The wait is finally over Fresno State fans.

Ryan Seacrest and an envelope weren̢۪t needed, but the battle for the starting quarterback position has ended.

Coach Pat Hill announced Tuesday that redshirt junior Ryan Colburn will be under center for the first game this Saturday against UC Davis.

Colburn being named the starter didn̢۪t surprise me, but I was perplexed as to why it took so long for Hill to give the left-hander the nod.

Ebahn Feathers was ruled out a while ago and will be used in special packages, but as of this past weekend, Hill had said none of the quarterbacks had stood out above the other.

Though I do believe Derek Carr has the tools to be great some day, this offense needs someone with experience running it.

Colburn has only thrown five passes collegiately, but he has been around the program for three seasons and will probably mesh better with the upperclassman-laden offense than Carr would.

Having talked with Colburn a few times, the first thing you notice is his confidence.

He really believes that this is his football team and that he can lead the Bulldogs in his first season, something that Tom Brandstater didn̢۪t have in his sophomore year.

Another thing Colburn does well that trounces his predecessor is his ability to make something happen with his legs.

Feathers will run most of the option plays, but if Colburn faces a pressure situation he̢۪s not afraid to lower his pads and fight for extra yardage.

I mean, have you looked at the guy? He should be playing alongside Ben Jacobs at linebacker.

The biggest thing for Colburn will be for him to keep up his confidence after making mistakes.

And believe me, it will happen.

As much as people would like to believe he̢۪s the next Tim Tebow, Colburn won̢۪t be a Heisman finalist.

Just like any player in his first season as a starter, there will be significant growing pains. The task for Colburn will be keeping those to a minimum.

The Visalia native just needs to manage the game. Not to say he won’t foul up this season, but the goal for Colburn this year is to avoid the “bigâ€Â mistake and let his playmakers do what they do best.

Colburn has three solid running backs to hand the ball to and a very deep receiving corps to throw to.

Maybe some fans were hoping Carr would be the second coming of his big brother and are disappointed at the coaching staff̢۪s decision, but remember, Carr has four years to wow crowds at Bulldog Stadium.

And if Hill chooses to red-shirt Carr, he may be a three-year starter. Also, if Colburn falters or gets injured, guess who̢۪s going in?

This isn̢۪t about supporting one player, it̢۪s about the Red Wave unifying to support a team that is trying to win back its respect and fanbase.

For some, Colburn being named quarterback may feel like when Taylor Hicks won “American Idol,â€Â but at least he won’t be dancing like he’s having a seizure.