The "QB Situation"

Submitted by ijohnb on

Two things strike me:

1.  If Tate Forcier was out of the mix at QB and just a non-factor, you "don't take his wings" and take other action aimed at sending a message if he is a non-factor, he would just be a non-factor and that would be that.  With all the speculation about Tate being the odd man out, there is just something about the way Rodriguez is approacing it that tells me that is not the case.

2. Notwithstanding #1, if Tate is not odd man out, you cannot possibly justify not red-shirting Devin Gardner, which makes the water even more murky.  The only possible scenario if that were the case would be that Tate is injury prone, and there is no faith in D-Rob as the backup.  With all of the pre-season discussion about Robinson's improvement and so forth, that seems highly unlikely.

Could this actually take shape as a 3 quarterback system.  It seems idiotic, but nothing would surpise me at this point after the last two years and this off-season. 

Something tells me that the "QB Situation" is not going to resolve itself with just naming a starter and that is that.  There is something up at QB and I can't wait to find out what it is.   I get the feeling we may see if the Devin Gardner-Vince Young comparison has any legs sonner than we all thought.

MGoBoard

ND Sux

August 31st, 2010 at 11:49 AM ^

I think Tate will be the starter because he has the best combination of skills.  Translation: I still think he is a far better passer than Denard, even though Denard has improved.  Say Tate and Denard both rush the ball on similar plays, Denard gets eight yards and Tate gets only five.  Advantage Denard.  Next Tate throws an eight-yard completion and Denard is incomplete, or worse yet, an INT.  Passing advantage Tate trumps rushing advantage Denard. 

On the next series, Denard breaks an 83-yard TD run, and I am full of shit.  Conclusion: KICK THE FUCKING BALL ALREADY!!!!!!!!!

Joined: 10/01/2009

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NJWolverine

August 31st, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^

There's no reason to reveal to the world who the starter is due to Robinson's inexperience. If you keep the situation hidden, at least the first opponent will have to prepare for two very different QBs, which gives you an advantage on offense. There's nothing wrong with a little gamesmanship, especially since UCONN is pretty much a must win. Even better, the optimist in me sees a blowout, at least one other QB playing, and then Rodriguez saying he hasn't settled on a QB. We desperately need to win the first two games.

Joined: 08/31/2008

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MGoPork

August 31st, 2010 at 12:40 PM ^

Does anyone else think that maybe RR believes that Gardner could be the #1 by this time next year?  He may not be it now (or even #2, for that matter) but perhaps the coaches are so impressed by is progression since enrolling and believe that he has a realistic shot of overtaking Tate and DRob by next fall.  His versatility and upside makes this less ridiculous than it sounds.  If this is the case, the coaches could be burning his redshirt to get him significant game reps so that he would be ready to take the first snap in 2011. 

Joined: 08/30/2010

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BiSB

August 31st, 2010 at 1:47 PM ^

I think the concensus was that whoever can handle the Blitzer best would win the job. Because of his surgery, T-Wolf was unable to comment.

Joined: 08/15/2009

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ChitownWolverine82

August 31st, 2010 at 3:06 PM ^

I love the Situation.  He'll make a really good QB. He's always in charge, and he'll bring a polished look to the position.  I'm slightly nervous that he's juggling his time with Jersey Shore, DWTS, and now UM Football.  I'd hate to see him get overworked.
 

"We have a Situation"

Joined: 03/31/2009

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MaizenBlueBP

August 31st, 2010 at 4:13 PM ^

Denard should start because he has the best combination of skills and knows the offense just as well as Tate does.  Tate slacking in the offseason is something that I don't want as a starter.  The offensive linemen said they are "starting to earn repsect back for him".  The players have to back the qb, and I believe more people back Denard then they do Tate.  Whoever it is I will gladly support but Tate is ineffective in the running game.  He still has troubles with the zone read which is the staple of this offense.  If Tate mis reads a play its OMG DOOM but if Denard misses a read he still has a chance to go all shoelace on them and take it to the house.  Advantage Denard. GO BLUE

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