Alright, with the announcement today that Cardale Jones is returning to anOSU, and the previous announcement that this Spring/Fall will have an open QB competition in Blacksburg, what two signal callers will get the starts for their respective teams when the season begins and why?
My guesses:
VT: Brewer - He did it last year. Game Experience. Senior
anOSU: Miller - Would have been him last year. Heisman potential. Senior
Forums:
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VT: Brewer... barring injury I just don't see anyone making up enough ground against him in the spring or summer practices. I'd be surprised if Motley or Durkin didn't have a running QB package though.
anOSU: I hope it's Braxton. He'll have a year of rust to shake off, he won't have the same chemistry with the new players that JT or Cardale will, he'll be looking over his shoulder at those two all year... Not really sure who takes the snaps at QB. But I think it can only help VT that the QB situation is such a question mark, even if it's because OSU has so many good options.
That being said, Cardale presents the most issues for Tech schematically I think. He has a huge arm and Foster will be relying on a lot of single coverage again.
VT- Brewer because we're not known to change starting QBs (there some exceptions. Also, I agree above that I don't think anyone else will be able to outshine Brewer enough to change things up. I think a full off-season under Loeffler's guidance should help him a lot
OSU- Cardale. I think Miller will probably transfer and if he doesn't Barrett definitely will. Unless for some reason Cardale drastically regresses for some reason during the sprint and summer, he deserves to start for such a primetime game.
Has there been an official announcement in any capacity regarding the QB situation for us? All I've heard is Lefty's offhand quote in an interview that he was excited to have a quarterback returning for the first time in three years.
VT: Brewer to start, Motley has a few plays, and Ford holds a clipboard.
OSU: Miller transfers, Barrett starts the game but gets benched for Jones. BOLD PREDICTION
VT - Brewer. I have heard no such announcement of an "open competition" from anyone. Loeffler is psyched for a returning starter (something he hasn't had since 2007) and unless someone else comes in and sets the world on fire, Brewer's the man. Coaches will always look for the best guy to help the team win games, but Brewer is probably going to be that guy.
anOSU - Jones starts, but I think he comes back down to earth a bit against one of the best defenses he'll ever face. Like VTrumpet, I will make a bold prediction, but in the other direction. Barrett comes in to relieve Jones after our defense stifles them through the middle of the 2nd quarter. Barrett does not fare much better, suffers flashbacks from last year, and Urban Meyer runs out of Heisman candidate QBs to pull from whatever source he has. I am assuming Miller transfers. Too many star QBs on that roster.
To actually answer the question, I'd be really surprised if anyone other than Brewer starts for us, and also very excited because it would mean someone outplayed him by a mile in spring, summer and fall practice. But my money is on Brewdog.
As for OSU, I got no freaking clue. Talk about an embarrassment of riches.
I will say, the QB that I foresee giving Bud's defense some issues is Cardale Jones. He's got a damn hand cannon and can run, and he trucks defensive tackles. I'm worrworried about Bud's various disguised blitzes working against him because, could Kendall Fuller bring him down on a corner blitz?
We've beaten Barrett, and Miller facing the lunch pail in his first game in over a year makes me smile. But Cardale worries me a little bit.
Brewer and Jones
I'll say Barrett isn't back 100 percent in time to claim the job.
I say Brewer for VT because of experience. For OSU Jones because they may seek a medical redshirt for Barret, and Miller transfers.
Since Barrett has redshirted they can't technically seek a medical red shirt before a season, and if he's healthy at some point next season I don't think he'd be granted one. Not sure all the technicalities if it but I know having a normal red shirt changes the application of the rule.
I'm pretty sure he played in too many games to get a medical redshirt anyway.
I think what he's trying to say is that they may seek a medical waiver for next year if he's unable to play.
VT will be Brewer. First, it'll be tough for either redshirt freshman to unseat him. Secondly, this sets up a very exciting competition for 2016. If Ford or Durkin take over, that makes it almost impossible for Lawson to win a spot since replacing a young incumbent would amount to starting over at the position. By waiting a year for Lawson to redshirt (as any QB should) you ensure that the best QB of the future wins the job without a huge upheaval or interrupting a promising young player's development.
anOSU is a tossup. Bring it on, whoever it is.
brewer
barret
VT-Brewer. Just don't see any other QB putting up much competition in the offseason to pass him outright. 2016 should be one of the most intense QB battles in a while but that's a different story.
OSU-Jones. I don't think they rush Barrett back from his injury and I think Miller transfers.
VT - Brewer (but I think Durkin or Motley runs the Wild Turkey (whoever can stay healthy since they both had injuries last year. I would love to see what Durkin can do on short yardage/goal line)
OSU - Jones, injuries to other QBs will help Jones keep the starting job, but if either Barrett or Miller are healthy, then I see Urban utilizing them during our game either gimmick play(s) or change of pace package
For Ohio State, I just have to believe that one of those guys transfers. Even with two of them, I think Urban will find a way to get (most likely) Barrett and Cardale both on the field. Having one of them on the bench is a waste of talent.
VT- Brewer.... senior, returning starter, but I think Motley sees a lot of the snaps.
