Anyone think B. Allen doesn't start?

[Prestworthy]

?

Who is #1?

[weresoclose]

I thought that last year, but what do I know?  Come to think of it, after 3-9 an argument could be made many of us know more.  Worst part was, Brett let BM go to start at NCState, who would have beaten us last season, most likely.

If BA has recovered from being nearly permamently psychologically damaged, fine then start him.  I will believe it when I see it.

This is why 3-4 wins is my prediction this season, and the reason why I will not judge Brett by wins in 2014.

[chitwnhog]

?

Who is #1?

Game 1? Yes. Things will change by Game 3 if BA hasn't improved from last year.

[HogCzar1]

Let spring practice play out, and I think after that we will have a better idea of who will be in the strongest position to start in the fall.

[ErieHog]

Coach B seems very convinced he's the starter at this point, and we don't exactly have any evidence of anything else brewing.

[hogfan14]

I thought that last year, but what do I know?  Come to think of it, after 3-9 an argument could be made many of us know more.  Worst part was, Brett let BM go to start at NCState, who would have beaten us last season, most likely.

If BA has recovered from being nearly permamently psychologically damaged, fine then start him.  I will believe it when I see it.

This is why 3-4 wins is my prediction this season, and the reason why I will not judge Brett by wins in 2014.

NC State was 3-9, like us...in the ACC

[chitwnhog]

NC State was 3-9, like us...in the ACC

Ya can't bring facts to the discussion...this is hogville.

[hogatheart]

Coach B is in a position where he needs to win ballgames. In all fairness there must be a quarterback competition with BA as the projected starter, but if anyone else shows they can take it, it will happen. I do think BA will be better this year with AA at number two and a JP redshirt. It will be a lot of fun to see how this all plays out. WPS!!

[MuskogeeHogFan]

?

Who is #1?

Brandon Allen is the leader at the position right now just by virtue of his SEC game experience.

There will be competition at the QB position for the starting position.

If someone else executes at a higher level in all phases and knowledge of playing QB, BA won't start.

A true starter isn't going to be named until August, so we have a while to wait.

[ChitownHawg]

?

Who is #1?

How the heck can anyone answer this since we have not seen any other QB play with the exception of Derby. Of course you are the guy trying to prove Alex Collins is just am ok back and Korliss is the next coming of Dmac. 

[Steef]

I have always maintained that Bama hurt Tyler Wilson in his first year as starter. The game was in AL. Tyler was speared six times before the zebras ever threw a flag.

(Anyone who thinks SEC zebras don't favor the "big" programs is just blind).

Tyler wasn't JUST concussed. He was shaken to his core. He was never again as sharp as he had been in the Auburn game the year before.

Bama did that to us again two years ago, in the rain in Fay. Only this time, it was Brandon instead of Tyler. So far, BA has still appeared "shaken" also.

Now the GOOD news is....Klenakis is no longer in charge of defending these kids. Pittman is. And....we finally have a running game to keep opposing linebackers honest.

And MAYBE.... A couple of receivers who can get separated. Maybe.

The job of QB for the Hogs just might not be a suicide mission this year.

If...Brandon ' s confidence isn't permanently damaged.

If it is.... we start a true freshman.

[ChitownHawg]

I have always maintained that Bama hurt Tyler Wilson in his first year as starter. The game was in AL. Tyler was speared six times before the zebras ever threw a flag.

(Anyone who thinks SEC zebras don't favor the "big" programs is just blind).

Tyler wasn't JUST concussed. He was shaken to his core. He was never again as sharp as he had been in the Auburn game the year before.

Bama did that to us again two years ago, in the rain in Fay. Only this time, it was Brandon instead of Tyler. So far, BA has still appeared "shaken" also.

Now the GOOD news is....Klenakis is no longer in charge of defending these kids. Pittman is. And....we finally have a running game to keep opposing linebackers honest.

And MAYBE.... A couple of receivers who can get separated. Maybe.

