With the Cyclone gridders preparing this spring for action in the fall, one major offensive question remains, who will be Iowa State’s No. 1 quarterback? Should it be sophomore Todd Bandhauer or senior Todd Doxzon?

I may be stirring the fire a little, but I plan on breaking down both players into what I believe is a fair comparison.

Doxzon, the Cyclone signalcaller who has seen action in each of the past three season, has also been bitten by the injury bug in each season. Doxzon offers a quick pair of feet to offer another weapon to the Cyclone offensive scheme.

Doxzon also has the experience of participating in more Division I practices.

But to me, that means very little, except for the fact that he was able to participate in an additional spring practice under Head Coach Dan McCarney.

To me, Doxzon’s health is a key, because it gives the rest of the offensive unit a chance to be more cohesive if the No. 1 signalcaller wasn’t injured.

Bandhauer, meanwhile, is more in tune with the offense that McCarney hopes to run in the future. Bandhauer, a more traditional drop-back passer, climbed from the scout squad to starter in the course of one season.

He also showed the maturity needed against such powers such as Colorado and Nebraska.

Bandhauer also played in all but one game his during freshman season, just one short of Doxzon’s two season performance, which does not include last year’s performance. Bandhauer played in 10 games last season, while Doxzon saw action in 5 games last season to move his career total to 16.

The sophomore signalcaller can make blocking assignments a little easier for his offensive linemen with the fact that he is less likely to take off and run. Bandhauer gave the Cyclones a chance to see his composure under pressure last season.

Bandhauer also has shown the ability to throw the ball down field with a higher percentage. Last season, Bandhauer racked up 501 yards through the air, while completing about 47 percent of the passes he threw.

When looking at the offensive line, the initial spring two-deep roster has shown that all of the Cyclone starters will be either 6-3 or taller. When the two deep was issued, center Patrick Augafa and right guard were both at 6-3, while left guard Matt Rahfaldt is listed at 6-4, left tackle Tim Kohn is 6-5. Right tackle Kurt Levetzow is listed as 6-6 to round out the Cyclone starting front five.

If this is true, then Bandhauer would also give the Cyclones a better view of the field since he is 6-4, while the senior is 6-1.

Doxzon posted better statistics in rushing yards (120 to -56), efficiency (124.52 to 100.65), passes attempted (100-90), passes completed (58-42), games played (7 to 6), total passing yards (730-501) and the longest pass play from scrimmage (90-40). Doxzon also had season highs in total passing yards in a game at 200.

Bandhauer, though, threw one more touchdown than Doxzon (5-4), and an additional interception (4-5).

Bandhauer also threw a season high for the most touchdowns in a game last season with three.

My personal choice as starter is Bandhauer.

He has the poise, size and experience of playing against high quality talent last season. Bandhauer has shown the ability to perform under pressure with the likes of Colorado and Nebraska.

Ryan Harvey is a junior in journalism from Badger, Iowa.