FARGO — As a college quarterback at Concordia University (Wis.), a sprained ankle never sidelined Tim Polasek from taking the field. He missed one game with chicken pox, but not an ankle issue.
Now the head coach at North Dakota State, the same may apply to Cam Miller, the NDSU starting quarterback. The Bison senior hurt his ankle in the second half last week against the University of North Dakota and there’s an element of doubt, not much, but still an element as to his availability Saturday at Southern Illinois. ADVERTISEMENT At the least, Polasek said he wouldn’t hold Miller out as precautionary against a Saluki team that has struggled as of late.
Even with the knowledge that backup Cole Payton is capable and experienced. “Nope, I don’t think we’re good enough,” Polasek said. “I think we have to take everyone to the party that’s ready to rock-n-roll and Cam deserves the right to be the starter.
I think there’s something to be said about a quarterback who goes out there and plays tough.” He said Miller was “tentative” on it during Monday practice, wearing a protective boot although Polasek said he wasn’t required to wear it. “We’ll be real patient with him today,” he said.
“I don’t have a real good answer but I would be shocked if he doesn’t lace them up and play.” The Bison will face an SIU team that is wounded, with the Salukis down to one quarterback on their roster in true freshman Jake Curry. Backup ET Harris was sidelined for t.