The job of QB for the Hogs just might not be a suicide mission this year.

If...Brandon ' s confidence isn't permanently damaged.

If it is.... we start a true freshman.

Tyler definitely took a beating. For BA I am more in the camp of his injury lingered thus reduced his capability. However, I am very happy to hear CBB state there will  be competition. I would like to see his little brother take over as I think he is more skilled. Of course I thought Ryan Leaf was going to be an NFL superstar! 

[Steef]

Tyler definitely took a beating. For BA I am more in the camp of his injury lingered thus reduced his capability. However, I am very happy to hear CBB state there will  be competition. I would like to see his little brother take over as I think he is more skilled. Of course I thought Ryan Leaf was going to be an NFL superstar! 

The reason I don't have a lot of hope for AA, is that he couldn't win a game snap last season when BA went down and Derby came in.

Without bashing anyone, suffice to say the opportunity was there.

I think we see some QBS transferring after this season. With Peavey and Storey on deck, it's gonna be handwriting on the wall time.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

The reason I don't have a lot of hope for AA, is that he couldn't win a game snap last season when BA went down and Derby came in.

Without bashing anyone, suffice to say the opportunity was there.

I think we see some QBS transferring after this season. With Peavey and Storey on deck, it's gonna be handwriting on the wall time.

Don't disagree, based on what we know of the situation.

[ChitownHawg]

The reason I don't have a lot of hope for AA, is that he couldn't win a game snap last season when BA went down and Derby came in.

Without bashing anyone, suffice to say the opportunity was there.

I think we see some QBS transferring after this season. With Peavey and Storey on deck, it's gonna be handwriting on the wall time.

That is an understandable conclusion, but I would counter with we simply don't know CBB's mindset toward burning his red shirt. I do agree we have some good QBs coming in, but I am not ready to write off AA. This Spring practice is going to show us a lot.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

That is an understandable conclusion, but I would counter with we simply don't know CBB's mindset toward burning his red shirt. I do agree we have some good QBs coming in, but I am not ready to write off AA. This Spring practice is going to show us a lot.

With the position that we found ourselves in last year with BA being hurt and then finding that Derby couldn't execute at the level we needed, and having two other QB's on the bench, one would have thought that one of those two could have done as well as we did when BA was out.

Of course the fact that it didn't happen does raise questions.

Did AA just and Mitchell not grasp the offense as they should have at that time?

Was there some kind of agreement between Bielema and Bobby Allen that Austin woud not be thrown to the wolves in his freshman year and retain his RS no matter what?

Ancient history at this point I suppose, but I do agree with Steef that with Brandon Allen being a Jr. this year, Austin and Mitchell lined up behind him as R/Fr, the addition of Peavey this season and then Storey the next, I think I is likely that we see someone who feels that their opportunities for playing time are diminishing at QB at Arkansas, either changes postions or transfers. JMO

[ChitownHawg]

With the position that we found ourselves in last year with BA being hurt and then finding that Derby couldn't execute at the level we needed, and having two other QB's on the bench, one would have thought that one of those two could have done as well as we did when BA was out.

Of course the fact that it didn't happen does raise questions.

Did AA just not grasp the offense as he should have at that time?

Was there some kind of agreement between Bielema and Bobby Allen that Austin woud not be thrown to the wolves in his freshman year and retain his RS no matter what?

Ancient history at this point I suppose, but I do agree with Steef that with Brandon Allen being a Jr. this year, Austin and Mitchell lined up behind him as R/Fr, the addition of Peavey this season and then Storey the next, I think I is likely that we see someone who feels that their opportunities for playing time are diminishing at QB at Arkansas, either changes postions or transfers. JMO

Come on Muskogee a guy needs some hope.  I'm hanging on by my fingernails that he didn't want to burn the red short no matter what - stop stepping on my fingers. 

[Capt. Hamm]

If he is not much improved from last year, I hope he doesn't start. Surely we have someone just as good or better in waiting.

