Pick your QB: Pryor or Forcier

Submitted by Clarence Beeks on

I realize one is our QB and the other (decidedly) is not, but I'm just curious now that we have competent QB running our system, with all the clarity of hindsight, who would you rather have running our offense? I'm going to make my stand with Tate, and here's why. Pryor is athletic as all get out, but he can't pass and he doesn't make good decisions. Just for comparison sake, when looking at both of their freshman years, Tate's on pace to easily out do Pryor's passing AND rushing numbers from last year. In fact, Tate has already out done Pryor's best passing performance of his career and all but four of Pryor's best rushing performances of his career. In two games. I think in about 3 months, when this season is over with, those of us who said that they were glad that Pryor chose TUOS (and meant it) weren't as crazy as a lot of people here thought. Pryor is an unbelievable talent, but Tate is shaping up to be an unbelievable quarterback. I'm just curious to see where the rest of MGoBlog comes down on this. Feel free to flame away.

MichiganStudent

September 13th, 2009 at 11:42 PM ^

I have a feeling this is going to be a landslide victory for Tate. The guy just has "it". Hes a good passer with great scrambling ability. I'd take Tate any day of the week, maybe thats just me.

mattbern

September 14th, 2009 at 1:54 AM ^

I'd rather have the guy who never gets nervous and doesn't murder people...but thats just me.

IN all seriousness though, Pryor is a great athlete but I do not see him as a good quarterback. As previously mentioned, he makes poor decisions and lacks some skill at the qb position. On the other hand, Tate seems to always make the right decision and he's clutch. He's very elusive in the pocket and he throws a crisp, accurate ball. I'm sure that we all would have been happy if Pryor chose to play here, but i gotta say that I am very happy that things worked out the way they did.

MichiganExile

September 13th, 2009 at 11:44 PM ^

But in all honesty until last night I was firmly entrenched in the "Pryor is gonna be something special camp." I think right now it is about 50/50 so in this offense I'd go with Tate.

Plus he can actually give an interview without sounding like he just went 12 rounds with Mike Tyson (in his prime).

OSUMC Wolverine

September 13th, 2009 at 11:44 PM ^

Tate, because he chose Michigan. Pryor couldnt event get the name of TUOOS right. He made a good call on the Vick thing too. Obviously from this one decision each one made we see who is the better decison maker. Go Blue

BlueVoix

September 13th, 2009 at 11:48 PM ^

But more seriously, does anyone else have that Clarrett-esque feeling with Pryor? Something just seems like it's going to snap. And not in the, he'll-snap-to-a-MNC, way.

SouthernWolverineFan

September 14th, 2009 at 10:46 AM ^

ohio state should have won that game by double digits. the pick six...well, totally pryor's fault. the field goal to end the half...well...totally tressel's fault, i mean second down in your own territory with a min-plus left and usc with zero time outs and you pass twice?!!! (did you catch his brief interview as they went into halftime...umm, uhh...he knew he fcked up) then the last drive of the game. only three scores for usc. ohio state blew chances and blew the game. their defense is fkn STOUT and completely dominated usc's o-line. if osu scores td with first and goal instead of settling for field goal and tressel calls better o-plays, i think osu wins by dbl digits easily.

Topher

September 14th, 2009 at 12:47 AM ^

I think this is all ridiculous talk at this point in the season. Pryor was pretty darn good last year for a frosh, and he just played one of the best-regarded defensive minds in the game. I'm not ready to call him a bust yet.

Although I do think Tate was far more impressive yesterday. Pryor still should have performed better.

MinorforPresident

September 14th, 2009 at 1:23 AM ^

When Pryor had NFL level talent at every skill position on offense he should've succeeded. Now that it is gone what will he do with the offense and thus far it's not much. I am definitely not saying he's not a good player but for all those annointing him a top 10 college QB think again. He has a lot to prove as does Forcier but Tate is a much better pure QB, Pryor is a freak-ish athlete.

gmoney41

September 13th, 2009 at 11:55 PM ^

with pryor is his inconsistency in the passing game. Contain him and force him to throw and he will fold under pressure. He throws worse than a freshman vince young.

