Would TP Even Get the Job Back?
In light of the discussions about whether or not Pryor will declare for the supplemental draft or return to OSU, I have a question to consider. If he does return, will he even get the job back? While Terrell and his guardian seem to be assuming that is a given, I don't find it as clear. If Braxton Miller can win the first five games, why try to make the transition halfway through the season? It is uncertain if he will be able to shake off the rust, and it's not like Miller was a poor prospect coming out of high school.
Maybe more importantly, will Luke Fickell have warm feelings for Terrell after these next few months? He didn't do it singlehandedly, but it is pretty easy to attribute a lot of OSU's current difficulties to Pryor's unique blend of stupidity, entitlement, and immaturity. Even if his ability does not decline while he is on the bench, Fickell might keep him there as a matter of principle. It would show the NCAA and the other OSU players that proper standards have become relevant at OSU.
At any rate, I don't find the answer as obvious as some do. Any thoughts?
who's playing qb for that Ohio team.
Yes he would.
I would be very surprised is Pryor is allowed to play another NCAA game ever. Right now the 5 game suspension for the tats is a national joke. He would have to be entirely exonerated for the cars thing. And the moment he stepped on the field it would be a finger in the eye of the NCAA. At this point I'd say there's a better chance that Forcier starts for Michigan than Pryor does for Ohio State in 2011.
With all that is going to be said and heard between now and October, I can't believe that whoever is in charge at OSU at that point will allow Pryor to be seen in an OSU uniform.
About their image, then you're right. However, from Gee to Smith to Tressel to Pryor, it's pretty obvious they don't. Winning is the only thing down there, and Pryor gives them their best chance.
There was a small blurb on 11W yesterday (or day before, I forget) which indicated that Pryor said he wouldn't go pro, and would be back.
It's not just the tats and the cars, in terms of allegations. Dez Bryant was suspended for the whole season. I anticipate Pryor will be too. Hello CFL.
For OSU, I think they go with Bauserman and play it ultra conservative. Given their rich talent, especially on defense, this should still be enough for at least 6 wins (Akron, Toledo, Colorado, Purdue, Indiana, Illinois).
Surprised no one brought up Cam Newton as an example to why Pryor will play as long he's not suspended further.
Newton had been suspended and it was known his dad set up the play for pay thing but the second they made him eligible again (what like a day later?) he reclaimed the starting job.
It will be the same with Pryor. If he is eligible he's too good of a college quarterback to not play regardless of the opinions of people like myself. If no ruling says Pryor is ineligible he will be under center.
I think that Miller kid is WAY better than Terrell. The one thing he can do is: think. He seriously looked like a hybrid between Tate and Denard... but a little bit slower.
Agree with the notion that a lot of people in and out of the team can stomach a lot if they believe TP can win and win big for them.
Benefit:
1. Like him or hate him, TP can play at the B10 level.
2. He has experience and has come through for them in big games.
Risk:
1. If they play him, they risk keeping the magnifying glass on their program all year round.
2. They risk if anything else pops up forcing the NCAA to dig even deeper.
So much depends on what happens over the summer. Right now the OSU football ship is taking on water. In the past, they've stuffed the Maurice Clarett and Andy Geiger into the hole but this hole is huge - even Jim Tressl's professional corpse may not plug it. It migh consume Gene Smith and Gordon Gee.
It's all about winning. If this situation has taught you anything all the people in Cbus care about is winning. If he is available and give them the best chance to win then he will play. Remember in Cbus winning is the only thing that matters. No one cares about rules, integrity, or the team. With an interim coach he will do anything to win all of the games to try to get the permanent job.
I think they'll start Pryor if they can.
As to fan reaction, the boos will turn to cheers after his first positive-yardage scramble. OSU fans didn't love Tressel because he was a bible-thumpin' Christian.
They loved him because he was a Michigan-thumpin' Buckeye.
As long as he gets the ok from the NCAA to play, they will spin his story into "Pryor the Victim" of SI. As long as he wins, they will love them some Pryor.
There's a long time to wait until 1) We know if he's even allowed to play. 2) How good Miller or Bausserman even is. and 3) How will Pryor take the layoff. If Fickell tries to decide now who is going to be the QB in games 6-10, he's a bad coach. Assuming Pryor is eligible to play, you have to compare how he's doing in practice to how Miller/Bausserman does in the games. If Miller plays well, maybe you give Pryor a few series here and there.
The big benefit is going to go to Miller though b/c Fickell will want to plan for the future and give Miller any edge so he gets more experience. Pryor is gone at the end of the year no matter what so giving him playing time is only going help in the short term. Who knows, if they can't go to a bowl, then there's no reason to even give Pryor a look.