[Steef]

That is an understandable conclusion, but I would counter with we simply don't know CBB's mindset toward burning his red shirt. I do agree we have some good QBs coming in, but I am not ready to write off AA. This Spring practice is going to show us a lot.

Not trying to be argumentative, but Coach had no trouble playing any other true freshman he needed.

As I said, the opportunity was REALLY there. For a stretch of several games. No sign of AA  or Duwop.

I liked Muskogee ' s hedge. Based on what we do already know....

And...

If Peavey lives up to his billing (he's already proven himself to be a great kid and devoted Hog...but that doesn't win him a spot)

Or if Storey does...

Anyway, it suits me fine if ANY of them can actually get the job done. But Brandon ' s "experience" factor, does not (imo) cement anything for him in 14.

It was not a great experience.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Come on Muskogee a guy needs some hope.  I'm hanging on by my fingernails that he didn't want to burn the red short no matter what - stop stepping on my fingers. 

Not meaning to rain on your parade Locus, but this is how things are lining up, and inquiring minds want to know what is going to happen.

[Deep Shoat]

The reason I don't have a lot of hope for AA, is that he couldn't win a game snap last season when BA went down and Derby came in.

Without bashing anyone, suffice to say the opportunity was there.

I think we see some QBS transferring after this season. With Peavey and Storey on deck, it's gonna be handwriting on the wall time.

The opportunity wasn't really there.  CBB was going to protect redshirts unless one of the true freshmen truly stood out.  Just being serviceable wasn't good enough to burn the shirt. 

I imagine BA will win the job.  If he doesn't, it will be his brother unless Rave is awesome.

DuWop is a safety.

[Lake City Hog]

I don't understand why some of you think that BB was "trying to save redshirts" when he played several true freshmen whose play had absolutely no bearing on how our season played out. Meanwhile using a freshman QB could possibly have won us a couple of games.

[ChitownHawg]

Not trying to be argumentative, but Coach had no trouble playing any other true freshman he needed.

As I said, the opportunity was REALLY there. For a stretch of several games. No sign of AA  or Duwop.

I liked Muskogee ' s hedge. Based on what we do already know....

And...

If Peavey lives up to his billing (he's already proven himself to be a great kid and devoted Hog...but that doesn't win him a spot)

Or if Storey does...

Anyway, it suits me fine if ANY of them can actually get the job done. But Brandon ' s "experience" factor, does not (imo) cement anything for him in 14.

It was not a great experience.

I get that side of the argument as well. I think if the QB position can be solidified , not a game manager, our offense can take some heat off of the defense. There are at least 3 QBs who had the skills in high school to run and throw. With our backfield and a couple of decent WRs going along with a QB who can hurt you in multiple ways could make us scarey good.

It just comes down to can one of the QBs bring their high school game to the next level? This includes BA.

[Kevin]

He starts

[Mike_e]

Until BA got hurt he was showing improvement every game as I recall.  The only true freshmen that played either were head and shoulders above the other players at their position and were the only real choice or were destined to be backups anyway and redshirting them wasn't needful.

After BA got hurt I think that CBB realized what a cluster the defense was and how the season was going to go so that jerking the redshirt off of AA was pointless so why not save him.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I get that side of the argument as well. I think if the QB position can be solidified , not a game manager, our offense can take some heat off of the defense. There are at least 3 QBs who had the skills in high school to run and throw. With our backfield and a couple of decent WRs going along with a QB who can hurt you in multiple ways could make us scarey good.

It just comes down to can one of the QBs bring their high school game to the next level? This includes BA.

I may be wrong, but I think the evaluation of our QB's is going to come down to a few basic things. We don't know who will rate higher in these areas overall, but if one could indentify who rates higher overall in these traits, you would know who the next starter will be, not factoring in experience.

1. Leadership-Leading the team, tough minded, controls the huddle, resolved to succeed, able to lift the team when situations seem difficult, inspiring, leads by example, on and off the field. The true team leader. Calm even when under fire.

