Understudies under O’Brien

Matt Ryan is questionable for Saturday’s game against Clemson, meaning Chris Crane could get his first start. Backups have been a mixed bag under TOB. Take a look.

Year	Injured Starter	Back Up	1st fill in start of the season
W-L
1997	Matt Hasselbeck	Scott Mutryn	Georgia Tech	L
1999	Tim Hasselbeck	Brian St. Pierre	Pitt	W
2000	Tim Hasselbeck	Brian St. Pierre	Notre Dame	L
2003	Quinton Porter	Paul Peterson	Rutgers	W
2004	Paul Peterson	Matt Ryan	Syracuse	L
2005	Quinton Porter	Matt Ryan	Clemson	W

Once again, let me state that I think Matt Ryan will play this weekend. But as this chart shows and the cliché says “the backup is only one snap away.” I like Chris Crane. Let’s hope he is ready for whatever may happen.