depth chart

[jackl]

I keep debating whether to join the who should be QB fray. What the heck, it's Monday. My preference would be to regain TB's RS year, so that leaves me with Casey and Whitmer. And, by the way, just so I am clear the AD forced the staff to play TB and TJ relented. Got it. Those of us who have some recall of the O after 4 games last year and also presume TJW was a man before he ran out on the field in December in short sleeves, might choose to think otherwise. I think TB is exactly what HCBD wants down the road, a big, strong armed passer who can see over the trees he is recruiting up front, but I would prefer that development begin in full in 15, with 3 years to grow.

That leaves 2. For 2 years I have wanted to see Whitmer shine. And he does, at times. And then, he does something stupid. His arm is not that strong, his feet not that quick, and he holds on to the ball too long. And then he inevitably tries the impossible, at least for this squad. Let's be honest, every possession counts this year. We need time of possession, long drives, and mistake-free football. I am at a point where I don't trust Whitmer to deliver that.

The last 2 games were really fun. They put a smile back on the fan of UConn faces and led us all to believe there was hope. But they were 2 games. CC was not so good against SMU, not good against Temple, and mop up duty means you're playing against 2d and 3d stringers, so I give less credit there. Like Whitmer, he is small, does not possess a strong arm, and is slow. But he gets rid of the ball quickly, is accurate, and showed poise that was off the charts at the end of the year. If he can continue to do that, he should get the nod in 14.

And that would be how HCBD plays 2 QBs. Let CC start, but give CW some reps., both to keep him ready and to reward him for coming back. And let TB sit and learn. And, go find another QB to come in next year (transfer or recruit), as we need to rebuild depth at the position.

We have to remember that CW is probably one concussion away from prolonged bench time due to that brilliant wideout play called by gdl from the booth last year. OL has to protect, protect and protect who ever wins the starting roll.
GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pepband99]

I keep debating whether to join the who should be QB fray. What the heck, it's Monday. My preference would be to regain TB's RS year, so that leaves me with Casey and Whitmer. And, by the way, just so I am clear the AD forced the staff to play TB and TJ relented. Got it. Those of us who have some recall of the O after 4 games last year and also presume TJW was a man before he ran out on the field in December in short sleeves, might choose to think otherwise. I think TB is exactly what HCBD wants down the road, a big, strong armed passer who can see over the trees he is recruiting up front, but I would prefer that development begin in full in 15, with 3 years to grow.

That leaves 2. For 2 years I have wanted to see Whitmer shine. And he does, at times. And then, he does something stupid. His arm is not that strong, his feet not that quick, and he holds on to the ball too long. And then he inevitably tries the impossible, at least for this squad. Let's be honest, every possession counts this year. We need time of possession, long drives, and mistake-free football. I am at a point where I don't trust Whitmer to deliver that.

The last 2 games were really fun. They put a smile back on the fan of UConn faces and led us all to believe there was hope. But they were 2 games. CC was not so good against SMU, not good against Temple, and mop up duty means you're playing against 2d and 3d stringers, so I give less credit there. Like Whitmer, he is small, does not possess a strong arm, and is slow. But he gets rid of the ball quickly, is accurate, and showed poise that was off the charts at the end of the year. If he can continue to do that, he should get the nod in 14.

And that would be how HCBD plays 2 QBs. Let CC start, but give CW some reps., both to keep him ready and to reward him for coming back. And let TB sit and learn. And, go find another QB to come in next year (transfer or recruit), as we need to rebuild depth at the position.

Agreed with the TB and Whitmer points. Disagree on CC vs Temple - leading that ragged bunch to a win was no small feat.

 

[noeynox]

The only thing I will say about the QBs is that CC was the only one of the three that when he had pressure in his face, didn't make matters worse by dropping back further. He stepped up in the pocket buying himself an extra .5 second to get rid of the ball. That is kinda rare in young QBs. Early on in his career, I think it is the one thing that distinguished Tom Brady from many NFL QBs. The league has really adopted this. Not comparing CC to Brady. Just that he is kid that is polished beyond what his physical capabilities would seem to dictate that he could accomplish. Just appears to think the game better.

 

[ktuck911]

In CC I trust... This kid was the only one of the 3 that showed the 'it' factor... I understand each kid has something but CC did it in live action. I don't see what either of the CW or TB can convince me that their the better option for us right now. IMO, not even close... And we'll see that in a few weeks HCBD will name CC his guy.. My belief, my opinion. IF that doesn't happen, then, to me, that position again becomes an even bigger question mark...

QB is a funny position guys. Either you have it or you don't. CC has proven he does... Yes, he can always get better, as well he should, but his ability supercedes the others on our squad... Again my feelings... Just look at the tape...

