I seriously think Russell should start vs Bama

[Coach34]

Mr State fan sitting in section T, row 52, seat 12- you have convinced me to the wonder that is Tyler Russell (I know you post here because your wife almost broke her neck turning around to listen to me when I said "posters on Sixpack"). As you said, since Mullen is bringing in all this talent, we can't afford not to play Tyler Russell next season as the starting QB. Your point as to Mullen will never get another QB to come here if we dont start him next year is another solid, well thought out point as well. And that impressive 3 and out when we had scored on two straight drives to start the game with Ralph was just bad luck.

We have a week off- so he would get 2 weeks to get ready, as would the OL and WR's
We could rest Ralph's body for the grind of Arky and Mississippi
We are a huge underdog anyway
We could throw it 50 times, Bama would be in no way expecting that and it would have them off balance a little
The WR's would be happy because they wouldnt have to block all the time
Recruits could get a look at the future and get excited about his arm that Todd said is stronger than Ralph's
Russell would get a start and valuable experience for when he takes over next season- instead of just mop-up time vs Alcorn and Houston
The other Russell fan club members would be happy because according to them we would no longer be one-dimentional because Tyler is a "serviceable" runner
As some other posters mentioned- Mullen could show everybody what he really wants our offense to look like with Russell vs Bama



When you examine everything, we would be crazy not to start Russell vs Bama

 

[Coach34]

Mr State fan sitting in section T, row 52, seat 12- you have convinced me to the wonder that is Tyler Russell (I know you post here because your wife almost broke her neck turning around to listen to me when I said "posters on Sixpack"). As you said, since Mullen is bringing in all this talent, we can't afford not to play Tyler Russell next season as the starting QB. Your point as to Mullen will never get another QB to come here if we dont start him next year is another solid, well thought out point as well. And that impressive 3 and out when we had scored on two straight drives to start the game with Ralph was just bad luck.

We have a week off- so he would get 2 weeks to get ready, as would the OL and WR's
We could rest Ralph's body for the grind of Arky and Mississippi
We are a huge underdog anyway
We could throw it 50 times, Bama would be in no way expecting that and it would have them off balance a little
The WR's would be happy because they wouldnt have to block all the time
Recruits could get a look at the future and get excited about his arm that Todd said is stronger than Ralph's
Russell would get a start and valuable experience for when he takes over next season- instead of just mop-up time vs Alcorn and Houston
The other Russell fan club members would be happy because according to them we would no longer be one-dimentional because Tyler is a "serviceable" runner
As some other posters mentioned- Mullen could show everybody what he really wants our offense to look like with Russell vs Bama



When you examine everything, we would be crazy not to start Russell vs Bama

 

[AlCoDog]

In before the 2nd lock!

 

[ckDOG]

That's weak.

 

[Sutterkane]

Anybody who thinks he is not the best qb for this team and that we are not a better team by starting Relf is a complete moron.

However, I still do not get where you can say Russell cannot run the ball to some effectiveness. Russell has run the ball 12 times for 60 yards on the season. That's a 5 yard per carry average. He even averaged 4 yards a carry against LSU.

Russell will never be the runner that Relf is. However, he can run the ball, and probably better than Tyson Lee could last year. He's only going to get better at it too as he gains weight, confidence, and learns how to run the option.

 

[Xartox]

I was thinking this same thing earlier. Throw a wrinkle at Bama. If it doesn't work, insert Relf back in on the second series.

 

[Coach34]

directly to his face and had him backtracking...this post is for pure enjoyment...he rang his 17'ing cowbell the entire night, especially when he wasnt supposed to...and forced me into several high-fives and fist bumps I really didnt want to participate in. But calling him an idiot in front of his wife and niece or whatever she was wouldnt have been very appropriate

 

[FISHDAWG]

I think you just stated an opinion shared by many here that they will not admit to .... I just don't see bama falling for this Relf impersonation of Tebow.....if not a different QB, then at least attack with a different game plan

 

[tenureplan]

could you not detect the sarcasm?

 

[FISHDAWG]

no... I missed the sarcasm, but I still dont think it's a bad idea and I stand by my assesment that somethings going to have to change for us to stay in the ballgame ... and NEVER call me shirley

 

[bulliegolfer]

Running the ball on 3rd and 7 will not get it done against them. Not sure how we are going to get it done anyway. Unless LSU beats the hell out of them and bangs them up good.

