Headstrong

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BOCA RATON – FAU starting quarterback Chris Robison is planning to play in Saturday’s crucial Conference USA East division game at Western Kentucky.

“I think I will,” said Robison, sporting a wry grin.

Robison left Saturday’s victory at Old Dominion late in the first half after taking a blow to the head and did not return.

On Tuesday Robison participated in practice, running the first team.

“I feel like I’m preparing for the week as if I’m going to [play],” Robison said afterward.

Robison’s 208 passing yards against the Monarchs pushed him above the 2,000 yard mark for the season. His 15 touchdowns have him tied for second in Conference USA.

With Robison sidelined, Nick Tronti played nearly the entire second half, completing seven of 10 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 23 yards.

“I thought that he did some good things,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “Sometimes when the quarterback is a running quarterback and you call running plays with them, they have an aggressive mindset and they have to be careful not to carry that over into the pass game. He kind of rifled some balls in there really fast, versus playing a little calmer in the passing game and throwing with a little more rhythm. He commanded the offense very well though.”

Tronti says rushing throws isn’t a new problem for him.

“Whenever I throw the ball I try and throw it as quick as I can, as hard as I can,” Tronti said. “Patience is something I’ve really got to work on. As the years go on and weeks go on, that will be a big emphasis for me.”

Tronti admitted he missed a few throws against Old Dominion and made some small mistakes, but overall was pleased with his play.

Even if Robison is back behind center on Saturday, it’s likely Tonti will still see the field as part of the TrontiCat package, a run-first option set which Kiffin began using in earnest as an offensive change-of-pace once C-USA play began four weeks ago.

“This year I’ve gotten a chance to play in games that are important,” Tronti said. “Whether it’s doing packages or going in to play if Chris gets hurt, it’s the same mindset every time.”

No undefeated teams remain in Conference USA’s East Division. Western Kentucky and FAU enter Saturday’s game with one loss in C-USA play. Both teams lost to Marshall, the only other one-loss team in the division.

The loser of the the FAU/WKU game will effectively see their C-USA title hopes dashed.