Plegerize

September 13th, 2009 at 11:57 PM ^

Which QB would you take?

QB #1: Plans on graduating early by taking on heavier class load. Wakes up at 5:00am to work out. Ends his day with another workout and studying film and formations. Wears his team's pride on his shoulders and calls out to other recruits who are meddling between schools.

QB #2: Receives accolades for tremendous High School career. Waits a month till after National Signing Day to decide school. Gets in fights during sporting events (Basketball and spring practice). Supports a convicted criminal with outlandish statement.

I think we made the right choice.

Plegerize

September 14th, 2009 at 12:10 AM ^

You can say all that you want about a player being the perfect size or speed, having all the "tools" to be a potentially good player, But when it comes down to it in football, you want the player that knows how to play and is disciplined in his execution.

Being refined and hard working will get you farther than being a talented dumbass (Especially where it counts most: In the Pros).

tmiller

September 14th, 2009 at 12:01 AM ^

I understand the premise of the question, but this is like asking "do you want to drink this cold, frosty mug of beer, or this warm baggie of Charlie Weis' piss."

mikefromaa

September 14th, 2009 at 12:04 AM ^

apparently it is inevitable.

"Not everybody is the perfect person in the world. Everyone does -- kills people, murders people, steals from you, steals from me. I just feel that people need to give him a chance."

umjgheitma

September 14th, 2009 at 12:10 AM ^

pretty much a TPesque QB coming in next year in Gardner. I know DG doesn't quite have the same arm, but he will have a couple years to develop his talent rather than being thrown in the mix from day one.

Clarence Beeks

September 14th, 2009 at 8:58 AM ^

Well, one of the things about Pryor is that he never had to face any adversity at all on the football field before he got to Ohio State and his ability to react in tough situations has shown to be one of the major flaws, at this point, in his game. People tend to forget that he played at the lowest level of high school football in Pennsylvania. I lived a good chuck of my life in western Pennsylvania and have been to a lot of games with teams in that class (my wife went to one of those schools), and it really is not good football at all.

Gene

September 14th, 2009 at 12:11 AM ^

Tate of course. One quarterback led his team to a big win yesterday with a clutch performance for the ages, the other fell flat in an equally big game. But I do think Pryor can throw, and he can get better; I do think Pryor has the higher upside, but Tate has less variability, and Tate is the better QB right now.

Muttley

September 14th, 2009 at 12:25 AM ^

Tate was quoted as "It's my job to get the ball to the athletes." That's "all" Tom Brady does as well.

A quarterback that can spot the easy play in real time will be more valuable than a Michael Vick or a Vince Young. I know those two had outstanding college careers, but we're talking here about the upper limit.

I like Tate's.

BlueFab5

September 14th, 2009 at 12:21 AM ^

Look at the string of events that led to Tate attending Michigan. Funny how things work out.

After the first two games of the season I would take Tate over any other QB recruit over the last two years.

I'm not saying that Tate is better or has more talent. He is the best fit for Michigan.

South Bend Wolverine

September 14th, 2009 at 12:27 AM ^

Tate the Great, no doubt. The kid could freeze water in his hands while standing in a blast furnace. He was born for this, he's been groomed for it his entire life. And not in an arrogant jackass way, in a "I'm not going to miss my chance" way. If he stays healthy (his size is my only worry), the Forciera will be something spoken of for years to come.

The Geek

September 14th, 2009 at 12:34 AM ^

Great thread going here. I was having this very discussion this morning with two of my co-workers, who are both from O**O and are huge TOSU fans. (I'm in the Navy, in the Western Pacific currently).
No doubt Pryor choked and cost his team the game. My brothers in arms seem a little jealous, and I am loving it!

A tree

September 14th, 2009 at 12:44 AM ^

when I was at Crisler arena for a basketball game against Iowa. It was a very cold night outside, meanwhile inside the student section was chanting "We want Pryor". TP looked so smug and we lost to Iowa. Fuck that night.

