The all things Boyle Merged Thread

[ShakyTheMohel]

If Whitmer was just going to sit and watch CC play, this hypothesis would make sense. But he wasn't. We know from opening day that Whitmer was going to get somewhere around a third or more of the snaps. To think he'd get this many snaps if Boyle was clearly better than him makes no sense to me.

But enough. I've made my point. Obviously not everyone see it that way.

Because Boyle has a different skillset than Whitmer. Casey is known to be slow of foot....we have a bad offensive line...if the O line is getting blown up, BD can bring in Whitmer to hopefully slow the D down. To me, Boyle is a more talented, less confident version of Casey. Until Boyle gained confidence, Casey was the better option with Whitmer in there ot mix it up.

 

[freescooter]

Saying "exactly this" doesn't begin to show how right this is. All this speculation is totally overwhelming the only two things that are facts: (i) that Whitmer's play last year, at least measured statistically, was far, far better than Boyle's (I think the statistics are consistent with what I saw, but that is an opinion that no one has to pay any attention to); and (ii) Whitmer was and is ahead of Boyle on the depth chart. Neither of those are debatable statements.

Look, I've seen Whitmer this year and I'm not high on him. If Boyle is Tom Brady, great. No one will be any happier than me. But the FACT is that it is pure, unsupported speculation to ASSUME that Boyle's play is going to be on a far higher plane than Whitmer's.

You are forgetting that Boyle is the backup. So he is at least 75% better than anyone who actually plays. And he is from Connecticut so people know him and have seen him play at Xavier which is comparable to playing somewhere. So he is better.

 

[SubbaBub]

Win the job in practice. It's not like trying to unseat Andrew Luck at Stanford. I'm confident that BD will play the guy he thinks can play best. The fact that he's been in full contingency mode regarding the position from the git go, says he's probably not thrilled with any of the QB'S on the roster.

But, by all means let's keep arguing who's the 6th or 7th best QB in the AAC.

What I want to see more than anything else on Saturday is the BSU dline being planted on their rear ends.

 

[SAMCRO]

Boyle is going to be a very good and productive QB for UConn by the time he's done here. Let's check back in after this sesaon is completed to see where we stand.

As for the OP, it wasn't P who burned Boyle's redshirt, it was Weist...

 

[kris1]

Far from Mrs Boyle...do I know the kid...yes. Do I think hes better then Whitmer...yes. Would I go out on a limb and say he will be the best QB in the American next year...yes. My overall point is this...he wasn't red shirted based on ability...there were factors such as future depth...learning curve..etc. But now all that is out the Window meaning if hes gonna burn the shirt...might as well give him the reigns and start getting some continuity in the offense.

While I do think TB had the best upside of all the QB's on the roster when camp broke, HCBD while saying all the right things to build TB's confidence, believes the game still moves too fast for Tim right now. The things he did at Xavier were great....at Xavier. He hasn't had enough time to see the game at a slower pace. He rarely had to check down high school, because his arm was strong enough to fit the ball in tight spots. Those windows close quickly on the college level. He didn't have to read defenses very often in high school, because "most" CT high school teams don't disguise coverages. He didn't have 6 Neanderthals breathing down his neck either. TB needs time to grow and mature as a QB. He's in a tough spot, because the clock is ticking a little faster now. I just hope HCBD can dig in that tool box of his and find the right tool. Maybe TB is the duct tape. That $h!? fixes everything!!!

All seriousness, I think the biggest thing missing for TB at this point (and if you ready between HCBD's lines) is the respect of his teammates. I think CC's work ethic earned him the respect of his teammates. He didn't have the physical tools, CW and TB have. CC was also a natural leader. CW, as bad as he's been, has taken his lumps in his time at UConn (probably one too many, hence the happy feet), but I think the fact that he hasn't quit trying, commands the respect of the team (Although a few more arrant throws, they may not). I don't get the feeling the team will rally around TB, just yet. I think HCBD sees that. CC had "it", CW to some extent earned it. TB still hasn't found it......yet. Hopefully he will.

 

[Excalibur]

Yeah, I guess that was mistake. Using Dan as an example.

But ORlovsky played what 6 games in his freshmen season? I don't remember exactly. But I don't remember ever feeling the same way I did about ORlovsky as a freshmen, that I did about Boyle last season. It was repeatedly - for me - with Boyle - "come on kid, why are you throwing that?" It got worse instead of better during his couple of games. I don't remember that from Dan O at all. Dan progressively got better, clearly.

