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July 8, 2016

Lulay: Getting pulled is a rite of passage

B.C. Lions' quarterback Travis Lulay passes during the second half of a CFL football game against the Toronto Argonauts in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday July 7, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

“You’re officially a pro QB now, kid.”  We’re paraphrasing, but that’s essentially what Travis Lulay has to say to Jonathon Jennings after having to replace him in the third quarter of Thursday’s 25-14 loss to the Toronto Argos at BC Place. Speaking to reporters at the Lions practice facility Friday afternoon, Lulay gave a nice perspective and referenced prior examples to starting QBs getting the hook in key situations.

“That happens to everybody,” Lulay said.” I remember Wally telling me after the first time he took me out, ‘listen Trav, I’ve pulled Doug Flutie out of a game. I’ll pull anybody out of a game if it’s not their day.’ Wally BuonoEverybody has dealt with it at some point. It’s probably a very very small minority of guys who it’s never happened to. But it kind of is a rite of passage.” Wally Buono has coached many elite QBs in his twenty-plus years as a CFL coach. The fact he yanked Flutie, arguably the CFL’s best player ever, tells you all you need to know about how Jennings will certainly not be phased after going 11 of 18 for 132 yards, a TD and Interception before Lulay took over.

Buono will no doubt be asked again on Tuesday who starts in Saskatchewan next week, but he put that topic to bed in his postgame press conference by stating Jennings will start behind centre.  The Lions and Roughriders clash at Mosaic Stadium next Saturday at 4:00PM. The Roughriders will also be looking to make amends after falling 39-36 in overtime at Edmonton Friday. Gang Green is 0-2 to start the year.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com