First Year QB Brings Uncertainty
Unlike last year, the 2007 campaign will yield a wide ranging difference of opinion amongst faithful and the so-called experts. The defense returns almost intact, but what about that offense? It lost two receivers to the first round of the NFL Draft, another in the fifth and a signal caller who won the Heisman. And, it's precisely the quarterback spot that is most critical.
If history is any
indication, we can expect erratic performances from
our new first year quarterback. (By the way, when I
say “first year” QB, I mean one who is
starting for the first time presumably for the entire
season. A single game start here or there
doesn’t factor when it’s obvious the
start was a temporary substitution.) Krenzel broke
the mold by winning the national championship but his
statistical performance was run-of-the-mill. Zwick
was, lets say, inconsistent with an immature team and
Troy had the luxury of splitting time the year before
he had full reigns. None of them wowed you with their
individual output, aside from Troy (and all he
did was eventually win the most prestigious award in
the sport the following year). A unique talent,
let's say.
Smith now gives way to a group of players with
shockingly little experience. Anyone of Todd Boeckman, Robbie Schoenhoft, Antonio Henton and even
newcomer Joe Bauserman could win the starting nod.
None have sniffed a meaningful snap in a game,
however Boeckman appears to have the cleanest path
to the top spot. He has been with
the program seemingly since the Teapot Dome
Scandal, laboring in the wings for his shot. His
command of the offense is solid and he's had years
of tutelage learning to breakdown opposing
defenses. Essentially, he has what the others
don't and that's time (years) in the
program. What he doesn't do is knock your socks
off with impressive physical attributes.
He’s no Troy Smith in terms of arm strength
and escapability but Boeckman does possess
prototypical size and excellent pedigree.
No matter who the quarterback ends up being, we
simply can't expect the statistical production we've
been accustomed to. The past has shown it takes time
to chisel away freight and inexperience. Teams
usually have to grow with their new QB. If I were
forced to guess, I'd say this coming year will be a
lot like 2004 in both QB production and final record.
But, hey, sometimes you catch lightning in a bottle
and if not, there's aways next year.
