I am fascinated by some of the discourse on the radio on on the board acting like there is some sort of QB battle. I guess I can understand it. We just won a game in huge comeback fashion. And Cole played a key role in that. And AA looked bad while getting his face smashed in earlier in the year. Cole may well be the QB of the future…though we have another 4 star on campus…with another on the way…that will surely have their chances to earn the job too.
In any case, I am fascinated because based on the eye test…watching the two kids play…the difference between a health AA who has any time to operate at all versus Cole is enormous. The passing game scheme last week was VERY simplified, and Cole still missed plenty of open receivers. Thats ok too. He’s young and inexperienced. And he made the plays he had too. But it was pretty obvious to me that AA would have lit up Ole Miss. People forget how good Austin has been. He has been VERY good.
In any case, put me down as someone that wishes nothing but longterm success for Cole Kelly. Maybe he will be the QB of the future. The job is probably his to lose next year (though again I bet Dalton Hyatt is given his fair chance). But for now, for the rest of the year, play Austin once he’s healthy and ready…with Cole coming in in special situations. That’s what I say anyway. I am not ready to toss away the season. There are no unbeatable teams left. Who knows what could happen.
I like AA; and I think he’s a much better passer right now than Cole. But, success at Arkansas has not quite worked out for Austin. I can’t quite put my finger on the Why’s. Moreover, I feel the same way about the head coach. Last weekend’s success and win over Ole Miss was big for CBB and Cole. I’m left wondering whether the team is beginning to gell or if the Black Bears are just worse than awful. I badly want to think the team’s improving.
Here’s the key point in your post. >.the difference between a healthy AA who has any time to operate at all versus Cole is enormous.< AA, healthy or not, has no time to operate behind this O-line. This is a dysfunctional Offense that requires a QB with great improvisational skills. That is not Austin. Austin, btw, has also missed a lot of wide open receivers this season. I don’t dislike the Allens. My preference for Cole is not based on emotion or playing for the future. I honestly believe that Cole gives us the better chance to win now. I think the team knows this too, though they certainly won’t vocalize it. AA will probably look good today. The Coastal boys will not be able to pressure him and he will make some nice throws. I hope the decision makers aren’t swayed by that going forward. That’s fool’s gold. LSU will show us that next week if they trot Austin out as the starter.
AA at times this year has looked mad at the world after many plays. He has not shown the same leadership this year that he showed last year.
If your going to stay mad at the world on the field what good are you doing for your team. None!
If it’s the AA from last year he gives us the best chance to win. If it’s the gun shy mad guy we’ve seen this year leave him on the bench.
I would like to see both QB’s play and be effective because that’s what best for our team.
But as subpar as Austin’s year has been, his numbers and Cole’s are very similar.
In fact, Cole has been sacked more than Austin.
Allen has a QB efficiency rating of 133.2 while Kelley’s is 126.8
Allen 66 of 117 passing for 850 yards with 8 TDs and 4 interception - -15 yards rushing
Kelley 68 of 116 with 738 yards with 7 TDs and 3 interceptions - 68 yards rushing
Kelley has fumbled 5 times and lost 3
Allen has fumbled 2 times and lost 1
[/quote]I’m sure you just overlooked it, but Cole started against the #1#13 and #117 ranked total defenses and Allen against #10, #53, #58.