jmblue

June 21st, 2011 at 3:34 PM ^

I don't know about that.  I think I'd give the edge to MSU.  Cousins is very good, Nichol can step in if needed, and Maxwell provides depth.  For us, it's unclear as yet how well Denard will adapt to the new scheme, and whether or not Gardner is ready to be a serious contributor if needed.  Bellomy most likely isn't ready.

michfan4borw

June 21st, 2011 at 3:44 PM ^

I would welcome this.  I'm pretty sure Nichol's lack of reps over the last 2 years and counting makes him a backup QB with very little chance of success at the position.  I recognize Cousins won last year, but I think the team's success had less to do with him than with Greg Jones.  I'm curious to see if he handles the pressure of expectations.  Something tells me he won't. 

jmblue

June 21st, 2011 at 4:50 PM ^

I don't know how many practice reps Nichol gets, but he seems to be MSU's backup QB.  He still gets used in certain situations.   Having a guy like that, who's also a 5th-year senior, is quite an asset.  

jmblue

June 21st, 2011 at 4:51 PM ^

Denard is considerably less accurate, especially on throws of over 15-20 yards, and his decision-making needs to improve.

Cousins is a very good QB.  I hate saying this, but he's got a little Brady in him, in that you feel like they're never out of a game when he's in there.  The only games they lost last year were teamwide meltdowns.  You can argue that he's not the best single Big Ten QB, but he, Nichols and Maxwell are probably the best QB unit in the conference.  

Zone Left

June 21st, 2011 at 5:01 PM ^

I'd disagree that MSU has the best overall QB position. Devin Gardner on the bench is something no one else can match right now in the Big 10. That said, I think Cousins may be the best QB in the conference this year with Pryor gone.

Zone Left

June 21st, 2011 at 5:47 PM ^

My viewpoint is largely based on potential, but I don't know if anyone in the Big 10 has a viable backup who's come in and won anything. OSU may have a backup with Gardner's hype, but Miller hasn't played a down yet. Maybe Penn State has a better backup situation with Bolden/McGloin, but I'll take Denard over either of their potential starters and McGloin (who I think will be the backup) fell apart at the end of last season.

Personally, Nichol is too far out from having played QB to qualify.

PeterKlima

June 21st, 2011 at 5:08 PM ^

Cousins is only high on the list because he is the only QB who has more than 1 year starting experience.  If any of the other top B10 QBs had the same experience as him, they would be higher.

 

As for "a little Brady in him" isn't that the typical go to line for someone who doesn't wow you with measurables, but you think he is a leader and accurate passer?  I think Cousins made some late game mistakes in 2009 that led to losses or near losses.  He doesn't seem to "lead" at the end as much as he is just a solid overall QB.  Brady is/was an end of game leader and star who could put his team on his back.  Cousins let his RBs do the heavy lifting and has problems with late game INTs. 

 

A better comparison might be Tolzien.  Consistant and experienced...with a team that emphasizes the run. 

 

And Nichols...a guy who was moved positions... is one of the better backups in the conference? Maxwell could be good in the future, but don't most B10 teams have unproven backups that are ranked higher than the 40th best QB coming out of HS (as Maxwell was on Scout).  Cousins clearly makes the unit.  If he was not there or got injured, it would fall to around 10th in the league.

 

jmblue

June 21st, 2011 at 5:26 PM ^

You are looking at this with maize-and-blue glasses on.  I haven't even paid attention to Cousins's "measureables," but in him I see a guy who seems to thrive in pressure situations and gets better as games go on.  If anything, his junior season was probably better than Brady's in 1998. 

MSU has 1) a 5th-year senior (Cousins) with two years' starting experience, who has performed at a high level; 2) another 5th-year senior (Nichol) who has seen spot duty for two years (and who switched positions not because he couldn't hack it, but because he's in the same class as Cousins) and 3) a redshirt sophomore (Maxwell) who saw a little action last year.  That's excellent depth.  To have three guys who are in their third year in the program or more at QB is a rare luxury these days.  

