A respectable QB conversation:

[JAYBEZ]

Ok fellow cocktalkers, now without putting your caps locks voices on, here is the question I pose to you:

Do you feel good/comfortable with the QB options that could be at the helm next year?

This year, We had a 5th year senior that really came on towards the end of the season. He had the benefit of having more time with Spurrier's system. Next year we are most likely looking at either a redshirt sophomore or a redshirt freshman.

Does the general cockytalk audience have confidence in the progression of the above options? Do we think they will be able to guide us into eastern title contention or do you forsee us have trouble at the QB position as they go through growing pains?

[smoovecock]

8-4 is the best we can do......If the O-line blocks and give our young QBs some time...but that is a big if....

[The Yancey]

The QB position is the least of my worries for next year's team.

[SpurFever2009]

I'll be honest...I get a little nervous when I think about our QB situation for next year. Smelley had his moments where he impressed this season, but I don't see where he can lead us for a full season. To me, he's a good back up.

Now let's talk Garcia. There is a lot of hype surrounding him and I'd love for him to live up to every bit of it. But until I see him perform at a high level, I can't feel completely confident about our QB situation next year.

I can't forget about Beecher. I like his style of play better than Smelley's. Although we haven't gotten to see him play much.

I do have confidence in Spurrier that he will have one of these guys ready to play. Whoever it is, they have my support! GO COCKS!!!!

[COCKSHAFT]

here is where I am optimistic . . .look at Oklahoma, they started a Red Shirt freshman this year, and tought him to just manage the game and do the minimum he needs to do ( just dont beat the team) this is what gives me hope that Garcia or Smelley can do this next year.


I really see Garcia taking the reigns early, as he seems to have the drive to want to be awesome and excel early. He seems to have the FIRE that has been missing for a LONG time at the QB position.

[cack]

well first off ... the SEC East is going to be absolutely LOADED next year ... winning the East will mean that you are one helluva football team next year ... with that being said ... we will be a better football TEAM top to bottom than this year ... although the record may not be 9-3 10-2 ... i'm not saying we're going to lose any game ... but with how talented the rest of the SEC is going to be ... and week in week out playing that schedule will be TOUGH

[Ga_Gamecock]

The QB position is arguably the most important position in the college ranks ... just look waht happened to oregon when Dickson went down.

Our situation is all going to depend on how well Garcia progresses over the offseason.

SOS seems very upbeat when talking about garcia. I feel that SOS knows he has a throughbred in SG and one that can get yards with his legs (when needed) not just using SOS' system. In other words, hes got himself a playmaker.

If SG shines in the offseason, i expect him to win the starting job at some point in 08

Smelley is a solid QB. He played timid IMO many times this year, but thats to be expected from a Fr. But overall i was impressed. i was glad to see he didnt force as many throws as i expected from a Fr in the SEC. With that said, his timid play limited him, and our O many times. He needs to develop chemisty with our young WRs and play with more confidence - agian, somethign that comes in time ...

overall, i give him a B. showed maturity as a Fr, didnt make too many mistakes, didnt do anything special to win games either. SOS said he needs to learn the checks better

But Smelley has all the tools. If garcia learns the sys, i think his arm strength and mobility win the battle for the QB spot next season ...

we shall see

[Spurticus]

If the offensive line grows up, either of the QB's could run the offense.
Smelley was not all that impressive against stiffer competition, but with another year's experiance . . who knows, he could at least be another "Phil Petty" type QB and I'd have no problem with that. Phil didn't possess a cannon arm, but he could run the offense well by making good decisions.
My personal opinion is that Garcia will take over though. He's going to have to make mistakes to learn to run the offense, but I'd rather have a guy in as a freshman making mistakes and learning from them, than to have a guy in that is a RS Soph. continue to make mistakes (saying this IF Smelley doesn't improve).
Either way, if our O/Line continues getting whipped off the snap, then it doesn't matter who's running the offense. We'll continue to sputter and "make do" with what we have. And Hope we get some breaks here and there. . . Not a recipe for success.

[JAYBEZ]

The QB position is arguably the most important position in the college ranks ... just look waht happened to oregon when Dickson went down.

Our situation is all going to depend on how well Garcia progresses over the offseason.

SOS seems very upbeat when talking about garcia. I feel that SOS knows he has a throughbred in SG and one that can get yards with his legs (when needed) not just using SOS' system. In other words, hes got himself a playmaker.