2. Intelligence-Ability to make quality decisions quickly, student of the game, not only engages in a lot of film study, but understands the nuances of how that film study effects the game plan and how he should react in any situation given what he has learned about the opponent. Makes the proper reads, ability to call correct audibles, doesn't force the ball even when inclined to do so, avoids turnovers because of better judgement, understands the total offensive philosophy and how it is to be executed.

3. Strength AND Accuracy-Needs to have a strong arm but must also have the ability to put the ball in the right spot. One is little good without the other. Must be able to throw a 25 yards post-corner route, a 40 yard fade as well as a 5 yard slant, though all require different trajectories, velocity and touch.

4. Size-These days with linemen of mega size and heighth, it preferable that a QB be 6-4 to 6-6 to offer them a better view of the field over the top of these mamooth offensive linemen. Greater height provides the QB with the opportunity to see coverages, routes, oncoming blitzes as they develop, etc. As we all know this isn't absolutely necessary for a QB to be successful in the SEC, but greater height certainly helps in this way.

5. Mobility-Greater mobility and escapeability is more important if you are a shorter, rather than taller QB, but the importance of this is also directly relevant to the type of offense philosophy that you employ. Regardless of the offense a teams runs, all QB's need to have the ability and agility to step-up in the pocket and plant their feet prior to a throw, be able to step outside the rush and make a play, or using better judgement, have enough mobility to pull the ball down and at least get back to the original LOS (preventing negative plays) or perhaps gain a few or more yards in the process.

[ChitownHawg]

I may be wrong, but I think the evaluation of our QB's is going to come down to a few basic things. We don't know who will rate higher in these areas overall, but if one could indentify who rates higher overall in these traits, you would know who the next starter will be, not factoring in experience.

1. Leadership-Leading the team, tough minded, controls the huddle, resolved to succeed, able to lift the team when situations seem difficult, inspiring, leads by example, on and off the field. The true team leader. Calm even when under fire.

2. Intelligence-Ability to make quality decisions quickly, student of the game, not only engages in a lot of film study, but understands the nuances of how that film study effects the game plan and how he should react in any situation given what he has learned about the opponent. Makes the proper reads, ability to call correct audibles, doesn't force the ball even when inclined to do so, avoids turnovers because of better judgement, understands the total offensive philosophy and how it is to be executed.

3. Strength AND Accuracy-Needs to have a strong arm but must also have the ability to put the ball in the right spot. One is little good without the other. Must be able to throw a 25 yards post-corner route, a 40 yard fade as well as a 5 yard slant, though all require different trajectories, velocity and touch.

4. Size-These days with linemen of mega size and heighth, it preferable that a QB be 6-4 to 6-6 to offer them a better view of the field over the top of these mamooth offensive linemen. Greater height provides the QB with the opportunity to see coverages, routes, oncoming blitzes as they develop, etc. As we all know this isn't absolutely necessary for a QB to be successful in the SEC, but greater height certainly helps in this way.

5. Mobility-Greater mobility and escapeability is more important if you are a shorter, rather than taller QB, but the importance of this is also directly relevant to the type of offense philosophy that you employ. Regardless of the offense a teams runs, all QB's need to have the ability and agility to step-up in the pocket and plant their feet prior to a throw, be able to step outside the rush and make a play, or using better judgement, have enough mobility to pull the ball down and at least get back to the original LOS (preventing negative plays) or perhaps gain a few or more yards in the process.

It is really nice to discuss football. Let's come back to your points after the Red White game and see how they grade out. Man this is old time Hogville. Thanks Muskogee.

[HVHog]

If BA starts again, it's going to be another long year of disappointment.  He doesn't have "it".

[The NewEra]

With the position that we found ourselves in last year with BA being hurt and then finding that Derby couldn't execute at the level we needed, and having two other QB's on the bench, one would have thought that one of those two could have done as well as we did when BA was out.