We have a junior who played well in a different system (Denard) and may or may not make a successful transition, a redshirt frosh (Gardner) who played briefly last year (again, in a different system), and a true freshman.  

redhousewolverine

June 21st, 2011 at 5:37 PM ^

I can see someone arguing that Cousins is or will be this season the top QB in the Big Ten, but Nichol was moved because he clearly wasn't as good as Cousins when they were competing for a job and has good enough athleticism to play other spots. Nichol has taken less snaps as a backup QB than other 5 year seniors backups in the conference. Additionally, you argue Maxwell provides depth and thus is a positive force, but how can Gardener not be a more positive force than Maxwell. He was ranked higher than Maxwell and was reasonably impressive last year as a backup (albeit against some worse teams). Yes, Maxwell is a year ahead of Gardener, but I think Gardener has better physical tools and higher upside as a passer. I see Gardener as being a better option than both Maxwell and Nichol.

PeterKlima

June 21st, 2011 at 7:21 PM ^

How is it maize colored glasses to disagree with your feelings/opinion? Plus, add the fact that the ESPN blog and other disagree with you and it seems like your minority position is the one that is slanted/colored.



Cousins is good. He is consistent and experienced. But, his team is built on run first and he is much more like Tolzien than Brady. Look up his late game problems heading into last year, coupled with his lackluster performance in big games last year and your opinion seems to be the one without much support.



As for the back-up spots, that is not even a rational view. Please find m2 someone...anyone who knows about football who agrees with you.



I'll wait.

In reply to by PeterKlima

Waters Demos

June 21st, 2011 at 7:35 PM ^

What difference does it make whether anyone agrees with him?  Are the merits of a POV determined by how many adherents it has, knowledgeable or otherwise? 

PeterKlima

June 21st, 2011 at 11:13 PM ^

...yes.  The number of adherents (knowledgability included in teh equarion) is exactly what determines a point of view when you are determining "who is best."  It is really the ONLY way to prove who is the best.   A coach or a player because a HOFer based on knowledgable consensus.  Heisman trophies for the best player are chosen the same way.  The Oscars, Etc.

If I said Michigan has the best Dl, LB and Db in college football and EVERYONE disagreed with me.... I would probably be slanted.

 

THAT is what is happening with "jmblue's" opinion.  It s not credible.

Razorsedge02

June 21st, 2011 at 8:28 PM ^

I was thinking that Denard's completion percention went up at the end of the year but then I ran the numbers.

During the first 6 games Denard completed 84/125- 67.2%

During the last 7 games he completed 89/166- 59%

While his completion rating did go down it seemed as though is "mid" ranged throws got more accurate. I remember wanting to throw my remote through the tv on every throw over 10 yards in the begining and only wanting to throw the remote through the tv on longer passes towards the end of the season.

I am certain if he picks up the new system (which I have heard he is), He will improve is deep throws (20+ yards) and overall accuracy

I was unable to find any site that list completiong over or under a specific yardage. If anyone knows of a site that records that data please let me know so I can double check instead of just going with "it seemed like"

EGD

June 22nd, 2011 at 12:23 AM ^

jmblue: you make some good points but I still disagree with you.  I guess, for me anyway, it comes down to this: if I was an OC and could have either Kirk Cousins of Denard Robinson as my QB, I would take Denard without even having to think about it.  You're basically talking about a competent guy who can run an offense but isn't much of an individual threat vs. a competent guy who can run an offense and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.  Certainly there are some minor things Cousins does better than Denard, but the same was true in the Tate-Denard comparison.  Denard's running ability, by contrast, is a game-changer.   

Zone Left

June 21st, 2011 at 4:55 PM ^

Cousins has a good arm, is accurate, and plays pretty well under pressure. I'm not sure who you think the top five QBs are, but he's better than anyone I can think of except maybe Denard--and that assumes he really improves his accuracy this year. 

Denard is a fantastic athlete, but isn't quite there as a QB yet. Fortunately, the cosmic leap he took from his Freshman to Sophomore year speaks to an excellent work ethic that gives him a real chance to take that next step this season.

