What if Tate has a great offseason?

Submitted by NorthwesternFan on

I know Denard had an AMAZING season, I don't want anyone to interpret this post as anti-Denard, but honestly, Tate looked pretty good when he saw the field (Illinois game anyone?)  What happens if Tate has an amazing offseason? Could we have some QB competition in camp next year?

UMAmaizinBlue

December 3rd, 2010 at 11:37 PM ^

That Tate stays, and Geaux Blue made a great point in another thread that Tate has potentially earned right to lead his own team elsewhere, and that he may be gone due to his proven ability to lead. As much as it pains me, I agree with that because he's a great player who gives us the best depth at QB, but his maturity since the start of the season as well as his great play on numerous occasions have earned him the right make that call.

UMAmaizinBlue

December 3rd, 2010 at 11:47 PM ^

On the whole "bedroom" thing, I like to give credit where credit is due. It's been such an odd time here on the boards lately (have you noticed) so I kind of forgot about some of these finer nuances that could impact our team next year. You made a great point, and awakened my mind from its slumber, thus, +1!

JoeBlue18

December 3rd, 2010 at 11:42 PM ^

Hypothetical here so dont get all "Youtube Video of Atomic Bomb" response.

Jim Harbaugh did recruit Tate and Tate is a hell of a passer and can also scramble when needed... Just sayin

chunkums

December 3rd, 2010 at 11:51 PM ^

Denard was the most statistically impressive QB in school history, and the only QB in NCAA history to pass and run for 1500 yards.  Until he got hurt the first time, he was hands down the leader for the Heisman trophy.  I agree; he's gonna be a backup.

ST3

December 4th, 2010 at 12:03 AM ^

If Tate has a great off-season, it should be obvious what you do: install the septuple option. We run a wishbone with 2 wideouts: Roundtree and Hemingway/Stonum. Gardner is the QB, Hopkins is at FB. Tate and Denard are the two halfbacks.

Option 1: Give to Hopkins on the dive.

Option 2 and 3: Pitch to Denard (he has run/pass option.)

Option 4 and 5: Pitch to Tate (another run/pass option.)

Option 6: Gardner keeps.

Option 7: Gardner passes.

It's so obvious, I can't believe no one has come up with this before.

/s

TNWolverine

December 4th, 2010 at 12:15 AM ^

im sure there will be another QB competition, but denard hasn't even come close to reaching his potential. Tate will get better, but im guessing DG will see his role increase as well.

umichjenks

December 4th, 2010 at 12:19 AM ^

I have been telling people all year that I truly believe our best bet is Tate at QB and Denard as RB.  I think that would open up even more possibilities for this offense.  


Tate is obviously no where near the runner as Denard, but has the accuracy Denard lacks in passing the ball.  I think this way you could minimize the hits Denard takes on his iso QB draws.  

Imagine this.....Tate hands to Denard, and Denard can 

a. Run

b. Pass downfield

c. Pass in the flat

I know our offense is pretty good right now, but it kills me when we drive to the opponent's 20 and turn it over on downs.  I'm not saying it's Denard's fault at all.  The guy is unreal and I would put more blame on our WR dropping balls, but there have been so many times we could score but Denard didn't have the touch on a pass (OSU, MSU, Iowa games).

What do you guys think?

Geaux_Blue

December 4th, 2010 at 12:23 AM ^

is to remove the running back from the backfield and add a potential blocker. doing this would simply making Denard a RB who can throw. it shifts the coverage completely and allows the run to be cheat on while creating contain coverage. if you're going to use Denard as a distraction, you line him up in the slot and put him in motion. this provides the possibility of a lateral, a quick throw, a hand off or a switch of who is qb on the go before the snap. 

UMfan21

December 4th, 2010 at 12:35 AM ^

Agreed.  Denard is better as a slot than RB.  Also, besides the points you made, I'd rather have Denard taking hits from a smaller DB than a linebacker or even DLineman.  He's not the most durable guy.

Finally, as a slot, he has a better chance of making it to the edge.  He'd only have a couple guys who could even reach him from the LOS.  With some mediocre blocking, he'd be off to the races.  At RB, he'd have at least 8 guys who could make a play if any one offensive player misses a block.  The odds are just better on the edge.

SalvatoreQuattro

December 4th, 2010 at 12:22 AM ^

But this depends on CC. If RR stays, it does not matter what he does.DRob is the starter, However, if JH is the coach I  would expect Tate to start. His skills are  much better suited for a pro style of play than DRobs'.

MontuckyYooper

December 4th, 2010 at 12:31 AM ^

For the record, I think this is one of the worst things I've ever seen.  

 

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jhackney

December 4th, 2010 at 12:43 AM ^

I am drunki and I don't give a shit who negs me...Tater Nutz is a good QB, but this post? I haf to nuke it,

Denard is the man! Tate and him should be on the field together., aaamichfan is awesome

 

 

 

Willie Heston

December 4th, 2010 at 2:08 AM ^

Haven't posted to MGo since the Haloscan days, but I gotta say that these crazy times remind me of the coaching search frenzy of '07--only back then all we had was verbal imagery from fellow posters to allay fears that Lloyd (Carr not Brady) would seek the installation of Brady Hoke once Schiano spurned us.  

So, many thanks for the laughs JHackney.  Like Dr Strangelove, I too love the bomb.  The more I laugh, the less worked up I get.  Everything will be fine.  This board really melted down last night.

[the air raid siren was  a great extra touch today +1 cocktail to you, Sir]