HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Toledo sophomore Bruce Gradkowski has just two career starts at quarterback, but he could be the one with the most experience on the field against Marshall.

Marshall's Stan Hill may miss Friday night's game with its Mid-American Conference rival after spraining his left knee in a 34-24 loss at Tennessee last week.

Coach Bob Pruett initially said Hill was doubtful for up to two weeks.

Marshall (1-1), winner of five of six conference titles since re-entering the league in 1997, could save Hill for the heart of the league schedule.

Toledo (1-1) plays in the West Division and Marshall is in the East, so their meeting won't figure into the divisional races.

Hill has insisted he'll be ready for Toledo. He limped on the heavily bandaged leg early in the week, was fitted for a brace at midweek and tried some three-step drops without limping and ran stadium steps.

Hill is more apt to run than predecessors Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington, but admits his mobility will be limited if he plays.

The junior, who has made only four career starts, doesn't want the team's doctor to decide whether he plays.

''It's my knee,'' Hill said. ''I've waited too long to play to sit out now. If I can play, I want to play.''

If Hill can't go, junior Graham Gochneaur will get his first career start.

''I've played in front of 108,000 in a pressure situation,'' Gochneaur said. ''I've already been there and done that, so it's just going out and taking care of business now.''

Gochneaur replaced Hill in the fourth quarter against Tennessee last week and went 7-of-10 for 52 yards.

''We're preparing as if Stan Hill is playing the game. I really doubt he wouldn't play,'' said Toledo defensive tackle Lantz Jeudy. ''If he's not playing, we'll adjust as the game goes.''

Gradkowski has played nothing like a rookie so far. He's thrown for 374 yards in two games and set a school record for completion percentage against Division I-AA Liberty, going 14-of-16 in a 49-3 win.

One of the fastest players on the team, he's also rushed 12 times for 86 yards.

''He's a young guy, but he's real tenacious and tough,'' said teammate Trinity Dawson.

Gradkowski was the holder on field goals and extra points during Toledo's 49-45 loss at Marshall in last December's MAC title game in Huntington.

''It's a great atmosphere in Huntington,'' he said. ''Their fans are crazy and you've got to love that. We've got to feed off all the booing and yelling and make big plays and quiet the crowd.''