If SG shines in the offseason, i expect him to win the starting job at some point in 08

Smelley is a solid QB. He played timid IMO many times this year, but thats to be expected from a Fr. But overall i was impressed. i was glad to see he didnt force as many throws as i expected from a Fr in the SEC. With that said, his timid play limited him, and our O many times. He needs to develop chemisty with our young WRs and play with more confidence - agian, somethign that comes in time ...

overall, i give him a B. showed maturity as a Fr, didnt make too many mistakes, didnt do anything special to win games either. SOS said he needs to learn the checks better

But Smelley has all the tools. If garcia learns the sys, i think his arm strength and mobility win the battle for the QB spot next season ...

we shall see



Good post. It echos my sentiments. I think the job is going to initially be Smelley's going into spring ball.

It will be up to Garcia to really develope a strong understanding of the system. If he can do so, I think he will win the job. But that isn't a small task to undertake.

It should also be known that if Garcia wins out, our QBs are going to need to consult the WRs in Green Bay. Because that is going to be like cathing Bret Favre Fastballs without a mit.

[Cockholio]

I'm expecting growing pains regardless of who will start. Neither are experienced. Smelly has played, but I wouldn't necessarily qualify him as "experienced". With our favorable schedule next season, we could be as good as 7-5, 8-4. I really don't see us doing any better than that with the current experience level of our most important offensive ball-handling position.

Wouldn't it be interesting to see if Coach Spurrier went the same rout as Meyer in '06, where he used his experienced qb (Leak) as his starter and brought in Tebow on certain down's/situations. That strategy worked out pretty well for Florida.

[willy]

I'll be honest...I get a little nervous when I think about our QB situation for next year. Smelley had his moments where he impressed this season, but I don't see where he can lead us for a full season. To me, he's a good back up.

Now let's talk Garcia. There is a lot of hype surrounding him and I'd love for him to live up to every bit of it. But until I see him perform at a high level, I can't feel completely confident about our QB situation next year.

I can't forget about Beecher. I like his style of play better than Smelley's. Although we haven't gotten to see him play much.

I do have confidence in Spurrier that he will have one of these guys ready to play. Whoever it is, they have my support! GO COCKS!!!!



I will leave that in our coaches hands. They surely are more informed than i am, thats what they get the big bucks to do.

[cack]

The QB position is arguably the most important position in the college ranks ... just look waht happened to oregon when Dickson went down.



not to change the subject of the thread ... but the back up QB for Oregon was recruited to run a COMPLETELY different office ... he even said that if he knew the offense was going to end up like that he wouldn't have went to Oregon because that's completely opposite of his style

[JAYBEZ]

I'm expecting growing pains regardless of who will start. Neither are experienced. Smelly has played, but I wouldn't necessarily qualify him as "experienced". With our favorable schedule next season, we could be as good as 7-5, 8-4. I really don't see us doing any better than that with the current experience level of our most important offensive ball-handling position.

Wouldn't it be interesting to see if Coach Spurrier went the same rout as Meyer in '06, where he used his experienced qb (Leak) as his starter and brought in Tebow on certain down's/situations. That strategy worked out pretty well for Florida.

I think I would rather just have a tailback take the direct snap. No need in garcia taking the tebow beating.

[TStone]

The offensive line will be the key to it all. We have some good QBs who have proven to make good decisions when they have time to throw the ball. Garcia is the question mark, but I think we'll all be looking forward to seeing him get his chance.

With Kenny coming back and Lecorn & Cook coming on as legitimate targets down field AND with Brian Maddox working in tandem with Mike Davis in the backfield to give our QB options I like our future... IF (huge "if" here) our offensive line starts playing like a SEC O-line. They need to come out guns blazing... no more of this crap like we've seen the past three years.

[Mecklenburg Cock]

not to change the subject of the thread ... but the back up QB for Oregon was recruited to run a COMPLETELY different office ... he even said that if he knew the offense was going to end up like that he wouldn't have went to Oregon because that's completely opposite of his style

What "office" did he think he was going to work in?:rotfl:

Seriously, we have a lot of talent at QB. This position is the least of my worries and one of the positions I'm really looking forward to watching next year.

[ConwayGamecock]

I think Smelley will be able to do fine for us initially. Smelley was a RS freshman, yet still started half the season, and had a 4-2 record as such. Blake was a RS soph in '05, when he started in Spurrier's offense for the first time, and '05 was Blake's best season in many ways. Chris will start next season - at the same point Blake did - with a ton more experience.

As others have said, I will wait to see Garcia actually play in a game to get a better read on him, but he too should have benefitted from the redshirt year studying the schemes...

[deenerbug]

Does the general cockytalk audience have confidence in the progression of the above options? Do we think they will be able to guide us into eastern title contention or do you forsee us have trouble at the QB position as they go through growing pains?

I think they'll be able to guide us into eastern title contention eventually, but I don't know that it will happen next year. If it does, well then wonderful!! Garcia may need a season under his belt. I hope it's Garcia, anyway, or at least a more developed Smelley who doesn't throw into coverage or float the ball so much.

