Why not Malzone?

Submitted by Clarence Beeks on

IF Peters and Speight can't go, why not Alex Malzone?  If we go back to the spring, the major positive upside on his game was his "smarts" (https://247sports.com/Article/Hamilton-previews-QB-depth-74917540).  That has been the consistent knock on O'Korn's game from what we've seen.  We know with this offense, and in this game in particular, being sound in decision-making is crucial. Yes, RS-Freshman asterisk applies to that, of course, but just tossing it out there for discussion (we can still do that here without instant snark, right?), because that's why not at this point...

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jgoblue11

November 22nd, 2017 at 3:18 PM ^

Malzone has zero game experience. Remember O'Korn vs MSU in a rivalry game? Ohio state would obliterate Malzone. Harbaugh is going with experience. And John is the only one on the roster aside from the injured kids who has experience with this offense.

Joined: 09/20/2017

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Sopwith

November 23rd, 2017 at 8:27 AM ^

When I watch the QBs warm up before games, he throws a beautiful, tight spiral on corner routes with just the right amount of arc.

I also like his name because it reminds me of "calzone."

You just heard two positive things about Malzone since the spring of 2015.

Joined: 06/29/2010

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Yeoman

November 23rd, 2017 at 12:33 AM ^

the Broken Wing.

In all seriousness, a proper single wing takes a long time to implement. I got to see Denison a few times in the 70s when they were running it in all its glory, and they needed some skills that aren't easily found or taught, like the center snapping accurately at an angle to a player in motion at speed.

Joined: 06/08/2011

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GRBluefan

November 22nd, 2017 at 3:46 PM ^

A stadium tour this morning, and Alex Malzone’s locker was with the walk ons. He was literally the only scholarship player in that section. Every other QB was together in a different section.

Not sure that tells you anything, but also not sure it doesn’t...

Joined: 02/13/2009

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FLwolvfan22

November 22nd, 2017 at 4:34 PM ^

Well, we shall see if O'Korn gets rocked or throws pics, lets finally see what Mr Malzone can do, i think he could be good and yes my opninion is worthless but I still want to see him play.

Joined: 03/03/2012

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Mr poonsniffle

November 22nd, 2017 at 5:36 PM ^

I think I’m catching on to a pattern here. A quarterback plays for Michigan and then a segment of the fan base says “why not (insert name of guy next on depth chart that we know nothing about)?”

I am not quick to pick up on things, so I didn’t notice this pattern when a segment of the fan base called for O’Korn and then Peters. Now I get it. I think these fans must know something that the coaches don’t know.

I have previously seen this with the Detroit Lions pre Matt Stafford.

Joined: 10/04/2017

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Mr poonsniffle

November 22nd, 2017 at 9:37 PM ^

Valid point.

However, calling for a backup quarterback is probably the most generic hot take in sports. Especially when there is no substance behind it.

Pep Hamilton saying Alex was smart back in March doesn’t warrant him playing on Saturday. It sounded like Pep was trying to give a brief opinion of each of the quarterbacks and that was all he could come up with for Alex.

I’m pretty sure there is a reason we have not heard about Alex all year.

Joined: 10/04/2017

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FLwolvfan22

November 23rd, 2017 at 2:15 PM ^

O'Korn can't get it done, everyone is aware of that now and nobody doubts he's suddenly going to be able to get it done against the Buckeyes so everyone is like, "okay, who else could go out there and throw the ball around?" McCaffrey? Not worth losing his RS and getting him killed by look out blocks. Malzone? Sure, lets see what he can do!

Joined: 03/03/2012

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billygoblue

November 22nd, 2017 at 7:57 PM ^

O Korn plays because nobody expects us to win and if he has a crap game or gets steamrollereed & looks like Wil E Coyote after he fell off the cliff, its not a big loss for Harbaugh. JOK is done after this year and Peters is back for lots more in the future.  Even if JOK is knocked out, you still have Malzone to take the punches to finish up the game.  Myabe our defense can turn it into a titanic struggle of the D's and Nordin kick the GW 56 yard FG to send everyone onto the field and carry him off into the setting sun, singing the Victors.

Joined: 01/29/2010

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Caesar

November 23rd, 2017 at 3:24 AM ^

I think this is a fair question, but based on some stuff from Coach Hamilton about Peters, I get the impression that reps with the first team (to get things like timing, comfort with handoffs, etc.) would be the biggest issue. 

Joined: 03/25/2009

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bigike

November 23rd, 2017 at 3:46 AM ^

I dont quite understand. I want the kid to succeed in the worst ways but he has not impressed me. Against Maryland and Minnesota we ran the ball down their throats. He simply handed the ball off. Against Wisconsin, he played ok but made the biggest error in the game with a fumble on the goal line. Did anyone notice that we played for a fg in the first half. We had a 3rd and 11 from somewhere around the 25 and we handed the ball off. Harbaugh doesnt appear to trust Peters at all and frankly i dont either. He holds thr ball for an eternity in the pocket and some of those sacks are on him. I will take WS all day and everyday. I am clueless to what people are seeing in Peters. I see a nice kid with a huge arm but a game that is going way too fast for him. Harbaugh was not wrong for having him 3rd on depth chart.

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