I'm not sure we have better alternatives if Cochran is indeed shelved for concussions. Our long term still might be best by redshirting Boyle.
"Boyle can't be worse" does not necessarily mean "Boyle must be significantly better". And by pointing this out, it does not make me a quote-unquote "Whitmer supporter". It makes me skeptical of this year's offense overall.I disagree. Boyle can't be worse. If Cochran is shelved, getting reps for Boyle is the best thing we can do. Whitmer is not capable of leading this team to 6 wins so what's the point of playing him?
I won't try to defend Whitmer's play and I don't think anyone here will. In the short term, if Boyle gets reps in practice, is mentally and physically ready, he very well may do better than Whitmer. The media haven't been allowed to watch practices so we don't really know how he's doing. In the long term, redshirting Boyle is the logical choice if it's at all possible. It may not be possible this year, but if I were the head coach I wouldn't make that decision before the Boise game. The main problem as I see it, is a small improvement over Whitmer will probably not be enough to beat Boise, and it may not be worth more than a win or two all season long unless the OL really steps up and can protect the QB and also run-block well to keep defenses honest. So the real question should be, would you trade Boyle's redshirt for 1, maybe 2 wins, when we may not make a bowl game even with those wins?
"Boyle can't be worse" does not necessarily mean "Boyle must be significantly better". And by pointing this out, it does not make me a quote-unquote "Whitmer supporter". It makes me skeptical of this year's offense overall.
Great?Overall the offense played great. Whitmer was inconsistent over throwing open guys. The score would of been different if Whitmer was on point.
Agreed. Our O-Line got manhandled by a FCS D-Line. The number of unblocked defenders getting into the backfield was embarrassing. Where were the holes for the running game everyone here wants us to run all the time??Great?
Agree with you last point. I certainly hope Cochran can come back and stay healthy. I am guessing Diaco will not make the decision to burn the redshirt in the 3rd game of the evaluation period, unless Casey is done for the season. I would certainly wait until you know for sure. One could argue a redshirt for a QB is worth more than a redshirt for a lineman.Yes I would. The redshirt is overrated. It all comes down to Casey. Will he play again and if so how soon. If he is done you go with reps for Boyle. Reps for the young guys has been the theme at every other position, why not the most important position on the field? Diaco isn't even protecting the redshirts of offensive linemen. Again it all comes down to Casey.
"Boyle can't be worse" does not necessarily mean "Boyle must be significantly better". And by pointing this out, it does not make me a quote-unquote "Whitmer supporter". It makes me skeptical of this year's offense overall.
Great?
Great?
Agreed. Our O-Line got manhandled by a FCS D-Line. The number of unblocked defenders getting into the backfield was embarrassing. Where were the holes for the running game everyone here wants us to run all the time??
It provides zero benefit this year. It *potentially* benefits the program by giving the *potential* QB of the future a year to develop. 2016, 2017 Boyle would have more of Diaco's recruits at OL, etc. If he plays in 2014 it could be a repeat of 2013, which I think we all agree was detrimental to his confidence and development.You're not answering the question. How does starting Whitmer benefit the program? When did I imply the that Boyle would be significantly better? If we are going to suck at QB lets at least work on improving the guy that will help the program long term. If Casey is not going to play that guy is Boyle.