North Dakota State quarterback Jose Mohler will start Saturday at Indiana State, even though his right arm is not 100 percent healed.
Bison head coach Craig Bohl, who last week said Mohler's status was questionable because of bursitis, said Wednesday the freshman has progressed well enough to face the Sycamores.
The short throws are not a problem, and Mohler can heave the deep ball OK, Bohl said.
"It's the mid-range where he has to throw it on a rope with some velocity," Bohl said. "He's improved. It's that 18- to 20-yard dig where you have to put some zip on it. He's shown some improvement there."
Mohler played in a 14-7 win at Western Illinois two weeks ago despite soreness. NDSU had a bye last week and the time off has been beneficial in getting some injured players back.
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Bohl said linebacker Eddie Beson (knee), noseguard Mike Fairbairn (knee) and safety Daniel Eaves (pulled quadricep) will play. On Monday, Bohl said linebacker Preston Evans will return to his starting nod.
Starting fullback Lee Vandal (pinched nerve) will not make the trip, which will mark a return to the starting lineup for junior fullback Drew Hushka. Freshman fullback Garrett Bruhn is out after suffering a sprained ankle in practice.
NDSU, 2-7 overall, has a chance to move up one notch in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with a win.
"They've had some misfortunate with injuries but they are better than their record indicates," said Indiana State head coach Trent Miles. "I can't believe they've won only two games when I watch them."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546
