Mohler to lead NDSU aganist BCS Kansas

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The Pacific coastal town of Cardiff-By-the-Sea, Calif., is long gone from Jose Mohler's rearview mirror. He never was a surfer, and his mother told him to give up skateboarding when he was in the sixth grade to avoid breaking a wrist.

It's a long way to Fargo, but the distance these days is not so bad. That's because Fargo-By-the-Red River, N.D., is where he sets up shop year-around.

"It's my new home," Mohler said. "I'm liking it. The people are great. The fans are great and it's becoming my new little hometown."

Mohler had his bout with immaturity as an 18-year-old true freshman, with a couple of highly publicized alcohol-related violations. He promised he would handle life under the Bison microscope better and he has made good on his word.

The Jose these days carries himself like a leader. He seems more at ease in front of the microphones and cameras. He shakes hands with other adults. He smiles.

The same goes at practice.

"Throughout fall camp, I can see that he is coming out there taking over and getting more of a leadership role," said running back D.J. McNorton. "I think he is a lot more comfortable out there than last year. He kind of got thrown into the fire last year and he has that experience under his belt."

Mohler will be the starting quarterback when the Bison open their season Saturday night at the University of Kansas. He started the final four games last season, but that was after the Bison got off to a 1-6 start and were looking for a spark.

He got better as the season got older, finishing 43-of-72 passing with six touchdowns and two interceptions.

He earned this start in a several-month-long competition. Practically since the day the season ended last year, the Bison coaches put the heat on the quarterback position, saying it needs better production.

Mohler emerged in a competition with freshman Brock Jensen and junior Dante Perez. He's also emerged as a player who appears mentally ready for the job.

"There will be a lot of emotions flying out there so I need to stay on an even keel," Mohler said. "You can't get too excited and you can't get down in the dumps. All of that was a positive impact I took from last year."

The impact on the Jayhawks on Saturday, most likely, will come in two areas: a high completion percentage in the West Coast offense and an ability to take care of the ball. Turnovers often play a big role in any game, much less a matchup of an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision team vs. a Football Bowl Subdivision program.

"The turnover margin will probably dictate who wins the game," Mohler said. "I'm always out there trying to take care of the ball."

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