When Phil Bates took the first snaps at quarterback in Ohio U.’s game against Wofford, it appeared the quarterback had finally made it.

Bates, a redshirt junior, had waited since the end of 2008 to play in a game after his transfer to the Bobcats from Iowa State U.

But the dream debut never happened. Bates left after two series’ against Wofford with a left thumb injury. He completed only one pass but ran for 61 yards on five carries.

“People saw glimpses of what I could do,” Bates said. “And then I got hurt and couldn’t really do everything that I wanted to.”

After sitting out Saturday’s 20-13 loss against Toledo, the quarterback is poised for his second chance. Bates’ frustration about the injury transformed into excitement as he returned to practice yesterday in preparation to play Ohio State U. Saturday.

“I feel like I’m almost back,” Bates said. “I’m glad to be back, and I’m praying that nothing else happens injury-wise.”

Instead of being upset about his spoiled debut, Bates has handled the situation calmly.

He was energetic at the team’s practice yesterday, joking with teammates during practice and taking extra snaps with receivers coach Dwayne Dixon after all the other players had left.

“I’m trying to enjoy myself,” Bates said. “When you get too caught up and aren’t having fun, you can’t perform how you want.

“This week, I’m just trying to get back to the fundamentals and have fun.”

Bates’ journey to this season began two and half years ago when he first arrived on campus. Because of NCAA rules, Bates had to sit out his first season after the transfer.

Leading the Bobcats’ scout team during both spring and fall practices, Bates waited patiently for his chance to break into the starting lineup this season.

“We’d do anything possible to get (the defense) ready,” Bates said. “We’d go at them hard, and when they succeeded by getting some interceptions and stuff, it felt like we were a part of that.”

In the spring, Bates finally got his chance to lead the Bobcats’ actual offense and took a majority of the team’s snaps throughout practice. His work culminated then, when he completed nine of 17 passes for 115 yards.

He also showed off his scrambling ability when he ran for 65 yards.

Despite Bates’ spring performance, fellow quarterback Boo Jackson, who was given a medical redshirt, competed with Bates for the starting job.

Even with the injury and competition for the starting position, Bates said he’s ready for a breakout game.

“I feel like it’s coming,” Bates said. “I try to take it week by week and just execute plays and have fun.”