ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

Boston College quarterback Dave Shinskie is still the starter, and according to Eagles coach Frank Spaziani, the quarterback situation hasn’t changed.

	Michael Tureski/Icon SMI
	After playing sparingly at the beginning of the season, Mike Marscovetra saw significant action against the Hokies.

The difference to those outside the program, though, is that Mike Marscovetra seems to be a more viable option as a backup now. After watching Shinskie and backup Justin Tuggle compete for the starting job in the opening weeks of the season, it was somewhat surprising to see Marscovetra get significant playing time last week against the No. 4 team in the country, Virginia Tech.

Not to Spaziani, though, who intended to play Marscovetra on the third series with the second group.

“Our situation is the same as it’s been all year,” Spaziani said. “Other people have anointed Uncle Dave. Dave played well. He’s still a true freshman. Mike has practiced and we’ve tried to get Mike ready to play. Circumstances dictated that he played last week. In the previous weeks, Dave was doing well. We haven’t changed anything other than we’ve got some more experience under our belt.”

Shinskie struggled mightily in Blacksburg, completing just 1 of 12 passes for two interceptions and four yards in the 48-14 loss. Marscovetra finished with 114 yards and two touchdowns on 10-of-16 passing, but the bulk of that was in the second half when the game was already out of reach.

Despite the lopsided loss, Marscovetra couldn’t seem to contain his excitement after the game.

“It felt good to get my feet wet against the No. 5 team in the country and get a little more experience,” Marscovetra said. “… It was a different experience. It was really fun. Everybody was flying around and something I’ve never seen before. You just can’t beat it.”

And with Spaziani continuing to leave the door open at quarterback, it might just happen again.