UH QB O'Korn to get first career start against Rice

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Houston quarterback John O'Korn will make his first career start in Saturday's Bayou Bucket game against Rice.

UH coach Tony Levine made the announcement Thursday, ending speculation that the true freshman from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., would get the nod over injured starter David Piland.

"I feel like he's prepared," Levine said of O'Korn. "It will be fun watching him play."

Piland still sidelined

Levine said Piland is unable to play "because of health reasons." The junior suffered a concussion in the Cougars' last game — Sept. 7 at Temple — and has not practiced in the nearly two weeks since.

Piland, in his third year as Houston's starting quarterback, will be re-evaluated next week.

"Right now, what we do know, it's short term in terms of him not playing this game," Levine said.

O'Korn has seen extensive action in both games this season, including leading a second-half rally to beat Temple in the Cougars' American Athletic Conference opener.

Houston Cougars quarterback John O'Korn (5) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter as the University of Houston Cougars defeated the Temple Owls 22-13 in their first American Athletic Conference game at Lincoln Financial Field Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, in Philadelphia. less Houston Cougars quarterback John O'Korn (5) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter as the University of Houston Cougars defeated the Temple Owls 22-13 in their first American Athletic Conference game at ... more Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close UH QB O'Korn to get first career start against Rice 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Earlier this week, Levine praised O'Korn for his poise in a close game on the road.

"It didn't seem to bother or faze him," he said.

In two games, O'Korn has completed 34 of 46 pass attempts (74 percent) for 340 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

UH (2-0) will look to remain unbeaten in the annual rivalry game against Rice (1-1), which is coming off a victory over Kansas.

"I told him, 'You don't need to be Superman, you just need to be John O'Korn,' " Levine said. "I think he is looking forward to this opportunity."

Levine informed O'Korn of the decision Thursday morning and got the type of response he expected.

"He didn't jump up and down and hug me or give me a high-five. He shook my hand and looked me in the eye," Levine said. "He is certainly excited. He is confident yet humble."

True freshman Greg Ward and junior college transfer Billy Cosh will serve as backup quarterbacks.

Having to go with a backup quarterback is a similar situation that UH faced Rice last year when starter Taylor McHargue was injured a week earlier and replaced by backup Driphus Jackson. The Cougars won the game 35-14.

Owls expect face pace

Regardless of quarterback, Owls coach David Bailiff expects the same up-tempo UH offense.

"They are a high-powered offense," Bailiff said. "I know they struggled against Temple, but I know that's not what we're going to see. They are going to line up and try and run 100 plays at you."

joseph.duarte@chron.com

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