[Click]

What we lack in experience at QB will be made up for with more talent. And in the case of Garcia we'll have more leadership and fire at the position, rather than someone who throws the ball 10 yards over a receiver's head and then smiles about it on the sidelines.

[lynesjc]

Either way, if our O/Line continues getting whipped off the snap, then it doesn't matter who's running the offense.

Quoted for truth.

[McNasty]

if our o-line can improve i'll be comfortable.

however, i will be much more comfortable with Garcia (assuming he is progressing as well as everyone is saying). here's how i see the big three.

Smelley had some troubles this year, especially the corner route. he's made bad decisions, buckled under pressure, and his arm strength seemed a question mark this year.
Beecher has shown brilliance at times, but we haven't heard or seen enough to have a clear analysis of him. i take that as nothing special. if we dont hear anything, he must not be showing anything special at practice.
Garcia has been praised lately. it is said, and has been since the spring, that he has the best arm on the team, not to mention he can move very well which is what we need with how our o-line is playing.

i feel that Garcia will give us the best chance, if things continue to progress in the fashion that they are now. Garcia and Smelley will be our starting QBs in the spring game, and it will end up Garcia against NC St.

if that does end up being the case, i will be comfortable with it. very comfortable. we need mobility and arm strength, and he has both.

[CaptainCrunch]

It's going to be fun to watch smelly and garcia battle it out for the starting QB position. I really wish Spurrier would let them battle it out all spring and summer and name a starter and not yank him out of there and put in the other the first time he has a bad game.

[usc91ece]

Spurrier brings up QB mobility frequently now. Including Sunday's teleconference. He seems convinced you need someone that is athletic and can move around and make some yards when needed. Garcia is one example, as is Aramis Hillary.

[AtlGAMECOCK]

i am just ready to watch all the Qb's battle for a start.

[bcgibson75]

Here's what I've seen of Garcia in a pre-season scrimmage:

A. Ran the spread option with Brian Maddox in the backfield. He can stop and cut on a dime---very impressive for his 1st few weeks of practice. Not the same style runner as Syvelle, but elusive the same way.

B. Threw a TD on corner route about 15-20 yds out(I think to Jared Cook) that really made you go WOW! The same route Blake threw his 1st TD to Kenny McKinley against Clemson.

And his biggest asset is.....of course....his swagger. The kid just gets that a QB has to be the cockiest guy on the field, and it filters down to everyone else in the huddle.

Hey might throw 15 INT's his first full year, but I'll put money on him throwing over 25 TD's!!!

[big cock fan]

whats wrong with the country today is that everyone expects a freshmen to do it all. Chris i though played very very well, i mean he outplayed our fifth year sr qb. He had a terrible oline and some of you say he buckled under pressure, he look way way more confident then blake did. He looked great against UNC until the second half when we just ran the ball and then in the vandy game i thought he played way better then blake did. He only got a few series in the UT game till blake came in. I think SG and chris are both going to be playing alot next year as they both are great athletes. But dont only look at the few mistakes chris made his FRESHMEN year and say he isnt going to be good. Put him with a good oline and a great set of wideouts this year and he would of blown it up.

I think we have three great qb's out there that if the oline plays well we will have a really good team.

[CoverTwo]

Smelley has the tools to be a great one..I watched him warm up during the Clemson and Florida games and he was zinging it..I really think his shoulder injury was still bothering him earlier this season..The only thing that could lead to his demise is that he told Spurrier that the defenses were moving too fast and he couldnt make the plays..I doubt any coach wants to hear that from their QB.

[johnmcclane]

i'm just ready for gamecock football

[Gamecockfanatic4]

QB is not on the top of my list of worries as much as Run Defense and the O-line going into next year

If I had to hadicap it I'll give the slight edge to Smelley because he has proven he can win in the SEC a couple times

[thekob]

I believe Smelley will be the starter at the beginning of the season with Beecher and Garcia battling for the backup role. To beat a dead horse, it all depends on the O line. Smelley is more mobile than Blake and I don't think we've seen his full potential. He's got a lot of time to work on things and he's got the character to dedicate himself to work on him. He always impressed me how he was cheering for his teammates on the sideline and encouraging Blake when Blake was given the start over him. That's someone who I want on my team.

As for Garcia, what's the difference between swagger and youthful brashness? Remember Kendrick Ellis was talking about how he was going to be a predetor in the backfield last year and he's only broken into the rotation late this year (I think he'll be getting better and look forward to seeing him next year, fwiw). QB's need maturity, and what worries me is that with his "swagger" if things don't go his way is he going to have the maturity to come back the next series to get it done, or will he be streaky like Mitchell. Only time will tell. I hesitate to believe all the great things I'm hearing since if he was indeed better than Smelley at this point, he would've been playing. Hopefully (this seems like deja vu) he'll keep himself out of trouble and stay focused so that he can achieve what he's capable. Heck...that goes for the whole freakin' team!

