback situation as a positive, and there's good reason to.
Both Maxwell and Rourke had good starts to the season — and both are sophomores.
“I thought both guys did an outstanding job," offensive coordinator Tim Albin said. "They both earned it and did a great job. Nate had the awesome three rushing touchdowns and that great too. We were very very excited. The guys up front have to be paving the way, they did a great job.”
It's unclear when Rourke will come off the bench against Purdue, but it will definitely be in the first half.
That does lead to some obvious negatives of the two-quarterback system, that one quarterback isn't able to grab the role as his own. Going in and out of the game can make getting into a rhythm tough.
“That’s one of the toughest things about committing to two quarterbacks," Rourke said. "Obviously it’s not up to me, but I think that’s not one of the greatest things you can do for a quarterback. Rhythm is important."
But both Maxwell and Rourke are used to that role, especially Maxwell.
Maxwell spent last year back and forth at the quarterback and backup quarterback spot, rotating with Greg Windham.
“I was in it last year, I was exposed to it last year so I know what it’s all about," Maxwell said. "The biggest thing is when I’m not in is staying locked into the game, looking at the play calls and seeing what I’ve got to do on these plays, staying locked in mentally.”
For now, the Bobcats will roll with two quarterbacks moving forward. Things might change down the line, but for now, stay focused on both Maxwell and Rourke.
“We’ve got two sophomore quarterbacks that are doing great things, we’re splitting reps down the middle," Albin said. "I think both guys are handling it very very well. It’s totally a positive thing, we’re on to game two.”
