MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) – Charles Hales figured all along that Rasheed Marshall’s concussion would quickly go away.

It didn’t, so West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez walked into a team meeting and delivered the news.

“He just came in and said when someone goes down, the next guy has to be ready,” Hales said.

Hales will get his first career start at quarterback on Saturday when West Virginia (4-4, 2-1 Big East) plays at Boston College (5-4, 1-3).

Hales has seen action in four games, getting extensive time after Marshall was injured in the season opener against Wisconsin and last week against Central Florida.

Hales doesn’t see starting as much different than entering midway through a game.

Talking about it seems to make Hales nervous, but when the ball is snapped, he knows he’ll settle down.

“I have a week to think about it now instead of just reacting,” Hales said. “Once I get out there and take that first snap, it will be football again.

“This is where I relax and have fun.”

With both players being juniors and Marshall in his second season as a starter, this could be Hales’ only chance.

“You always have to step it up once you’re called on and you’re the main man,” Hales said.

His teammates don’t see Hales’ first start as a concern.

He has completed 8 of 17 passes for 139 yards. Most of those yards came on a 79-yard touchdown pass against UCF. He’s also rushed for 40 yards on nine carries.

Against Wisconsin, both of WVU’s touchdowns came with Hales on the field.

“We’re not going to miss a beat with him being in the game,” said backup running back Kay-Jay Harris.

“I’m sure Boston College is thinking we’re going to be down.”

Hales has come a long way from preseason practice, when he was lectured often by Rodriguez for mistakes such as holding the ball too long and calling the wrong audible.

“He’ll be ready. He’s ready now,” Marshall said. “He’s got the game plan in. I know he’ll go out and perform well. And all the guys are rallying around him.”

AP-ES-11-05-03 1515EST