[Ga_Gamecock]

i
Beecher has shown brilliance at times, but we haven't heard or seen enough to have a clear analysis of him. i take that as nothing special. if we dont hear anything, he must not be showing anything special at practice.


Not a flame ... or to slight beecher ... but please tell me when he has shown flashes of brilliance?

Im serious - i didnt think he had seen the field enough to have shown us anything... good or bad.

[evilpoptart]

I think it was smart for Smelly to get his nose bloodied a little bit this year aganist some of the SEC teams. For the first time I can remember there will actually be a battle for the quarterback position which can only help.

[big cock fan]

I believe Smelley will be the starter at the beginning of the season with Beecher and Garcia battling for the backup role. To beat a dead horse, it all depends on the O line. Smelley is more mobile than Blake and I don't think we've seen his full potential. He's got a lot of time to work on things and he's got the character to dedicate himself to work on him. He always impressed me how he was cheering for his teammates on the sideline and encouraging Blake when Blake was given the start over him. That's someone who I want on my team.

As for Garcia, what's the difference between swagger and youthful brashness? Remember Kendrick Ellis was talking about how he was going to be a predetor in the backfield last year and he's only broken into the rotation late this year (I think he'll be getting better and look forward to seeing him next year, fwiw). QB's need maturity, and what worries me is that with his "swagger" if things don't go his way is he going to have the maturity to come back the next series to get it done, or will he be streaky like Mitchell. Only time will tell. I hesitate to believe all the great things I'm hearing since if he was indeed better than Smelley at this point, he would've been playing. Hopefully (this seems like deja vu) he'll keep himself out of trouble and stay focused so that he can achieve what he's capable. Heck...that goes for the whole freakin' team!


Good post my man, i agree with alot that you said. I think we have lots of talent there thats still developing, guys have said that in the huddle chris was great and very confident, which is something that i think garcia and chris both have. I dont think we can lose with any of the three that we have. But none of this matters if we cant block for them, and make some holes for the running back. Or if the other team has the ball the whole game by running it.

Either way i dont see how we can be any worse next year at both blocking and run defense.

..BCF

[Order 66]

It's hard to make any predictions untill after the spring game.

I just hope our guys stay out of the newspaper untill then, and we can have a top 25 recruiting class.

[Will4144]

Three Spurrier recruited and taught QB's? I'm not the least bit worried. Spurrier will go into the year with five QB's he recruited and three that have been in the system for at least a year. Whichever one he chooses will have my full support and belief.

[bcgibson75]

To beat a dead horse, it all depends on the O line. Smelley is more mobile than Blake

Garcia can run circles around Blake and Smelley---which is fine, they're drop-back passers.

[/quote]As for Garcia, what's the difference between swagger and youthful brashness? Remember Kendrick Ellis was talking about how he was going to be a predetor in the backfield last year and he's only broken into the rotation late this year[/quote]

I don't remember Garcia say he's was going to be All-SEC his 1st year here.

I'm not down on Smelley, but Garcia brings more to table that we're going enjoy watching as he matures as a QB.

[McNasty]

Spurrier brings up QB mobility frequently now. Including Sunday's teleconference. He seems convinced you need someone that is athletic and can move around and make some yards when needed. Garcia is one example, as is Aramis Hillary.

aramis hillary is the man! he'll compete after a redshirt year.

[kosimpsononthestop]

i know anyone who saw the state championship game will think im crazy but if garcia cant cut it, i would rather see reid play than the other two. i though smelleys arm was too weak to play in the sec. i have seen reid play plenty of times and last saturday was no indication of his ability at all. hopefully with him coming in early, he can learn a few things and make a good impression with steve.

[JAYBEZ]

I think some people may be placing to much emphasis on Garcia's feet. He isn't syvelle, and he won't be running a spread option. He will be expected to drop back and pass just like every other spurrier QB. The running option will only present itself if the play breaksdown.

Even still, its not like Garcia has a huge speed advantage over Smelley. Garcia runs a 4.68 and Smelley a 4.85. They have more then enough wheels to run if needed.

The focus, I believe, should be more on play recognition and passing ability. The running issues shouldn't have any bearing on who is our QB.

[McNasty]

I think some people may be placing to much emphasis on Garcia's feet. He isn't syvelle, and he won't be running a spread option. He will be expected to drop back and pass just like every other spurrier QB. The running option will only present itself if the play breaksdown.

Even still, its not like Garcia has a huge speed advantage over Smelley. Garcia runs a 4.68 and Smelley a 4.85. They have more then enough wheels to run if needed.