Look, we can argue till the cows come home. No right or wrong out here in the interwebs. The one thing that I can't wrap my head around is the 2 QB system. I really don't care actually who does it, as long as the QB position is productive, I just think it's more difficult to get consistent production when you're rotating at that position, rather than playing one QB regularly.

I remember writing last year that Boyle's first start looked remarkably similar to DanO's. Games 2 and 3, not so much, though clearly against far superior competition to what DanO faced in 2001.

I thought the QB rotation made zero sense when it was Cochran and Whitmer. It makes a little more sense when it's Whitmer and Boyle, but the hope is that one of the two separates himself fairly quickly.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I am arguing that if playing Boyle gives you a better chance to win this year you play him. Neither you nor I can predict what level of impact playing Boyle now will have in terms of wins and losses. If the coaches think he gives us the best chance to win this year, you play him. 2017 be damned. The only QB to go through all 5 years of eligibility at UConn has been JMac (a walkon).

This program is hanging by a thread and you're worried about 2017?

If this is the best approach what purpose would there be to redshirt anyone?

Believe it or not many programs (especially those with a new regime attempting to rebuild something) are looking more towards the future than they are the present. If we were Alabama, Oregon or one of the few with a legitimate shot at making a run at a title, yes, you do take risks, potentially sacrificing some wins a few years down the road. Hell, if we went into this season with a legitimate shot at a bowl (my guess is that an AAC team will need eight wins, which may be a bit too much to ask of this squad) I could see the argument.

I do see 2017 as a year where our defense will be very good and where we will be at a minimum solid all other offensive positions, a veteran QB may be enough to give us the season we've been dreaming about since they opened the Rent. If things had been different with Casey, I wouldn't like the idea of sitting around in 2017 saying 'Damn, that fifth win in 2014 (that we wouldn't have had if we redshirted Boyle) really wasn't worth it!'.

 

[bmayuc]

I remember writing last year that Boyle's first start looked remarkably similar to DanO's. Games 2 and 3, not so much, though clearly against far superior competition to what DanO faced in 2001.

I thought the QB rotation made zero sense when it was Cochran and Whitmer. It makes a little more sense when it's Whitmer and Boyle, but the hope is that one of the two separates himself fairly quickly.

Everyone is looking at Boyle's numbers as a whole and killing him. His first game was pretty rough after he had two early TDs dropped.

The cincy game, He threw well, read the defense pretty well, and showed great mobility skills with some nice chunk runs. He was 22 for 39 for 310 yards. That's production.

Clearly, the next few games, while our OLine was getting whipped into shape and forgetting everything GDL taught them, he got the crap knocked out of him, and his performance slipped. To me that is throw away information.

This isn't to say he's going to be great. But C'mon, lets be real here. Whitmer is not the answer. Get Boyle behind center and lets see what he can do.

 

[UconnFamily]

Everyone is looking at Boyle's numbers as a whole and killing him. His first game was pretty rough after he had two early TDs dropped.

The cincy game, He threw well, read the defense pretty well, and showed great mobility skills with some nice chunk runs. He was 22 for 39 for 310 yards. That's production.

Clearly, the next few games, while our OLine was getting whipped into shape and forgetting everything GDL taught them, he got the crap knocked out of him, and his performance slipped. To me that is throw away information.

This isn't to say he's going to be great. But C'mon, lets be real here. Whitmer is not the answer. Get Boyle behind center and lets see what he can do.

(sarcasm) Are you sure Whitmer is not the answer? He had 29 yards rushing against SB and no interceptions in 1 1/2 games. Boyle can't be the answer, he was going to be red shirted this year, so he must not be that good. Tim played great against a top 10 defense in the country last year as a true FR and he was the BEST QB in the spring game this year (according to the Courant) but that means nothing we have to keep Whitmer in there he's the best option for us to win. And if he's the answer then why isn't BD not throwing TB into the fire right away? See, thats gotta mean he's not good enough...

 

[Exit 4]

If for nothing else, can't wait for this game to help throw another log on this fire. I'm not so sure the opponent matters now anymore or the W, instead its all about QB production.

 

[whaler11]

If this is the best approach what purpose would there be to redshirt anyone?

Believe it or not many programs (especially those with a new regime attempting to rebuild something) are looking more towards the future than they are the present. If we were Alabama, Oregon or one of the few with a legitimate shot at making a run at a title, yes, you do take risks, potentially sacrificing some wins a few years down the road. Hell, if we went into this season with a legitimate shot at a bowl (my guess is that an AAC team will need eight wins, which may be a bit too much to ask of this squad) I could see the argument.

