Throughout the offseason, the quarterback battle between Phillip Sims and Rudy Johnson was the biggest story line for Winston-Salem State. So big, that it dwarfed the fact that the WSSU would be without the coach who led it to playoff victories in three consecutive seasons.

Looking back, it's easy to see why. Johnson came out of nowhere in 2013 and was among the best quarterbacks at the Division II level. The former Texas Southern quarterback led WSSU to a 10-1 record as a starter after taking over for Anthony Carrothers last season.

Then there was Sims, a highly-touted recruit coming out of Chesapeake, VA who signed with Alabama and later transferred to Virginia, ultimately ending up on the bench for a year while he regained eligibility.

Coach Kienus Boulware never committed to one guy or the other. In fact, no one knew who would start until gameday against UNC-Pembroke. Johnson ultimately started that game, but both quarterbacks played a similar number of snaps.

Through three games this season, that's been the procedure. The results have been mixed. The offense has showed flashes, but never really been crisp. Not to say that's on the quarterbacks, but the stats tell the story.

With Sims at quarterback offense has been more pass oriented. Sims has completed 34 of 65 passes (50 percent) for 411 yards through three games. With Johnson, the offense has played things a little closer to the vest as he's attempted just 45 passes (though he's completing 65 percent of them). He's also making things happen for his legs, having rushed for more than 100 yards and a touchdown (though he admittedly fumbled the Valdosta State game away.)

WSSU has come through a tough out-of-conference stretch 2-1. That's pretty good, given the fact that at one point in the season, all three teams they've played have been ranked at one time or another. And the way the CIAA looks, the QB swap should continue to work for the rest of the regular season.

But you have to wonder when one guy will emerge as "the" guy and lead the team should it make it to the playoffs. Boulware's a smart guy. He's played it safe so far, but you have to think that at some point, he's going to have to choose one guy to lead this team and hope that the other stays prepared in case he has to do it.