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Smith to start second preseason game

After Boller's turn in opener, ex-Heisman Trophy winner gets nod vs. Vikings

By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter

8:48 AM EDT, August 8, 2008

Troy Smith will receive his chance to stake a claim to the Ravens' starting quarterback job.

The former Heisman Trophy winner will start the next preseason game, coach John Harbaugh confirmed after last night's 16-15 win over the New England Patriots. Smith will likely work the first half of the Aug. 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium.

"We're looking at it as two games with balanced repetitions," Harbaugh said.

Kyle Boller started the preseason opener, completing 11 of 15 passes for 102 yards while playing nearly the entire first half. His performance marred by a fumble and an interception.

Smith, who entered near the end of the second quarter and played through the first series of the fourth, was 5 of 12 for 74 yards. His best throws came deep across the middle, a 30-yard pass to Darnerien McCants and an 18-yarder to Justin Harper.

The quarterback ratings for Boller (63.8) and Smith (62.5) were nearly identical.

"I thought Troy was poised," Harbaugh said. "He threw some NFL balls in there. He did a nice job."

Smith made two starts last season as a rookie after Boller and Steve McNair went down with injuries.

He completed 52.6 percent of his passes last season, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Smith said next week's start is "vital."

"It's very, very important for myself and my development for the team," he said.

After splitting the starts between Boller and Smith, Harbaugh acknowledged there is a chance that he could determine the regular-season starter before the Ravens play their third preseason game.

Asked if next week's game could win or lose the job for him, Smith said, "I haven't stepped into the situation any day in practice, saying my performance will help me or not help me. I try to approach this the same way."

jamison.hensley@baltsun.com

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Smith to start second preseason game

After Boller's turn in opener, ex-Heisman Trophy winner gets nod vs. Vikings

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Smith to start second preseason game

After Boller's turn in opener, ex-Heisman Trophy winner gets nod vs. Vikings

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