RENO - Chris Ault has decided not to tinker with a quarterback combination that produced 699 total yards, four touchdowns and three field goals in a 37-0 victory over the UNLV Rebels last Saturday.
The Nevada Wolf Pack head coach said Monday that red-shirt freshman Cody Fajardo will start once again this Saturday against New Mexico at Mackay Stadium and, if necessary, will be relieved by senior Tyler Lantrip.
"After going back and looking at the film again, I just believe that Cody played a little better than I thought," Ault said.
Fajardo started the game and the second half against UNLV and completed 11-of-15 passes for 93 yards and also ran the ball nine times for 40 yards. His first college start, though, also included two interceptions and a lost fumble.
"The fumble is what really upset me," Ault said. "That's just something we can't have."
Fajardo downplayed the news that he will get another start despite being pulled twice from last Saturday's game.
"I just look at it the same whether I'm starting or not," the 6-foot-2 Fajardo said. "I still prepare the same way."
Part of the decision to start Fajardo, Ault said, was also due to the fact that Lantrip played so well in a relief role. The 6-4 Lantrip had his best game in a Wolf Pack uniform, completing 18-of-29 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns.
"I feel real good having him in that role coming off the bench," said Ault of Lantrip.
Lantrip also seems to have taken the news that he will be on the bench once again in stride.
"You never know when you are going to get an opportunity," Lantrip said. "My goal is still to be a leader of this football team, whether I'm starting or coming off the bench. Nothing really has changed."
Ault was quick to point out that the roles of his two main quarterbacks (Mason Magleby remains a distant third on the depth chart) can change in the future.
"It's like everything else on this football team," Ault said. "If they are not producing then there will be changes. You have to earn your keep."