New QB for next game

Fifth-year senior Gibran Hamdan was named the starter at quarterback by coach Gerry DiNardo Tuesday. Hamdan will make his first career start for the Hoosiers Saturday against Kentucky.\nHamdan will replace senior Tommy Jones who sustained a concussion in last Saturday's 40-13 loss to Utah.\n"I am going to play Gibran (Hamdan), we are going to start Gibran," DiNardo said. "Tommy (Jones) can't practice today, and I don't know that Tommy would be ready for the game. So obviously that plays into it, but Gibran is going to start in the game."\nJones did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday meaning he will not dress for the game. Regardless, DiNardo made it clear that Hamdan would have started anyway.\nHamdan played the entire second half against Utah in relief of Jones. He completed 17 of 34 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown but threw three interceptions. DiNardo said it was hard to rate Hamdan's performance because of the situation.\n"I mean he had a couple of turnovers, one he definitely could have avoided," DiNardo said. "But we made some third down conversions; he seemed to have command of the offense. But no, I don't think you can evaluate a guy under those circumstances. You're not really playing the game like you were earlier in the game."\nNo matter how the opportunity came about, Hamdan is ready to make an impact for the Hoosiers.\n"The way I look at is, regardless of how the opportunity came about, I do have the opportunity," Hamdan said. "I don't know the logistics of everything and I'm not going to pretend like I do, but the opportunity has presented itself. If I go in there and play well, I hope to make the decision for everybody if there is a lingering question. I have my opportunity, and that's the most important thing."\nThe last time Hamdan started a football game he was a senior in high school, five years ago. That was also the last time that he had been hit. After being chased around the field last Saturday and taking numerous hits, Hamdan knows that the Kentucky defense will be very physical.\n"In the second half last week I got a glimpse of what playing quarterback is," Hamdan said. "It's not always pretty back there. So I know they're going to come at me. I know it's my first game, and if I was their defensive coordinator, I'd do the same thing. I look forward to that challenge. That's the fun part of the game for me."\nSenior offensive lineman Enoch DeMar said that Hamdan is already comfortable running the offense. He believes that if the offensive line gives him some help, he should do well.\n"Talking and communicating are going to be the big things to make him feel even more comfortable," DeMar said. "When Tommy got hurt, he (Hamdan) stepped up quickly and played well.."\nWhen the decision at the beginning of the season to start Jones came about, Hamdan said he was obviously disappointed. He figured that Jones would be the starter for the entire season.\n"The thought that 'Will I ever get the opportunity?' crept into my mind," Hamdan said. "But also the fact that you've put in all the time, you have prepared, and at least if you do get your opportunity, you know you're ready for it. I knew I was ready when I got in."\nHamdan said that it will take precision in order for the offense to run more effectively. He knows that this is his chance to make a statement.\n"I'm confident. I'm excited," Hamdan said. "This is my opportunity to lead this team"