Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Replacing a QB, Part 2

Based on the tone of most college football pundits you'd think BC was the first school that had to replace a great QB. Just look at what other ACC programs have done replacing their all conference QBs.
**2006 and 2002 are not included as the first team all ACC QBs (Ryan and Schaub) returned for a senior season.

YearTeamQBPoints Per GameW-LSuccessorPoints Per GameW-L
2005Virginia TechMarcus Vick33.811-2Sean Glennon25.810-3
2004Virginia TechByran Randall30.810-3Marcus Vick33.811-2
2003NC StatePhilip Rivers37.68-5Jay Davis24.05-6
2001ClemsonWoody Dantzler30.87-5Willie Simmons25.47-6
2000Florida StateChris Weinke39.311-2Chris Rix33.68-4


As you can see, there is no clear pattern on what works are what doesn't. NC State and Clemson turned the programs over to veterans. Florida State followed a Heisman winner with a freshman. Virginia Tech has had the most continuity, yet is not a particularly QB-centric offense or program.

My biggest fear is the Jay Davis scenario. Davis, like Crane, was a long-time backup. He struggled and the team went through a QB controversy. I think BC avoids that worst-case scenario regardless of the QB. Our defense alone should keep us above .500 and bowl eligible.

3 comments:

Big Jack Krack said...

Matt Flynn didn't do too badly at LSU. He was a "long-time backup" who seized the opportunity when he had the chance. He started in place of an injured JaMarcus Russell in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and responded by leading the Tigers to a 40-3 win over Miami in 2005, after serving as the backup all year. He was a reserve in 2004 and again in 2006. He basically got his chance after 3 years as the backup - and a redshirt year. He was waiting his opportunity for 4 years.

From what I've seen of Chris Crane (not much) I think he could be very good. These other QBs look good as well. I think our coaching staff will get it sorted out.

I am personally feeling good about next year, because everyone will have us at or near the bottom of the ACC - and we'll be much better than that.

With no offense to Jay Davis - we will not struggle that much.

X said...

Does this mean the Falcons have Ryan?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8070cd7e&template=with-video&confirm=true

Big Jack Krack said...

Very interesting, sebastian. We'll find out on April 26th - live from Radio City Music Hall in the Big Apple.

I wish Matt the best - I hope he works out his contract early, and reports to camp early - working on that playbook. That's the way to get off on the right foot with the team that drafts him, and the fans.