Longshore saw playing time three weeks later on September 27 against the Colorado State Rams, replacing a struggling Riley who had thrown for a touchdown and had one interception. Although Longshore's two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter came with the game's outcome beyond doubt in the Bears' 42-7 victory, Tedford reopened the quarterback competition for the following week against Arizona State on October 4. Longshore won the starting job and played the entire game, throwing for 198 yards, including three touchdowns and one interception in the 24-14 victory. The game marked his first start since the 2007 Armed Forces Bowl.