Of course the fact that it didn't happen does raise questions.

Did AA just and Mitchell not grasp the offense as they should have at that time?

Was there some kind of agreement between Bielema and Bobby Allen that Austin woud not be thrown to the wolves in his freshman year and retain his RS no matter what?

Ancient history at this point I suppose, but I do agree with Steef that with Brandon Allen being a Jr. this year, Austin and Mitchell lined up behind him as R/Fr, the addition of Peavey this season and then Storey the next, I think I is likely that we see someone who feels that their opportunities for playing time are diminishing at QB at Arkansas, either changes postions or transfers. JMO

Agreed, with Peavey on campus since January and Story coming in next year the noose has tightened at the q.b. position.  Competition is starting to get real stiff. 

I'm also in the category that's leery of AA or Mitchell being able to step up and challenge BA.  I don't see practices, so we don't know, but my guess is BA practices well, but plays with less composure in a real game setting.

My belief is BA will start, but if he shows signs of 1) interceptions 2) not working his way through the progression 3) throwing the ball away way too soon on third downs which he did a lot of last year, then we may be seeing Peavey breaking into the starting role, or whoever is next best, AA, etc.

BA was certainly injured last year, but those injuries didn't account for a lot of his failures as a q.b.  We can only hope he has improved considerably.

[The NewEra]

I may be wrong, but I think the evaluation of our QB's is going to come down to a few basic things. We don't know who will rate higher in these areas overall, but if one could indentify who rates higher overall in these traits, you would know who the next starter will be, not factoring in experience.

1. Leadership-Leading the team, tough minded, controls the huddle, resolved to succeed, able to lift the team when situations seem difficult, inspiring, leads by example, on and off the field. The true team leader. Calm even when under fire.

2. Intelligence-Ability to make quality decisions quickly, student of the game, not only engages in a lot of film study, but understands the nuances of how that film study effects the game plan and how he should react in any situation given what he has learned about the opponent. Makes the proper reads, ability to call correct audibles, doesn't force the ball even when inclined to do so, avoids turnovers because of better judgement, understands the total offensive philosophy and how it is to be executed.

3. Strength AND Accuracy-Needs to have a strong arm but must also have the ability to put the ball in the right spot. One is little good without the other. Must be able to throw a 25 yards post-corner route, a 40 yard fade as well as a 5 yard slant, though all require different trajectories, velocity and touch.

4. Size-These days with linemen of mega size and heighth, it preferable that a QB be 6-4 to 6-6 to offer them a better view of the field over the top of these mamooth offensive linemen. Greater height provides the QB with the opportunity to see coverages, routes, oncoming blitzes as they develop, etc. As we all know this isn't absolutely necessary for a QB to be successful in the SEC, but greater height certainly helps in this way.

5. Mobility-Greater mobility and escapeability is more important if you are a shorter, rather than taller QB, but the importance of this is also directly relevant to the type of offense philosophy that you employ. Regardless of the offense a teams runs, all QB's need to have the ability and agility to step-up in the pocket and plant their feet prior to a throw, be able to step outside the rush and make a play, or using better judgement, have enough mobility to pull the ball down and at least get back to the original LOS (preventing negative plays) or perhaps gain a few or more yards in the process.

All good points!

[Mike Irwin]

I like what Clint Stoerner has been saying. He said he didn't rehab his shoulder separation properly and it took two years to get his strength back. He said they do a much better job of that these days. Those who have seen Brandon Allen throwing say he is fully recovered thanks to the job Ben Herbert has done with him in the weight room.

Stoerner also said he doesn't see Rafe Peavey making an impact this season. He said when he played as a true freshman he didn't know what the hell was going on. You are processing too much information and find yourself overwhelmed in games compared to a year or two later when you have more knowledge of the offense and have adjusted to the speed of the game.

