KU’s Les Miles silent regarding starting QB for opener against Coastal Carolina
Kansas football coach Les Miles did not name a starting quarterback during his media availability Monday, which means the identity of the Jayhawks’ opening QB will probably remain a secret heading into Saturday’s 9 p.m. season opener against Coastal Carolina.
“I would think there is a good possibility that both quarterbacks would play,” Miles, KU’s second-year coach, said of 6-foot-5 senior Thomas MacVittie and 5-10 junior Miles Kendrick.
“Both could play this week. A couple quarterbacks could play, you bet,” Miles added.
Asked why it’s been “difficult” to choose a starting QB, Miles said: “At some point in time you tell your team, ‘This is the best guy.’ Suddenly you get a splintered nail or broken hand or something … you spent your time saying this is your starter when in reality it’s a closer proximity than you think. Why would you bemoan your starter unknowingly by just naming who your starter is?”
Of course, even if Miles and offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon actually know who the starter is … the KU coaching staff might figure it would be a disadvantage to identify that player publicly. They may think it best to keep Coastal Carolina wondering.
“I think there is kind of an advantage for the Jayhawks,” MacVittie said Monday, “because nobody knows who is going to play. Nobody knows the strengths the other quarterback brings. They can’t really get a scouting report on a quarterback that hasn’t been announced.”
Of playing two quarterbacks in a game, MacVittie conceded: “Just rotating in general, any position, not just quarterback, it’s just tough to get a groove, but whatever coach Miles wants, that’s how it’s going to be.”
Asked how a QB rotation might work, Miles said: “We would probably take that series by series.”
There’s always the possibility one QB could emerge as a solid No. 1 as the game, or season, progresses.
“I think it really kind of depends how they play. If one starts fast and stays at that speed we might make a change anyway just to see how the other responds,” Miles said. “I can’t imagine we won’t enjoy the play of one or two of those guys. I figure they will play and play well.”
Kendrick said, “I’m not sure,” when asked why the QB battle is so close.
“I think the coaches are talking with each other. They want to have a little more time. I think we’ve got time to see how the decision would turn out.
“I think it’s good,” Kendrick added of the competition. “As long as we can continue to push each other and bring out the best in each other it will only improve this offense and this team.”
It’s a friendly competition for starting QB.
“It’s nothing but love between the two of us,” MacVittie said.
COVID numbers not provided
Miles declined to provide the number of positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases on the team during Monday’s Big 12 teleconference or during his weekly media session.
“That would be hard for me to tell you because of HIPAA,” Miles said on the Big 12 teleconference. “We’ve had a couple, but we’re not a team that’s riddled with those issues.”
A couple hours later, on his media call he said: “I cannot give the numbers. I can tell you it’s a small number. They (players) have handled it very well. They understand protocol and understand the use of this mask. I think they have to stay on pace, but they handled that and handled it extremely well.”
Miles said “absolutely” when asked if things are going smoother at practice and on campus for his players as the pandemic continues.
“The first stick they shoved up your nose was a shock at best,” he said of COVID testing. “It became much more palatable if you will based on the fact that we’re a saliva test now. That’s 10 times easier on your nose and those things. We’ve become confident and comfortable I should say with the change in tests. We enjoy the saliva test much more. That’s all been pretty positive. We’ve handled the protocols if you will. We are wearing masks in practice; we’re wearing masks where we need them.”
Confident full season will be played
Some observers say teams will be lucky to have enough healthy players to complete a 2020 season from start to finish.
“I think you have a real chance to play all your games,” Miles said. “To me, they (conference officials who listed thresholds needed to avoid cancellation of games) are giving you every chance they can to come to the field with a team to play.”
This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 3:59 PM with the headline "KU’s Les Miles silent regarding starting QB for opener against Coastal Carolina."
