One Argument is Now Ended

[Garnet Gamecock]

Like it or not, there has been quite a bit of arguing over which quarterback should start, etc. for quite some time...

One of the most common arguments has been "Dylan shouldn't start because 1) he was never highly recruited and 2) all of his success was against shoddy defenses."

Well, nothing can be done about #1 but #2 has now been addressed. Michigan has a very stout defense, to say the least.

I think both guys are capable of leading us to success (and perhaps equally sharing the burden, giving us changeup options at quarterback that could give opponents fits).

...and I also think Dylan has shown enough that only a hater would suggest he would be unsuccessful as a starter. He has made numerous throws while standing in the face of oncoming linemen and he has shown that he has a cannon for an arm. Those that criticized his accuracy were confusing non-starter jitters with his true ability to be accurate once he calms down.

I also think we have all noticed that Dylan gets loose when the pressure mounts. It's amazing to watch how he reacts when it's all on the line.

We are so blessed to have two guys that can lead us to victory under any circumstance.

Both are gifted and are tremendous. I think Coach will utilize both in a big way next year, realizing Dylan should start his senior year.

[kman]

I agree. I have often said that Thompson should start and then just use Shaw in situations where we need him to run or mix it up, but yesterday it worked out great. Although personally, I would have liked to see Thompson play just a little bit more.

[MillerTime843]

I like Thompson starting more....He stays in the pocket as long as possible to make a play. As Shaw will get gun-shy and run if he doesn't see anything. I like Thompson and if he could ever get time to throw ah man. Not to mention our receivers seem to get open for Thompson

[Don Giovanni]

I couldn't disagree more with the premise of this thread. If anything, what yesterday's game did was cause more questions. And I don't think Michigan's pass defense was all it was hyped up to be. Yes, I realize they were missing their best DB, but one guy wasn't the reason no other team had passed for more than 200 yards against them this year, but our QBs combined for 341, so I think the only thing that really came to light was the fact their pass defense was overrated. That's not to say our guys didn't play extremely well for the most part or that anything should be taken away from them, but look at more than JUST the production.

[GoFightWin]

We need a legitimate running game before Thompson gets the start. He is a more polished passer but without a running game, Shaw gets the edge.

Still have no idea why Davis didn't get more carries this year.

[Coondog]

The first time Spurrier ever gave agame ball to 2 QB's in the same game. The good news is that we have at least 2 QB's capable of winning games for us. It also lets Spurrier run Shaw more without having the worry of him getting hurt and not having someone to step in without the offense losing a step. It's a win win situation.

[Travelin]

With his 70-yard pass to Nick Jones, Dylan Thompson has three completions of 50-plus yards on 121 passes this season. Connor Shaw only has five such passes in 430 career throws.

I like what Shaw brings to the table when healthy, but with Spurrier's love for the long ball, Dylan is quickly maneuvering his way into the starter's spot.

[FanofCarolina1]

Shaw is definitely a Warrior, but I don't think we'll EVER see Dylan try to run on a 3rd and 24.

[gripitandripit2007]

Originally Posted by Garnet Gamecock

Like it or not, there has been quite a bit of arguing over which quarterback should start, etc. for quite some time...

One of the most common arguments has been "Dylan shouldn't start because 1) he was never highly recruited and 2) all of his success was against shoddy defenses."

Well, nothing can be done about #1 but #2 has now been addressed. Michigan has a very stout defense, to say the least.

I think both guys are capable of leading us to success (and perhaps equally sharing the burden, giving us changeup options at quarterback that could give opponents fits).

...and I also think Dylan has shown enough that only a hater would suggest he would be unsuccessful as a starter. He has made numerous throws while standing in the face of oncoming linemen and he has shown that he has a cannon for an arm. Those that criticized his accuracy were confusing non-starter jitters with his true ability to be accurate once he calms down.

I also think we have all noticed that Dylan gets loose when the pressure mounts. It's amazing to watch how he reacts when it's all on the line.

We are so blessed to have two guys that can lead us to victory under any circumstance.

Both are gifted and are tremendous. I think Coach will utilize both in a big way next year, realizing Dylan should start his senior year.

Couldn't agree more with MOST of this. I for one have been on Connors side for being the starter b/c he has earned it and has statistically played better againt both good and bad D's and Dylan hasn't proven he can do it against a good D YET...until yesterday. I think Michigan's D was better than what i thought and Dylan made some pretty throws and played really good. Do i think he should start over Connor yet...no...i think Connor has done far more and not done much to lose his starting job yet...but it's still great to know that if he gets hurt or if he has a bad game we have another capable guy to come in and get the job done

[bhs04]

Dylan needs to start and Connor can come in as a Change of pace guy to run that is also a legitimate threat to pass when he's in there.

[GarnetArmy07]

Everyone always loves the backup. Connor still deserves to be the starter bc he has continued to take care of the ball, but DT has played incredibly well. It's a great problem to have when you have two very capable qbs that can make plays, plus we all know SOS loves the deep ball.

[GarnetArmy07]

Originally Posted by GoFightWin

We need a legitimate running game before Thompson gets the start. He is a more polished passer but without a running game, Shaw gets the edge.

Still have no idea why Davis didn't get more carries this year.

^^^This.

[TheUSCMike]

Originally Posted by FanofCarolina1

Shaw is definitely a Warrior, but I don't think we'll EVER see Dylan try to run on a 3rd and 24.

WE saw him do it on 3rd and 19

[TheUSCMike]

My thoughts on these threads:

[cofcgamecock9]

As I said in another thread, I know I am really crazy for thinking this and all, but for some really strange reason I think that whoever Spurrier says should start should start.

I know that is such a far fetched concept and I feel crazy even typing it out, but I just have this crazy idea that I should trust the Coach Spurrier has a better idea about who should play than me.

I was so bothered by this concept that I even did one of those Pro Con lists where I put Spurrier on one side and myself on the other. For Spurrier, I had so many pros that I ran out of paper on that column. For me, I wrote down message board expert.

I am really glad I did that exercise though or I wouldn't have known.

[U-Dub Gamecock]

We talked about this on the way out of the stadium.... really should be an interesting spring, then fall practice... Dillon has improved so freaking much from the Vandy game until now...

I have always been in favor of Connor starting.. but Dillon really has been impressive...

[JNGolf]

Next year add Connor Mitch... I love our QB situation.

[JDStud6]

It's going to be the exact same next year. Mitch will RS so we'll go between Shaw and Thompson all year...and I'm ok with that. It's working, and both have their strengths and weaknesses....so let it be.

JD

[Gamecocks4Life86]

A big reason y i like DT is bc hes patient and isnt afraid to get Hit like that last TD throw he made yesterday! Had that been Shaw i truly think he wouldve started running bc he has shown that as soon as he feels pressured he runs. Regardless, they are both great QBs and both have their strengths and weaknesses. im just glad i dont have to worry anymore if the starting QB goes down for an injury

[ScottK]

Originally Posted by GoFightWin

We need a legitimate running game before Thompson gets the start. He is a more polished passer but without a running game, Shaw gets the edge.

Still have no idea why Davis didn't get more carries this year.

This is correct. Shaw was the only player who was able to run at all yesterday.