ATHENS, Ohio — Kurtis Rourke, Ohio University’s quarterback, will not play on Tuesday night against Bowling Green State University. 

Rourke sustained an injury to his right knee in the Bobcats’ victory over Ball State on Nov. 15. Prior to his injury, he completed 12 of 16 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals.

He was seen before Tuesday’s Bowling Green game exiting the elevator of the tower that contains the press box not in uniform and on crutches with ice on his knee. 

Rourke leads the Mid American Conference in total yards (3,256), average yards per game (296), touchdowns (25), and is tied for fewest interceptions (four) with Aveon Smith (Miami).

CJ Harris, a redshirt sophomore, was announced as the Bobcats starting quarterback, Ohio announced on Twitter. Harris filled in for Rourke against Ball State. He completed 5 of 8 passes for 34 yards. Harris also rushed for 38 yards on eight carries. 

With a Falcons victory against Ohio and a University at Buffalo loss to Kent State on Saturday, Bowling Green would share the MAC East with the Bobcats and advance to the conference championship game against the University of Toledo on Dec. 3 at Ford Field. 

Bowling Green kicks off against Ohio at 7 p.m. at Peden Stadium. 

First Published November 22, 2022, 11:44 p.m.