The focus, I believe, should be more on play recognition and passing ability. The running issues shouldn't have any bearing on who is our QB.

that speed difference is enough to noticed at other positions. it's more than people think.

i dont really want him running the speed option so much honestly. i dont think we're that type of program. i know it's spurrier, but still. i'd rather see a smashmouth football game, maybe an occasional power option with him and BMad.

and i see his feet more for escapability than for running plays. i love the idea of Garcia escaping out of the pocket, and especially the pocket moving by design on rollouts and have him launch the ball deep on the run.

[FoghornLeghornCock]

I know some seem confused that SOS is bringing in so many new RBs with the numbers we had coming back. I think the reason is SOS does not want to put this team on the back of redshirt freshman Garcia or redshirt sophomore Smelley who played several games. We were toward the bottom of the NCAA in rushing last year, reality is Mike Davis may turn into a red zone type back if we can find our Moreno like GA did. No doubt competition at RB will be keen as it looks like we may add at least one more RB. The key to this will be getting an offensive line to help get our running game going and give our young QBs time to develop by not relying on them to carry our team. Maybe we should be asking who is playing on the offensive line otherwise the results at QB may look like this year at QB.

[Ga_Gamecock]

I think some people may be placing to much emphasis on Garcia's feet. He isn't syvelle, and he won't be running a spread option. He will be expected to drop back and pass just like every other spurrier QB. The running option will only present itself if the play breaksdown.

Even still, its not like Garcia has a huge speed advantage over Smelley. Garcia runs a 4.68 and Smelley a 4.85. They have more then enough wheels to run if needed.

The focus, I believe, should be more on play recognition and passing ability. The running issues shouldn't have any bearing on who is our QB.


while i agree 100% about the emphasis on SGs feet, i will say that i cant imagine him being 4.68-slow. there are fast DL that can run 4.7s... if he was running a 4.5 in HS (and he looks fast on film) im sure our staff hasnt done anything to slow him down... quite the opposite.

and FWIW, i wasnt cracking on Beecher, McNasty (just to be clear). He really hasnt had a chance to shine, so i wasnt calling him out, i just wasnt sure if i missed a game or two where he played and showed flashes of 'brilliance' ... i hear he has a strong arm, but his PT (as far as i can remeber) has been limited to 2 or 3 plays (one pass??) in death valley in 06.

and i may have said this already in this thread, but SG wont be a Tebow for us. He will be a pass-1st QB who can run to the sticks when the OL faulters or when he sees daylight. But i do expect the OL play to improve exponentially over the next two years (that is, if we dont have any OL attrition) as we build depth n gain experience

i want to see "wurrfel with wheels" under center, and thats what i expect

[Gamecock History]

I was not very optimistic about this season going into it for a number of reasons, but I think we are going to be a beast of a team next year. The QB situation will be fine. We will have 2 QB's that can run (Garcia & Hillary), an experienced and smart QB that will be entering his 3rd year in the system (Smelley), a dependable QB that can come in and play a few snaps here and there if necessary (Beecher), and a very talented freshman QB that will be enrolling in January (McCollum).

Personally, I think Garcia will win the starting job with one of the other QB's still getting some playing time. I think his mobility will be a huge weapon next year and the leadership at the QB position will be evident for the first time in many season.

I think the OL will be one of our stong points next season along with our receivers & tight ends. The defensive line is what still concerns me, I hope our DE's can get big enough for our coaching staff to have enough faith to run a 4-3 defense to stop the run.

[usc90grad]

I didn't read through all the posts, but will say if Smelley is our QB next year, I will be extremely disappointed and won't feel good about our chances.

[willy]

I didn't read through all the posts, but will say if Smelley is our QB next year, I will be extremely disappointed and won't feel good about our chances.



And so will I.

[reddot8481]

The problem with position controversies is that you have too much talent at one position to have a sure starter. This is a good thing IMHO because we have an experienced 3rd year player with Smelley, a cocky talented backup Garcia, and several backups who could start on other teams. I'm not gonna give Garcia the starting position yet, he has to prove it on the field. I have heard good things about him from Spring Practice and scout teams over the season, but until SOS makes that call I'm goin with Smelley as our starting QB next year.

Next years team will be alot better than this year for a number of reasons. One being we will have several of our injured players back (one hopefully). Another that we were very young this year, the DL, Secondary, OL, and WR all were manned by alot of Freshman and Sophmores. The SEC as a whole will be better next year (unfortunately) which means we will have to do alot better to reach our goals.