 

[gioff23]

Agreed with the TB and Whitmer points. Disagree on CC vs Temple - leading that ragged bunch to a win was no small feat.

Again, I dont want to sound like i am bashing the kid, b/c I am not and will not. What we saw in last 2 games, was just pure fun. But he completed 8 passes against Temple. 8. For a little over 100 yards. the D won that game - from the willman play before the half to the Smallwood TD.

I think he starts this year. But I think it'll be because HCBD will treasure possessions and most would like to see TB regain his RS (and provide separation in eleigibilty between TB and CC).

 

[huskyblooz]

My favorite QB will be the backup. Always has, always will.

 

[rich1122]

Casey made throws that I have not see since Dan O. The one to D Bradley for a TD against RU (I think) was really nice. It arrived as he made the break. No chance for the DB - none. Granted he did get more protection than CW and the competition not as good but man he threw it there.

Will be interesting to see if he is more mobile with the weight loss and training.

 

[Jerry27]

Again, I dont want to sound like i am bashing the kid, b/c I am not and will not. What we saw in last 2 games, was just pure fun. But he completed 8 passes against Temple. 8. For a little over 100 yards. the D won that game - from the willman play before the half to the Smallwood TD.

I think he starts this year. But I think it'll be because HCBD will treasure possessions and most would like to see TB regain his RS (and provide separation in eleigibilty between TB and CC).

The first half of that game was just god awful on both sides of the ball, 21 pts down at the half and we won. Casey played a huge part of that along with Smallwood carrying the D. From that point on they realized they can win, and did. Watch the Rutgers game, completely different team, attitude and posture, one mistake or being down didn't mean the end of the world they fought and prevailed. They need to carry that over and I think that's what HCBD is making sure of first and foremost.

2 1/2 weeks to prep week, 3 1/2 weeks to game time!

 

[ktuck911]

Casey made throws that I have not see since Dan O. The one to D Bradley for a TD against RU (I think) was really nice. It arrived as he made the break. No chance for the DB - none. Granted he did get more protection than CW and the competition not as good but man he threw it there.

Will be interesting to see if he is more mobile with the weight loss and training.

He might've had more protection as you say, but there's no denying CC's decision making is a little quicker than CW's

 

[Excalibur]

I keep debating whether to join the who should be QB fray. What the heck, it's Monday. My preference would be to regain TB's RS year, so that leaves me with Casey and Whitmer. And, by the way, just so I am clear the AD forced the staff to play TB and TJ relented. Got it. Those of us who have some recall of the O after 4 games last year and also presume TJW was a man before he ran out on the field in December in short sleeves, might choose to think otherwise. I think TB is exactly what HCBD wants down the road, a big, strong armed passer who can see over the trees he is recruiting up front, but I would prefer that development begin in full in 15, with 3 years to grow.

That leaves 2. For 2 years I have wanted to see Whitmer shine. And he does, at times. And then, he does something stupid. His arm is not that strong, his feet not that quick, and he holds on to the ball too long. And then he inevitably tries the impossible, at least for this squad. Let's be honest, every possession counts this year. We need time of possession, long drives, and mistake-free football. I am at a point where I don't trust Whitmer to deliver that.

The last 2 games were really fun. They put a smile back on the fan of UConn faces and led us all to believe there was hope. But they were 2 games. CC was not so good against SMU, not good against Temple, and mop up duty means you're playing against 2d and 3d stringers, so I give less credit there. Like Whitmer, he is small, does not possess a strong arm, and is slow. But he gets rid of the ball quickly, is accurate, and showed poise that was off the charts at the end of the year. If he can continue to do that, he should get the nod in 14.

And that would be how HCBD plays 2 QBs. Let CC start, but give CW some reps., both to keep him ready and to reward him for coming back. And let TB sit and learn. And, go find another QB to come in next year (transfer or recruit), as we need to rebuild depth at the position.

I'm going to quibble a bit on some of your points.

First, I think that your observations about Whitmer are correct, at least as they pertain to arm strength and decision-making. I think his foot speed is better than people realize, though, and that PP and GDL were on him not to abandon the pocket and try to run. Let's not downplay the issue of shell-shock with Whitmer, either.

Don't underrate CC's performance against second-stringers, particularly vs. Louisville. They had a smattering of first string guys still in the game, and they were teeing off on him with pass rushers, trying to keep us from scoring a touchdown. CC managed that drive very well.

Against Temple it's tough to say he was or wasn't good. We went very conservative in that game. He only threw it 6 times in the second half. SMU wasn't nearly as bad as you say. His two picks were late in desperation time. He was very good for most of that game.

I think that if Boyle can solve his accuracy issues, he is the prototype that the staff is looking for. For now, I think the fairly obvious choice is Cochran.