After a week full of contemplation and debate, the Eastern coaching staff decided to make the most intriguing change on the football field.

They replaced last year’s starting quarterback, Andrew Harris, with senior transfer Matt Schabert.

The decision came midweek and looking back at the game in week two against Illinois State during which both quarterbacks played, it is a bit of a wonder that coach Bob Spoo and his staff didn’t come to this conclusion a little while ago.

They knew what they had in Harris, who was a bit of a project last year as the team struggled to gain much momentum offensively.

But what the staff didn’t seem to know was what they now have in Schabert. The transfer from Wisconsin was at a disadvantage at the beginning of the year, considering he had to learn a new system and conform to what his new coaches wanted in a short amount of time.

But during the first few weeks the Panthers had to prepare for the opening game against Indiana State, it was Harris who established himself as the starter in the minds of his coaches.

Harris showed signs, much like he did last year, of working well in Eastern’s system and of learning the kinds of things that would make him a successful quarterback.

But against Illinois State, he seemed to regress after the first drive that he led successfully for a touchdown.

After that, he struggled and was replaced by Schabert, who made the most of the opportunity and provided himself with more chances down the line.

Down the line, came this Saturday when Schabert led Eastern against their only Division 1-A opponent of the year, at Eastern Michigan.

Not only did Schabert have a good game, throwing for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns, but he led his team to their first victory of the season and cemented an opportunity to become the starter for the rest of the season.

Over the course of his first full game, Schabert also found a large target in sophomore Ryan Voss. Voss was responsible for 145 receiving yards and two touchdowns in what could might be looked back on as breakout game for the young receiver.

Schabert led the offense accurately and efficiently, missing on only nine of his 22 passing attempts.

It seems, after only one game, that Schabert may be that rock.