Gooch injury gives Blankenship another chance at starter's job

<br>TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Tulsa's Josh Blankenship may reclaim his job as starting quarterback, at least this week. <br><br>Blankenship, who lost the job to freshman Tyler Gooch last week against New

Wednesday, October 10th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Tulsa's Josh Blankenship may reclaim his job as starting quarterback, at least this week.

Blankenship, who lost the job to freshman Tyler Gooch last week against New Mexico State, is expected to be the probable starter Saturday against Boise State as Gooch continues to nurse an ankle injury.

``We're not going to rule out (Gooch). He looked like he was walking better,'' coach Keith Burns said at the conclusion of Tuesday's practice. ``But at quarterback, you've got to practice. You've got to get in the flow and the time and the rhythm of the game.''

Burns said he could wait until game time to make a final decision.

Blankenship, a junior, started 20 straight games before Saturday. He ranks as the fifth-leading passer in school history with 4,718 yards and needs just 62 more to pass Jerry Rhome (1963-64) and move into fourth place.

Redshirt freshman James Kilian also could be called in Saturday, Burns said.

``I'm not sure we wouldn't have something for James to do, maybe some of the (running plays) Tyler was doing before,'' Burns said.