[Freehawk]

our first worry is blocking and tackling

[Cruzer]

If the offensive line grows up, either of the QB's could run the offense.
Smelley was not all that impressive against stiffer competition, but with another year's experiance . . who knows, he could at least be another "Phil Petty" type QB and I'd have no problem with that. Phil didn't possess a cannon arm, but he could run the offense well by making good decisions.
My personal opinion is that Garcia will take over though. He's going to have to make mistakes to learn to run the offense, but I'd rather have a guy in as a freshman making mistakes and learning from them, than to have a guy in that is a RS Soph. continue to make mistakes (saying this IF Smelley doesn't improve).
Either way, if our O/Line continues getting whipped off the snap, then it doesn't matter who's running the offense. We'll continue to sputter and "make do" with what we have. And Hope we get some breaks here and there. . . Not a recipe for success.

I agree he could be another Petty type QB. And that's a good thing. I think Smelley will get the nod at 1st. But I think we'll see a lot of Garcia, sharing time with Smelley. But the Oline has got to do well every game. I'm hoping that Spurrier will really work those QB's hard and have all of them really ready to start, anyone of them.

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

8-4 will be a great building foundation going into next season

[Dr. Cock]

I'm going to have to agree with the other posters on here:

I'm not nearly as worried about the QB position as I am with the OL. If we can give our starting QB time, then his confidence will sky-rocket and it'll give him time to deliver the ball into the hands of our playmakers (K-Mac, Lecorn). It'll also help open up lanes for Davis and Maddox.

A good OL is the most essiential cog we have been missing since Spurrier has been here. We got a glimpse of what it would look like at the end of the 06 season, and that was the best ball we have played under Spurrier's tenture.

[ra742002]

here is where I am optimistic . . .look at Oklahoma, they started a Red Shirt freshman this year, and tought him to just manage the game and do the minimum he needs to do ( just dont beat the team) this is what gives me hope that Garcia or Smelley can do this next year.


I really see Garcia taking the reigns early, as he seems to have the drive to want to be awesome and excel early. He seems to have the FIRE that has been missing for a LONG time at the QB position.

one thing you didn't mention is that Oklahoma has a DOMINATING Offensive line. We do not, and until we get one, we'll have another average QB, and another average year.

[ra742002]

one more thing, I would LOVE to have a guy like Smelley or Beecher step in and play like Phil Petty did. Phil wasn't flashy and didn't have a GREAT arm, but he managed the game, was a great leader, and always played his heart out. He was a good QB. He did, after all, win 2 outback bowls. No other Carolina QB can say that he won 2 bowl games.

[BuCockyfan]

one thing you didn't mention is that Oklahoma has a DOMINATING Offensive line. We do not, and until we get one, we'll have another average QB, and another average year.

And an insane rb, great WR, great defense.

So Oklahoma is pretty much the complete opposite of us.

[jellafever]

I didn't read through all the posts, but will say if Smelley is our QB next year, I will be extremely disappointed and won't feel good about our chances.

Couldn't agree more.

[GeathersFan]

I really think the development of our QBs all depend on our Oline. I was watching some other teams and saw the time their QBs were being given and it was amazing. The QB can actually go through three reads. This is what is missing in our offense. Our QBs can go through a full progression and are checking off to a run play because of it. This is why The Ol' Ball Coach is always upset with bad audibles. The QBs don't trust the Oline. I think Garcia can be the X-Factor to carry us another year, but I have yet to see him play. I am worried that the Oline will limit the development of our QBs instead of coaching.

[JAYBEZ]

I didn't read through all the posts, but will say if Smelley is our QB next year, I will be extremely disappointed and won't feel good about our chances.

Firstly:
I can't believe you are so willing to throw smelley to the side after a RS freshmen year.

I think you expect to much to quick. And we might be able to take your same post and apply it again next year to Garcia if your position spreads. The QB position is not an easy one to pick up and does require some time.

Be patient.

Secondly:
I want to jump on the hype wagon that garcia is pulling to town, but I am just not sure a freshmen can have enough of the system down to be effective as we need him to be. And I surely don't want to throw him to the scorn that he may face after 4 games of not living up to USC90grad's expectations.

I feel much more comfortable with smelley under center at this point. I know he has game experience and working knowledge of the gameplan.

Hopefully Garcia can have a good sprign and show us that he deserves the role... otherwise, smelley cock all the way.

[Dr. Cock]

Firstly:
I can't believe you are so willing to throw smelley to the side after a RS freshmen year.

I think you expect to much to quick. And we might be able to take your same post and apply it again next year to Garcia if your position spreads. The QB position is not an easy one to pick up and does require some time.

Be patient.

Secondly:
I want to jump on the hype wagon that garcia is pulling to town, but I am just not sure a freshmen can have enough of the system down to be effective as we need him to be. And I surely don't want to throw him to the scorn that he may face after 4 games of not living up to USC90grad's expectations.

I feel much more comfortable with smelley under center at this point. I know he has game experience and working knowledge of the gameplan.