I do see 2017 as a year where our defense will be very good and where we will be at a minimum solid all other offensive positions, a veteran QB may be enough to give us the season we've been dreaming about since they opened the Rent. If things had been different with Casey, I wouldn't like the idea of sitting around in 2017 saying 'Damn, that fifth win in 2014 (that we wouldn't have had if we redshirted Boyle) really wasn't worth it!'.

Of course the future is more important than the present in a situation like this.

But there is a real value to winning 5 games in 2014 over say 3. Or 4 versus 2.

Not that I think Boyle moves the needle in 2014.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

If this is the best approach what purpose would there be to redshirt anyone?

Believe it or not many programs (especially those with a new regime attempting to rebuild something) are looking more towards the future than they are the present. If we were Alabama, Oregon or one of the few with a legitimate shot at making a run at a title, yes, you do take risks, potentially sacrificing some wins a few years down the road. Hell, if we went into this season with a legitimate shot at a bowl (my guess is that an AAC team will need eight wins, which may be a bit too much to ask of this squad) I could see the argument.

I do see 2017 as a year where our defense will be very good and where we will be at a minimum solid all other offensive positions, a veteran QB may be enough to give us the season we've been dreaming about since they opened the Rent. If things had been different with Casey, I wouldn't like the idea of sitting around in 2017 saying 'Damn, that fifth win in 2014 (that we wouldn't have had if we redshirted Boyle) really wasn't worth it!'.

I'm not making the argument either way who gives us the better chance of winning. In an ideal world Boyle would have taken his RS year in 2013. What I'm saying is if the staff feels Boyle gets us 5 or 6 (especially 6) versus 3 wins with Whitmer, you go with Boyle. Who the hell knows what 2017 brings? There's no guarantee that Dan O would've even come back for his 5th year if he had it available. You can't predict what the roster will look like 3 weeks from now never mind 3 years from now.

 

[freescooter]

The fact that he's been in full contingency mode regarding the position from the git go, says he's probably not thrilled with any of the QB'S on the roster.

Bing Friggin' Go! this has been my opinion since camp opened.

 

[FAIRTIDES]

Bing Friggin' Go! this has been my opinion since camp opened.

"freescooter," I get the feeling you think as I do. That RD doesn't think the future QB (including next year) is on the roster. It may be that the kid showing up in January, the one presently moonlighting as our top recruiter, is thought of as the future. How many times have we seen him referred to as the "staff's number-one recruiting target?" It's a real possibility, I think.

By the way, it scares me to think that if, for some reason, this kid changes his mind, we could lose the whole class.

 

[mauconnfan]

Kid needs to play to get better. Not sure if anyone noticed but they're not real good on either side of the ball.........this is a good year to let people prepare for the future. How do you do that? PLAY......good, bad, indifferent I know who will be here next year and I know who won't! Whitmer is a great guy and he's been an unbelievable citizen but even if somehow his experience adds 1-2 wins this year you lose because your future didn't get better. Boyle needs to play almost all of the minutes!

 

[Palatine]

Would you guys agree that defending Boyle isn't nearly as ridiculous as defending Whitmer...seriously

+1000

 

[uconnfan68]

Bing Friggin' Go! this has been my opinion since camp opened.

just not enough separation to be a clear decision for BD...

 

[FfldCntyFan]

The fact that he's been in full contingency mode regarding the position from the git go, says he's probably not thrilled with any of the QB'S on the roster.

Bing Friggin' Go! this has been my opinion since camp opened.

Do you really believe that the effort BD et al put into maintaining Boyle's redshirt (prior to Casey's career ending concussion) would have occurred if they felt that way?

 

[whaler11]

I'm not making the argument either way who gives us the better chance of winning. In an ideal world Boyle would have taken his RS year in 2013. What I'm saying is if the staff feels Boyle gets us 5 or 6 (especially 6) versus 3 wins with Whitmer, you go with Boyle. Who the hell knows what 2017 brings? There's no guarantee that Dan O would've even come back for his 5th year if he had it available. You can't predict what the roster will look like 3 weeks from now never mind 3 years from now.

I was talking to Edsall one time and actually made that joke. It was when UConn was joining the Big East but before the raid pushed up the timeline.

I said have you thought about redshirting Orlovsky to have him available for the first year in the Big East?

Needless to say Edsall's sarcasm meter isn't fully functional.

 

[Marty Jackson]

No, I strongly disagree. If Boyle was more likely to lead us to a win this Saturday than Whitmer, the coaches would be starting him. Are the coaches infallable? Of course not. But is the smart money on them or someone who doesn't see practices and admits that he knows Boyle?