[ChitownHawg]

I like what Clint Stoerner has been saying. He said he didn't rehab his shoulder separation properly and it took two years to get his strength back. He said they do a much better job of that these days. Those who have seen Brandon Allen throwing say he is fully recovered thanks to the job Ben Herbert has done with him in the weight room.

Stoerner also said he doesn't see Rafe Peavey making an impact this season. He said when he played as a true freshman he didn't know what the hell was going on. You are processing too much information and find yourself overwhelmed in games compared to a year or two later when you have more knowledge of the offense and have adjusted to the speed of the game.

Well grudgingly I admit Stoerner may know a thing or two about being a QB. Yet where Stoerner may know quarterbacking - I am more opinionated! Doesn't that make my points valid? 

[Mike Irwin]

Stoerner also said that the number one offensive issue this spring is not at quarterback but at wide receiver. No quarterback on this team is going to be successful until they develop some guys who can run disciplined routes, get open and catch the ball. When they are facing tight coverage they have to fight for the ball instead of standing in place and letting the QB get picked off.

[The NewEra]

I like what Clint Stoerner has been saying. He said he didn't rehab his shoulder separation properly and it took two years to get his strength back. He said they do a much better job of that these days. Those who have seen Brandon Allen throwing say he is fully recovered thanks to the job Ben Herbert has done with him in the weight room.

Stoerner also said he doesn't see Rafe Peavey making an impact this season. He said when he played as a true freshman he didn't know what the hell was going on. You are processing too much information and find yourself overwhelmed in games compared to a year or two later when you have more knowledge of the offense and have adjusted to the speed of the game.

This is my biggest concerns with anyone other than BA.  We should all hope that BA has put it all together now and stays healthy.  Bringing in a rooking with no SEC playing experience could greatly reduce the overall potential of this team on offense.

I'm very optimistic about this team for 2014 assuming BA is a SEC caliber q.b. with good decision making ability.  Fingers crossed X

[ChitownHawg]

On a related note - will we be reading practice reports from Hogville like we use to?

[weresoclose]

NC State was 3-9, like us...in the ACC

Doesn't matter which conference they are in, considering Arkansas couldn't win a single game in theirs.  I fail to see what you are arguing.  Perhaps NC State would have won a game in the SEC, is that what you mean?

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Doesn't matter which conference they are in, considering Arkansas couldn't win a single game in theirs.  I fail to see what you are arguing.  Perhaps NC State would have won a game in the SEC, is that what you mean?

Get back to topic, NC State isn't the topic of this thread.

[ldfergu]

I think he starts game 1. The competition this year should be a but more stiff and hopefully push BA to excel. I really don't want to go to Auburn with a QB with zero experience.  BA gives us our best shot to win game 1. May change down the road

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I think he starts game 1. The competition this year should be a but more stiff and hopefully push BA to excel. I really don't want to go to Auburn with a QB with zero experience.  BA gives us our best shot to win game 1. May change down the road

He certainly has the lead, based on experience. But the competition may be greater this year, than last and there isn't any QB that has this locked up at this point.

[ldfergu]

He certainly has the lead, based on experience. But the competition may be greater this year, than last and there isn't any QB that has this locked up at this point.

Yeah I agree. I just hope our QB woes end this year

[ricepig]

Come on Muskogee a guy needs some hope.  I'm hanging on by my fingernails that he didn't want to burn the red short no matter what - stop stepping on my fingers. 

AA was recruited with the understanding he would red shirt and put another year in between he and Brandon.

[Steef]

Well grudgingly I admit Stoerner may know a thing or two about being a QB. Yet where Stoerner may know quarterbacking - I am more opinionated! Doesn't that make my points valid? 

LOL

I was thinking the same about myself.

I respect Clint a lot.

[Hawgzinbowlz]

Brandon will start the Auburn game and Nicholls State.
If CBB and CJC think a change would help for conference play, the TT or NI game would give them a look/see, at a back-up, without jeopardizing a conference game.
I don't think it will happen unless BA is very ineffective.