Hopefully Garcia can have a good sprign and show us that he deserves the role... otherwise, smelley cock all the way.

Couldn't have agreed with you more.

[CofC07]

I say put in Garcia- assuming he can play even reasonably well and let him gain experience and lets ride him into the future. I say throw him in there and lets go..end of story.

[Spurticus]

I agree he could be another Petty type QB. And that's a good thing. I think Smelley will get the nod at 1st. But I think we'll see a lot of Garcia, sharing time with Smelley. But the Oline has got to do well every game. I'm hoping that Spurrier will really work those QB's hard and have all of them really ready to start, anyone of them.


I see this statement a lot, and have seen it every season that Spurrier has been at USC, but tell me:
When at any time in Spurrier's coaching career (Duke, Florida, Washington, and here), has he run a two QB system ??
Spurrier is quick to pull the trigger when a QB is not performing, but when a QB is pulled, he is out for the remainder of AT LEAST that game.
People said that they thought Spurrier would run a Two QB system with Mitchell and Heffner, Mitchell and Thompson, Newton and Mitchell, Mitchell and Beecher, Mitchell and Smelley and now Smelley and Garcia . . . . . . That ain't gonna happen. We all keep thinking he's going to do it, but he's not that type of coach. Either Smelley or Garcia (or one of the freshmen) will start and go as long as they can move the offense. If it boggs down, someone else will come in a run it.
Even when Syvelle Newton was under center last season, when he was pulled in the Arky game, he never got back under center again the rest of the season. The offense was moving with Blake back in, And That's all Spurrier wants.

[JAYBEZ]

I see this statement a lot, and have seen it every season that Spurrier has been at USC, but tell me:
When at any time in Spurrier's coaching career (Duke, Florida, Washington, and here), has he run a two QB system ??
Spurrier is quick to pull the trigger when a QB is not performing, but when a QB is pulled, he is out for the remainder of AT LEAST that game.
People said that they thought Spurrier would run a Two QB system with Mitchell and Heffner, Mitchell and Thompson, Newton and Mitchell, Mitchell and Beecher, Mitchell and Smelley and now Smelley and Garcia . . . . . . That ain't gonna happen. We all keep thinking he's going to do it, but he's not that type of coach. Either Smelley or Garcia (or one of the freshmen) will start and go as long as they can move the offense. If it boggs down, someone else will come in a run it.
Even when Syvelle Newton was under center last season, when he was pulled in the Arky game, he never got back under center again the rest of the season. The offense was moving with Blake back in, And That's all Spurrier wants.

I don't think he will run a two QB system, but Spurrier has done that in the past.

Several commentators like to bring up the instance at florida when he would rotate two qbs on each play. They guy going in took the play with him.

But again, like I said, I don't think he will run that here. We may see our QBs get pulled several times next season but it wont be because of play design.

[willy]

8-4 will be a great building foundation going into next season



I am with you on that, BigFinchCock.

[Will4144]

I see this statement a lot, and have seen it every season that Spurrier has been at USC, but tell me:
When at any time in Spurrier's coaching career (Duke, Florida, Washington, and here), has he run a two QB system ??
Spurrier is quick to pull the trigger when a QB is not performing, but when a QB is pulled, he is out for the remainder of AT LEAST that game.
People said that they thought Spurrier would run a Two QB system with Mitchell and Heffner, Mitchell and Thompson, Newton and Mitchell, Mitchell and Beecher, Mitchell and Smelley and now Smelley and Garcia . . . . . . That ain't gonna happen. We all keep thinking he's going to do it, but he's not that type of coach. Either Smelley or Garcia (or one of the freshmen) will start and go as long as they can move the offense. If it boggs down, someone else will come in a run it.
Even when Syvelle Newton was under center last season, when he was pulled in the Arky game, he never got back under center again the rest of the season. The offense was moving with Blake back in, And That's all Spurrier wants.

He may do something like he did with Antonio Heffner. Every once in a while, just throw in a running QB and let him run it.

[CoverTwo]

Spurrier rotated QB's every play against Florida State one year.

[willy]

He may do something like he did with Antonio Heffner. Every once in a while, just throw in a running QB and let him run it.



That's not Spurrier's style.

[roosterrizk1]

I think we will have a passing QB that can run !!!

[Ga_Gamecock]

He may do something like he did with Antonio Heffner. Every once in a while, just throw in a running QB and let him run it.


IMO the only reason AH even saw time at QB is b/c blake was hurt ... and that SOS didnt have another option at QB. man the cupboard was bare in 05

[JAYBEZ]

That's not Spurrier's style.

In his press conference two days ago he said they would be adding running plays for the QB.

I am not really a fan, but if it wins game, I don't care.