I'll bite... so your premise is that if Boyle was the best option, he would be starting already. has there every been a situation where the backup came in and took over the position? not disagreeing with you completely, just saying that it isn't out of the realm for Boyle to come in and have some success and leap-frog Whitmer.
There were a whole lot of people, football experts actually, that were chasing Boyle not that long ago. The kid has talent and potential. At this point, we know what we get with Whitmer. I don't think it would take much playing time for Boyle to surpass that.

 

[Jimdish255]

I don't think it is that black and white. Boyle had a devasting start to his college career. It would be near impossible for an 18yo to not have damage to their confidence after last year. WIth Cochran in the fold, the hope was Boyle could gradually build up his confidence and the team would have better spacing with their QB eligibility. Now that Cochran is out, Boyle has to play. But BD doesn't want to just drop him in against a tough opponent like Boise...it makes more sense to ease him in and take some pressure off.

I think BD thinks CW is the right guy to start the next game....but I also think that BD thinks Boyle is the better talent and when he gets confidence he will be the best option.

We have a winner.

 

[uconnbill]

+1 Diaco said he was fast enough to run out of the pocket... Bonehead did you read the article where HCBD talks about Tim Boyle? I believe you and BD are talking about 2 different Tim Boyle's.

I've seen him play and he is pretty mobile. He is not pocket only passer, but I prefer him throwing from the pocket

 

[Alum86]

We cannot afford the experiment that was game 1. No QB shuffle
Of 51/49 %, (though it is exhibition.)
Let Boyle in first series of second qtr like some schools do with young QBs. Then take him out. If Whitmer plays well, let whitmer play the rest.
If he sux, pull him - Boyle starts from then on.

 

[Jimdish255]

I don't think it was an accident that HCBD used the term "protect" when talking about TB and the redshirt. He saw what happened when they threw him out there as a life raft for everyone to grab onto last year. He could start this year, but I highly doubt he takes over in the Boise game after just one week of game focus as #2, especially if things aren't going well. Seems like a pragmatic guy who will bring him back gradually. I hate the 2QB system but this is a unique situation we may be dealing with for a few more weeks. Hopefully it coincides with a progression of line play and better execution overall.

 

[mets1090]

Tim Boyle did show out in spring;

"QB Boyle Looks Good

It could be pretty scary for the quarterback position, too. The guy who started, Casey Cochran (10 of 20, 91 yards, one interception), wasn't as sharp as he is capable of being. Chandler Whitmer (19 of 26, 163 yards, 1 TD), who started the first five games of the 2013 season, was the most productive and he wasn't as careless with the ball, but he could still be more careful. Tim Boyle (7 of 14, 97 yards) probably looked the best."

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn...tball-blue-white-0413-20140412,0,664187.story

I was unfortunately unable to watch the spring game this year but how is 7/14 for 97 better than 19/26 for 163? He also says Whitmer was the most productive but then said Tim Boyle looked the best. If anything that supports that Boyle is the more talented of the two but is not the best QB yet. For the sake of winning games you need production. Maybe Boyle has developed enough to close that gap since the spring game but there's no way for anyone besides the team/staff to know that.

 

[J187Money]

I don't think that Boyle would be better than Whitmer *this week*. But I do honestly believe that Boyle will be a LOT better next year if he plays a LOT this year.

As to who wins us more games this year? Not sure...we might end up 3-9 no matter who plays.

 

[Srqhusky]

Guys this is whitmers last year and Boyle is the future. Getting him snaps now will only get us two better years of Boyle in the future. The kid has I believe the physical tools just needs the snaps. He will be great if he doesn't get killed

 

[Waquoit]

My view of Boyle ...

I remember the kid's first 5 plays as getting me very excited. I honestly saw a ton of talent & saw something that led me to really hope we had a good prospect to lead us to a more successful program.

That's gets forgotten. He looked pretty good coming out of the chute.

 

[Chezy]

Boyle is not ready. He will struggle immensely if put in. He is not the answer

 

[BNich]

Guys this is whitmers last year and Boyle is the future. Getting him snaps now will only get us two better years of Boyle in the future. The kid has I believe the physical tools just needs the snaps. He will be great if he doesn't get killed

I've been preaching similar words. By getting Boyle some snaps, it instantly makes him the most experienced QB on the roster next season. Shireffs played some his freshman year, but Boyle will now have two years of experience. It's a no brainer if you ask me.