Boo Jackson, unlike most players, is relieved to be making his first career-start against the two-time defending conference champions.
The junior quarterback said he is more relaxed going into tomorrow's game against Central Michigan than he was in the two previous weekends.
I'm not as anxious anymore
Jackson said. You can just relax. You don't have to sit on the sideline and basically just wait your turn. You already know you're getting in.
Jackson was forced into action during Ohio's 26-14 loss to Ohio State after starter Theo Scott broke his collarbone in the second quarter. He will likely be the Bobcats' starter for the remainder of the season.
In his first significant action as a Bobcat, Jackson's line was less than impressive. He was just 9-of-25 passing for 86 yards and three interceptions.
Obviously he got thrown into about as tough of a situation as a guy can get thrown into co-offensive coordinator Gerry Gdowski said. I know he has a few plays he'd like to take back
but for the most part
he made great plays
too.
Making his transition to starter easier is the fact that Jackson has been taking reps with the first-team offense since the spring.
Wide receiver Taylor Price said Jackson and the other wide receivers are in-sync.
He knows our speed; he knows us pretty well
Price said. We know we lost a good player in Theo
but Boo's going to step in his place and make things happen.
The biggest area that Jackson said he needed to work on is his leadership ability.
After transferring to Ohio from Torrance (Calif.) El Camino Community College, Jackson said he took more of a laid back approach with his teammates.
From the first day
I got to know a bunch of people and they respected me and I respected them
Jackson said. There are just a few things I need to work on personally. Be more vocal in the huddle
be more vocal on the sidelines