OSU- Barrett.... I think he'll be ready for the game, he was the reason why OSU was in the position it was for the last 3 games, plus Meyer specifically said Jones is guarenteed to be starter in Spring, not fall. I think thats big because I think Meyer knows Barrett is the better option of the two (not that Jones is a bad option) and he didn't want to committ to Jones prematurely.
Of course Jones is the starter in the spring. Miller and Barrett won't be ready for spring ball 100%
Yea I know, but Meyer said that to help pry him back to OSU. That can easily make a kid think he will be the frontrunner still once one or both of the other guys are ready to come back
VT: Brewer, with Ford as the wildcard, or maybe Motely breaks out.
anOSU: Jones. The guy stuck around for a reason. Miller is coming off of a surgically repaired shoulder and Meyer doesn't mind a younger guy pushing an established starter out (Tebow to Chris Leak). He could go to a two QB system, but why mess with success. You got the o-line, the workhorse back, why not keep the wrecking ball QB back there. If he is hurt, his backups both have starting experience (assuming Miller stays and Barrett's ankle heals up
jones was #3 for a reason! he had a great run yes but you dont slip to #3 unless the 2 guys ahead of you are better than you. (atleast id like to hope) there is something missing from his game. maybe alot. it hasnt been exposed yet because bama really didnt have any film on him the wisconsin game was a breeze and he didnt have to show anything and oregon for all the things they do on offense are trash on D imo they just try and create turnovers and thats the only way they can save themselfs. i fully expect BUD to find out what jones weakness are and expose them. The real thing is now but has to spend all summer preparing for 3 QBs all a little different. I think if Barrett is healthy he is the starter, whos to say he doesnt win those next 3 games either? if meyer believes that he would have then i think he goes with JT.
as for VT even though its an open comp. i dont see anyone other than brewer starting unless he is abismal in the spring and again in the fall. hes our football teams leader and that will account for much much more in the eyes of the head ball coach and i think lefty as well.
Brewer for us. Open competition but Brewer wins it. We keep 2 very active reserves.
Barret starts for OSU, Miller transfers, Jones #2.
The power 5 conferences break away from the NCAA in the spring, and with no pesky eligibility issues holding him back, Michael Vick returns and leads us back to glory. Either that or Brewer starts, I'm good either way.
Brewer is de-facto starter, but we see a lot of QB 2 and maybe QB 3. Bucks go with Cardale.
I don't have any idea who will start, because a bunch of things can happen between now and Labor Day. But, I will guarantee you that if Chris Durkin is healthy and Dwayne Lawson doesn't come in and steal the starting job, Durkin will be the wildcat/short yardage quarterback.
Aren't Durkin and Cardale about the same size?
Maybe from the waist up!
BOOM!
Where does that leave Motley?
This is my opinion as well. I think Lawson has a shot at getting playing time next year in some shape or form, maybe taking Motley's role as a change of pace guy with more of a passing threat. Even if Brewer wins the job, we will have more depth and experience behind him, so I think he may be on a shorter leash than this past year.
I think VT will have an open QB competition I think Ford and Lawson both have legit shots if they hit the buffet. Everything I've seen/read about Ford is he has the accuracy and arm to play just not the strength, especially if the line is an issue. But the line is improving.
Jones plays unless he gets hurt. The pressure to start a national championship winner along with the uncertainty of the other two guys having to recover from major injuries. Miller should transfer but I can't say he definitely will, but he should to a school with less competition at QB
If you're expecting an open competition, be prepared for disappointment. Brewer is the #1 QB barring injury or one of the younger guys absolutely Tyroding it.
Lawson would have to have Tyrod kind of impact to see the field. If we only introduce package plays for a second qb, I would think it would be much better use of playing time to use Durkin or Motley. I think overall, it's Brewer's job to lose. Sounds like Ford has the best shot of transplanting him, but I think Brewer and Ford have similar strengths and weaknesses which will lead to the senior getting the nod. Durkin is the wild card depending on his improvement.
I have heard that it would be remarkable for Braxton Miller to return from his shoulder injury the same player he was before. I wonder if a position change isn't in his future. J.T. Barrett is the best all around qb on their roster. I think Jones has flaws that led him to be 3rd string as a junior. 2 game tapes is the most a team has had on him and the Wisconsin game didn't show any cards. So, my best guess is that Barrett starts, Jones backs him up, and Braxton sees the field quite a bit at a different position. Or, if Braxton thinks he has a legitimate shot at qb some place else, he could transfer (but that injury is going to be the deciding factor). Also, he is not going to be an NFL qb, so now might be the time to start that rehearsal for another slot.
Jones was only a Soph. he did a prep year at FUMA.
He is a redshirt sophomore. But they said he was 2nd string in spring and Barrett won out in fall so they were neck and neck. After you win a national title how do you go to the bench? Those were their 3 toughest opponents of the season and won them all and looked impressive doing so.
All three have been remarkable at some point. I think come Spring/Fall, the best player plays. That simple. Jones could prove me wrong, it would make the story that much more interesting.
It'll be whoever for OSU. Hopefully they bring back Herbstreit so he can taste a Dadi and Ekanem sack sandwich. Although I think I prefer Barrett as Jones is a bull to bring down, unless the hotness of Cardarle wears off and he shows why he was number three.
I am very excited to see how Brewer does with a S&C season and a spring practice under his belt. He did pretty well last year with only the fall to rely on.