Enjoy Life

September 14th, 2009 at 12:46 AM ^

Because of his obviously superior passing ability. Coming out of HS: "He has good arm strength, a quick release, is extremely accurate, and is very mobile."

Pryor looked ugly throwing in HS and has not improved by much.

jareth16

September 14th, 2009 at 12:48 AM ^

i would take tate because if you look at both of their situations (TPs and TFs) in the fourth quarter who made the plays under presure and who folded like a cheap suit. tate had everything on the final drive clock managment and poise in the pocket. pryor looked lost on the final drive. i dont know if that is coaching or not. but go blue

michiganfanforlife

September 14th, 2009 at 12:50 AM ^

Tate & Pryor both just played in a big game where they got the ball with little time left and just one chance to drive down and win the game. One of them methodically pushed his team down the field, and threw two great TD passes (only one was caught). The other was inept, and couldn't even rush the team for a spike. TP was not comfortable, and not able to run a 2 minute offense. RR's whole scheme is a 2 minute offense. Tate is the man, son. Just think about how much he will improve in three years...

mejunglechop

September 14th, 2009 at 1:36 AM ^

I think Pryor's talent is shortchanged by Tresselball. He still just finished his second game as a sophomore. Think about how Jimmah looked this time last year. Now he's damn impressive. Right now I'd rather have Tate, but when it comes to potential, I have to say that I'm very afraid of what Pryor may become in the coming years.

psychomatt

September 14th, 2009 at 6:08 AM ^

Forcier. He does not run as fast as TP (although he apparently is faster than ND's safeties), but he understands the game way better and is very happy to be at Michigan. TP is an amazing athlete, but he still does not look very comfortable as quarterback. Maybe he should try tight end. The good news for OSU is that they haven't bet their entire program on him for the next couple of years. Oh wait ... forget that last part.

P.S. Forcier also does not waste his game prep time determining what promo messages he wants to put on his eye black each week.

griesecheeks

September 14th, 2009 at 2:59 AM ^

now, I still would take Tate, BUT, consider this:

OSU is totally mis-using Pryor's talent. I think TP puts up MUCH better numbers in RichRod's offense. OSU is trying to to turn the guy into a pocket passer/NFL prospect, and that's really backfiring, or, at least taking longer for him to really be productive. i do think once they inevitably turn the keys over to him and open up their playbook, he could be a total nightmare for defenses. but right now, I don't understand what OSU's offensive plan is. In fact, the same goes for USC. They had no real MO for most of that game.

griesecheeks

September 14th, 2009 at 3:02 AM ^

as for Tate, we have to stay grounded and expect that he's going to show his age, eventually, probably at a very inopportune time. but for now, the kid's shown excellent promise.

VictorsValiant09

September 14th, 2009 at 3:10 AM ^

Another thing I love about Tate, is that he just seems to genuinely love The University of Michigan. He's always wanted to be here, he understands what it means to people around the world, athletics/academics/research etc. included.

He's done an excellent job at representing the University. The same cannot be said for Pryor...well, I take that back, he's representing what O$U stands for just fine.

Thunder71

September 14th, 2009 at 3:52 AM ^

Pryor lead the Big Ten in passing efficiency as a freshman.

He is the most out-of-this-world athlete to ever play quarterback.

He is faster, taller, more athletic, and has a stronger arm then Tate.

That being said, Tate Forcier is (two games into his career) undoubtedly the winner in moxie, decision making, and, to put it simply, is just a better quarterback.

I love Tate. I love his fit at Michigan. However, I think Pryor would have absolutely EXPLODED in this offense. If I had to pick one quarterback to run the system, it's him.

jmblue

September 14th, 2009 at 8:35 AM ^

The past form of the verb "to lead" is led, not lead. Sorry, but it bugs me.

But anyway, Pryor's a good athlete but I think his athleticism is slightly overrated. I don't think it's anywhere near Vince Young's level. In fact, since he's gained weight over the offseason, he looks like he might be a half-step slower.