" GO HOGS "

[MuskogeeHogFan]

AA was recruited with the understanding he would red shirt and put another year in between he and Brandon.

I'm interested in this and have heard that there was some implied guarantee that AA would be relegated to a RS his Freshman year, no matter what occurred. Tell us more about this if you have knowledge of it.

[OneTuskOverTheLine™]

  I've seen a bunch of football. History is on BA's side. History of the game, not his struggles from last season. Tyler Bray is the last one to come to mind among many, many others who got dramatically better from Soph to Jr seasons. I guess we'll see.
  I too would like to see a true freshman come in and be all sec his 1st year and win the Heisman his last 3 years at Arkansas, but that has ONLY happened in EA sports fantasy world. Not once, ever, in the history of the game has it ever, ever ,ever happened. EVER....

[OneTuskOverTheLine™]

I think he starts game 1. The competition this year should be a but(T) more stiff and hopefully push (deleted) to excel. I really don't want to go to Auburn with a QB with zero experience.  BA gives us our best shot to win game 1. May change down the road

Freudian slip..?  +1

[RebelliousHog]

I may be wrong, but I think the evaluation of our QB's is going to come down to a few basic things. We don't know who will rate higher in these areas overall, but if one could indentify who rates higher overall in these traits, you would know who the next starter will be, not factoring in experience.


4. Size-These days with linemen of mega size and heighth, it preferable that a QB be 6-4 to 6-6 to offer them a better view of the field over the top of these mamooth offensive linemen. Greater height provides the QB with the opportunity to see coverages, routes, oncoming blitzes as they develop, etc. As we all know this isn't absolutely necessary for a QB to be successful in the SEC, but greater height certainly helps in this way.

I wouldn't argue with any of your points. I would say that Drew Bres is hardly a physical giant and he defies the concept of tall QBs.

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

?

Who is #1?

I think the bigger question is who will we have at WR that will step up and be a play-maker.  Much less information to process.  I hope they spend MORE time working on routes and catching the ball, than blocking for the run.

If we don't have a play-maker or 2 at WR/TE, it won't matter who the QB is, or if AC and JW continue to run the ball well.

I'd like to see Henry involved more - I think he's got that play-maker "X" factor.

[hobhog]

If BA starts again, it's going to be another long year of disappointment.  He doesn't have "it".

Possibly. But his arm was shot last year and I'll see what he has in the spring. His injury was far worse than I thought apparently.

That being said, I'd love for someone to shine and beat him out thru competition.

[bennyl08]

You also have to take context into the matter when talking about why Derby played. First, Derby had experience playing qb at JUCO, which is a lot tougher than playing HS football in Arkansas. Plus, he did a mostly good job of not turning the ball over. Unlike RB, WR, and CB where you expect to rotate guys in and out, or the OL where you are playing 5 different guys who you rotate some, qb isn't a position you rotate, barring injury or blowout. Combine that with the fact that it takes a lot more mental development to play that than any other position, and there is a stronger desire to preserve a RS there than other positions.

Hence, Derby was was second string and early on was the only guy who had too many meaningful reps once the season started, and went in to finish the game after BA was hurt. Plus, we didn't know how bad or not the injury would be. Once the severity was determined (keep in mind that BA almost played vs rutgers...), the coaches had a feeling that it would only be 1 week w/o BA. Now, combine that with the fact that this was going to be the first real away game. You have a qb who has experience vs a rookie who has none. Plus, you are probably expecting your defense and run game to be superior enough to win you the game. Austin may throw the ball a lot better than Derby, but he was probably worse at reading the defense and still had too much confident in his own arm, trying to force dangerous throws. If you have a guy who will throw 270 yards, but have 1 td and 3 interceptions while in hostile territory vs someone who will throw for 150 yards, but not turn the ball over, the coach may be choose the poorer passer for the one game on the road, with the expectation you are getting your starter back the next week. Had they though BA would be out for 4+ weeks, I imagine their decision may have been different.