Blogs › Cockytalk

On to quarterbacks.....

Posted May 9, 2008

Eight Interceptions. So much is said in those two little words (most of which would not be allowed in a PG-13 rated movie). I would, however, like to take a look at this position, and hope that that is daylight at the end of the tunnel, and not an oncoming train.

Right now, we have two somewhat experienced QB's in the form of of Tommy Beacher and Chris Smelly, with several back-ups who will see limited playing time baring something catastrophic happening. Between the two it is obvious that Beacher has the better arm strength, and doesn't seem to float the long ball down field on the deep passes as much as Mr. Smelly tends to do (which led to several of the 5 int's he had at the spring game this year). However, Smelly does have the actual game day experience that Mr. Beacher can not tout. Smelly did well when he started last year (as long as you forget everything after the 1st half of the UNC game).

In my observation, Smelly does not seem to have any confidence in himself. Not really sure why here, and I really hope that I am wrong, but I really don't know if he will be our man this year.

Saying that, Tommy Beacher has yet to start a game in the SEC, which has been known to be a rather difficult conference every now and then. I really hope that if he does get the starting nod, then he is ready by week one, because the season will open with a NC State team that frightens me for some reason, and then the Commodores of Vandy (who I hope we pummel until they start taking a knee to run the clock out so we will stop scoring). I like Beacher and I think he has worked very hard to be where he is, but I just don't know yet.

Then there is the oft' mentioned Stephen Garcia. He certainly made an impact this spring (albeit off the field). I will say this much, I have heard he has a strong arm, and is mobile, but until I see it on a Saturday during the fall, I can't count it yet. With that said, Achilles will more than likely be watching from the sidelines most of the first part of the year.

We also have a couple of incoming freshmen who could see some playing time this year, but if that is the case, then our season is in worse shape than I thought.

All in all I feel that the quarterback position is our weakest area this year. We don't have anyone showing out there, and hoping for a savior either from a true freshman or a guy who has seen more time downtown than under center is like wishing for Hillary to respectfully bow out of the democratic race. I really have high hopes for this team this year, but if we have one, the QB position would be our Achilles.