M Go Snacks

June 21st, 2011 at 3:44 PM ^

I've tended to think about our team of the future instead of the team we have now and DENARD DEANRD DEANRD! I lack focus. Or more accurately, we U of M fans have been spoiled with good news lately.

illinoisblue

June 21st, 2011 at 3:44 PM ^

Nice little article to get the ball rolling... I have to disagree with you #jmblue besides Cousins their depth isn't that good and DG has a lot stronger arm than D-ROB has. He is more prototypical size as well. I think when we finally give DG a chance... He will shine in this new offense.

ihatestate

June 21st, 2011 at 3:52 PM ^

i was watching more of the spring game today and really focused in on DG specifically.  He played really well in the game and man does he have a cannon!! I think he'll really excel in Borges offense.

CRex

June 21st, 2011 at 4:23 PM ^

D. Gardner is basically the second coming of Jason Campbell (with more mobility) as far as Borges is concerned.  I wouldn't be totally shocked if Devin surpassed Denard in 2012.  In some interviews Gardner seems to think he has a legit shot at the job this year even.  At the end of the day it is good because it means they'll push each other.

 

SanFrancisco_W…

June 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 PM ^

I could see DG overtaking Denard this year. Last year Denard was so special because of the shotgun formation and option reads. Once people keyed in on the fact that he was more of a run first guy they slowed him down. With the exception of the Indiana game, the Big Ten held him in check for the most part.
<br>
<br>Gardner has a better arm and can play the role of a traditional QB a little better than Denard. That being said, it's Denard's job to lose and not DG's job to take. If Denard comes out and embraces a traditional offense all the better!

PeterKlima

June 21st, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^

...at arguably the most important position on the field, there is no OSU QB in the top 10 of a 12 team league.  Geeezzzz!

I wonder if that prospect and the looming sanctions mean good things for Fickell and this year's recruiting class?

SanFrancisco_W…

June 22nd, 2011 at 12:24 PM ^

I refuse to mock OSU's QB situation until I see Braxton Miller take some snaps. He has the potential to be something special. So let's not jump on their case from a talent aspect yet. We can mock their recruiting and sanctions all we want but their freshman class is pretty legit.

michfan4borw

June 21st, 2011 at 4:56 PM ^

Sparty gets belligerent from any article that praises any aspect of Michigan.  Since there is much to praise, sparty is constantly belligerent (and mad) about Michigan.  Sparty reeks of insecurity to the point of claiming (before getting verbal from Pittman) that recruiting-star rankings don't mean anything and that verbal commitments don't count until signing day; of course such absurd proclamations don't apply to sparty's recent commitment from Pittman. 

Sparty can't stop focusing on Michigan even when Sparty wins on the field.  I guess that's part of being a sparty.  Play the role of a little brother--even when arrogantly claiming that sparty will demolish Michigan this season.  Order should be and needs to be restored.

ND Sux

June 21st, 2011 at 4:07 PM ^

that guy is fantastic.  They should have beaten MSU last year.  Was anyone else pissed watching them give it away at the end? 

ChicagoB1GRed

June 21st, 2011 at 10:05 PM ^

we got rid of our West Coast Offense OC and promoted position coach Tim Beck, who previously was the Kansas passing game coordinator in 2007 when the Jayhawks' fast-paced spread offense got them to a 12-1 record and an Orange Bowl win. No small accomplishment given that KU is a basketball school.

Offense has been our Achilles heel the last few years, anybody who could get KU in a BCS game has to be an improvement.

Supposedly the offense will maximize the talents of Taylor Martinez. who was seriously injured for half the season. We shall see.

Should be a pretty good game in AA given that DR will be making some adjustments to a new system as well.

 

 

wresler120

June 21st, 2011 at 5:42 PM ^

They don't have much faith in Bellomy? It stated both (Denard and Devin) must stay healthy. I think Bellomy is a player who could come in if he had to and guide the team to wins. I like the intangibles on this kid.

ken725

June 21st, 2011 at 5:53 PM ^

I really like him as a prospect based on what he was able to do in HS, but I'm not sure if I can say that he will lead the team to victories if he has to step in as a freshman.  I think it is way too early to tell, but it seems like he has the right work ethic and the attitude needed to compete with Denard and Devin.