The battle for the job of starting quarterback at Iowa State will continue in pre-season practice. Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates are trying to take over for Bret Meyer and coach Gene Chizik says both had their moments. Chizik says Bates had more room to grow in the position after playing as a receiver for much of last year.
Chizik says Bates really made a great push in the last two weeks and showed he had the ability to get out of trouble. While Bates is new to the position Arnaud saw action in several games last season as the backup to Meyer. Chizik says they expected Arnaud to be a little bit further along, and Bates closed the gap a little bit.
Chizik says Arnaud and Bates have different strengths and has not ruled out using both quarterbacks next season. He says they can run the offense with both of them, with Bates ahead in what he can do with his feet, and Arnaud ahead with what he can do with his arm. The Cyclones will open the 2008 season at home on August 28th against South Dakota State.