[Ga_Gamecock]

Firstly:
I can't believe you are so willing to throw smelley to the side after a RS freshmen year.

I think you expect to much to quick. And we might be able to take your same post and apply it again next year to Garcia if your position spreads. The QB position is not an easy one to pick up and does require some time.

Be patient.




While i like the FB talk, i find it hilarious how we talk up QB recruits - year after year....

One thing will always remain constant in college football: the backup QB is always the best player on the team...


"Petty sucks - we will dominate with Jenkins"

"Jenkins is terrible - i hear Pinkins is going to shine!"

"Pinkins can chuck it 80 yards but cant complete a 10 yard pass - i hear Wrathe has a laser!"

"jucos like Wrathe never pan out, but blake is an elite 11 QB"

"blake cant read a zone and/or isnt mobile - where is syvelle"

"I cant wait for Smelley to take over - he was a 4*!"

"SG will be the next tanneyhill!"

"McCollum has a stronger arm than Smelley"

"SG isnt as moblie as A Hillary - I hope we run the spread option"

LOL


I think with these current players and this staff we are going to shatter the USC record book. We have more aths on the roster than i can remember


go cocks

[cocky2007]

While i like the FB talk, i find it hilarious how we talk up QB recruits - year after year....

One thing will always remain constant in college football: the backup QB is always the best player on the team...


"Petty sucks - we will dominate with Jenkins"

"Jenkins is terrible - i hear Pinkins is going to shine!"

"Pinkins can chuck it 80 yards but cant complete a 10 yard pass - i hear Wrathe has a laser!"

"jucos like Wrathe never pan out, but blake is an elite 11 QB"

"blake cant read a zone and/or isnt mobile - where is syvelle"

"I cant wait for Smelley to take over - he was a 4*!"

"SG will be the next tanneyhill!"

"McCollum has a stronger arm than Smelley"

"SG isnt as moblie as A Hillary - I hope we run the spread option"

LOL


I think with these current players and this staff we are going to shatter the USC record book. We have more aths on the roster than i can remember


go cocks


So true.

Contrary to many of the posts on this thread, I thought Smelley did pretty well this year, especially for a freshman. He did a lot better than Matthew Stafford did when Stafford was a freshman.

But it looks like Spurrier is really high on Garcia from the way he's been talking lately.

[JAYBEZ]

I wonder if spring practices will be open this year.


This closed practice stuff stinks.

[canman]

I think the OL will be one of our stong points next season along with our receivers & tight ends. The defensive line is what still concerns me, I hope our DE's can get big enough for our coaching staff to have enough faith to run a 4-3 defense to stop the run.


Well this is my first post so i know what i say will not carry alot of weight but i dont understand how anyone can think that the OL will be one of our strong points next season!!!! Although whoever SOS decides to be the one to take the snaps i just hope that he will stick with them and give him the opportunity to earn the teams trust.

[JAYBEZ]

Well this is my first post so i know what i say will not carry alot of weight but i dont understand how anyone can think that the OL will be one of our strong points next season!!!! Although whoever SOS decides to be the one to take the snaps i just hope that he will stick with them and give him the opportunity to earn the teams trust.

number of post doesn't equal intelligence man... look at me!


Keep the good stuff coming.

[Spurticus]

I don't think he will run a two QB system, but Spurrier has done that in the past.

Several commentators like to bring up the instance at florida when he would rotate two qbs on each play. They guy going in took the play with him.

But again, like I said, I don't think he will run that here. We may see our QBs get pulled several times next season but it wont be because of play design.

I stand corrected.
I forgot about him doing that against a team once while he was in Florida. I even heard Spurrier talk about it on one of his call-in shows the first year he was here. . . . . But I think it was for one team that season, and not an offensive system. He used it as a gameplan for one game.
There were times when he'd bring Syvelle Newton in to run a few plays under center, but it was scripted and not him rotating QB's in and out in a system. Again, this is something Spurrier I don't think would do, or even consider doing under normal circumstances. . . . I think you'll see a one QB system and he'll go with whoever moves the chains consistantly.

[TheGuitarCock]

I stand corrected.
I forgot about him doing that against a team once while he was in Florida. I even heard Spurrier talk about it on one of his call-in shows the first year he was here. . . . . But I think it was for one team that season, and not an offensive system. He used it as a gameplan for one game.
There were times when he'd bring Syvelle Newton in to run a few plays under center, but it was scripted and not him rotating QB's in and out in a system. Again, this is something Spurrier I don't think would do, or even consider doing under normal circumstances. . . . I think you'll see a one QB system and he'll go with whoever moves the chains consistantly.

I agree. Kinda. I think Spurrier wants to stick with his "pasing" offense. I don't see him bringing Garcia in just to run.