SPRINGFIELD — It’s no secret that Missouri State football (1-4, 0-1 in CUSA) needs a jolt of energy.
The Bears have lost three straight games and are coming off of a disappointing result on the road to Western Kentucky last week.
Head coach Casey Woods said ‘everything is on the table moving forward’ for the Bears to find success. Any changes will be made quickly, with Missouri State hosting Kennesaw State on Wednesday, Oct. 14, just six days after losing to Western Kentucky.
For the first time this season, the Bears have not named a starting quarterback. In the first five games, Skyler Locklear has been the team’s first-string quarterback.
On this week’s two-deep, Locklear
and backup quarterback Henry Belin IV are placed together at the top of the chart.
“We didn’t get effective enough quarterback play to win the game,” Woods said. “We got two guys that we trust. We got two guys that we hold to an incredibly high standard. We are going to put the guy that has the best opportunity to lead our team that they can rally around.”
Belin entered Missouri State’s game after Locklear limped off the field. Woods said Locklear was cleared to return, but the team stuck with Belin’s hot hand.
On his first drive, Belin delivered a touchdown pass to Isaiah Myers. It was the team’s only touchdown of the game.
Belin has appeared in Missouri State's past four games. He threw for 69 yards on 7-for-15 passing with one touchdown and one interception against SMU. He also threw for 115 yards and one touchdown versus the Hilltoppers.
According to Woods, Belin has prepared like the starting quarterback all season.
“He’s prepared like a starter since he’s been here,” Woods said. “He came here to be the starting quarterback and he’s done a nice job in the situations that we’ve been through in the month of September. He’s played in big games before and has done a nice job stepping in when he’s been called into the game.”
Belin arrived in Springfield this year after four years at Duke. He competed with Locklear for the starting role all offseason. He suffered shoulder soreness during fall camp, but Belin is no longer feeling the effects from the injury.
During his availability on Friday, Oct. 9, Woods would not commit to one quarterback. He said Sunday and Monday's practice would factor into his decision.
While the quarterback position is the most visible, it’s not the only reason for Missouri State’s poor start. The Bears need to find a groove. Maybe a new quarterback brings that to the roster, but maybe it won’t.
One thing is certain, though. Missouri State needs to win five of its last seven games to achieve its goal of being bowl eligible.
“We are going to play the quarterback that gives us the best opportunity to be better in those situations,” Woods said.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Can Henry Belin IV take over as Missouri State's starting quarterback?