 

[Coach34]

sure he had the big run vs Houston during a 4th quarter mop-up job- but those other 11 carries have gone for about 30 yards....

If you look at Tyler Russell and see someone that will be running the ball 7-8-9 times vs the LSU's, Bama's, and Fla's- then I dont know what to say to you. When I watch him, I look at someone that doesnt need to run it much or he is going to get hurt. He doesnt the have the feet necessary to avoid getting hit hard on a regular basis against a decent defense

 

[Johnson85]

If we're within 10 and are actually moving the ball occasionally, sure, play Relf the whole game. But if we're not moving the ball (which is what I expect), I'd put Russell in as soon as we're down by more than 10. If we have several 3 and outs early, I'd go ahead and put Russell in. I just don't want to beat the hell out of Relf the week before we get Ark at home. But I'm kind of worried our "best" case scenario is that it's a real smash mouth game, and we get the hell beat out of us all game and lose by 2 touchdowns or less because Bama finally puts some points on the board late after wearing us down.

 

[RebelBruiser]

but I agree with them. You have to throw to beat their defense. They are not a good match up for your offense. Your defense may be able to slow them down some, but your offense won't get much done against them in its current format. If you bring in Russell and start slinging it some, you'll have a chance.

I may be wrong on that, but as much as I like your potential match up with Arkansas, I don't like your match up with Bama.

 

[Beretta.sixpack]

but I agree with them. You have to throw to beat their defense. They are not a good match up for your offense. Your defense may be able to slow them down some, but your offense won't get much done against them in its current format. If you bring in Russell and start slinging it some, you'll have a chance.

I may be wrong on that, but as much as I like your potential match up with Arkansas, I don't like your match up with Bama.

our relf/russell offense is similar to the the brantley/no8 for florida....same offense.....see the outcome of bama/uf.......this game does not match up for us.....

im saying bama by 3 TDs......

sorry for the pessimism....

 

[ImHurtinLinda]

we have two good and very different options at QB (both need to be refined and get better though)

I will be the first to admit - if we are playing someone that we can move the ball on with the read-option run only, play Relf, take care of the ball, and play nasty defense.

If we play someone like LSU or Alabama, you better be prepared to throw the ball some to keep them honest - if you think Russell is not the best option to do that, you are crazy. Only fly in this ointment is that he needs some playing time before taking on the big boys, but can understand Mullen's fear of not wanting to turn the ball over.

Next year, I think we see more of a 2 QB system, maybe even some interchanging within drives, and having them on the field at the same time. Russell has to get to a point where Mullen trusts him with protecting the football as much as he does Relf.

But hey, who's to say Relf doesn't get the passing game figured out by the start of next season - if so, Tyler will need to wait till his Jr. year.

 

[Pat Pat]

I may be wrong on that

Germans.

If Relf is QB, we are competitive and have a shot to win. If Russell is QB, we will get beat by 30. Russell is not ready to start and lead the team right now.

I agree they are a bad matchup for us. But holy **** they are a bad matchup for most teams because they have better players. Our best chance isn't to put in the backup QB, that's effing ridiculously dumb. Our best chance is to do what we do well: run the ball with Relf, play good defense and hope for some turnovers and things to go our way. Shorten the game.

 

[FISHDAWG]

a bad match up is relying on Relf to pick up the first downs against bama linemen and linebackers with his legs andSABANKNOWING THAT IS WHAT WE ARE GOING TOTRY TO DO

 

[Pat Pat]

He's shown he's got some good decision making ability this year.

 

[kired]

I can't believe so many people agree with this post. I realize coach was being sarcastic, but apparently many people actually feel this way.

Russell is a walking INT. If he throws the ball 15 times against Bama, I say they get at least 3 picks.One of his 2 passesagainst Kentucky should have been a pick. In over 40 attempts since the Memphis game, he hasn't thrown a TD. His running is ok, but looks unsure and uncomfortable. Could probably get seriously injured the way he runs. Russell may be good one day - and I seriously hope he is. But he's simply not ready yet.</p>

 

[Hidog78]

If Bama loads the box to stop the run with nine people and says beat with the pass. What is our chances of winning? Relf has to pass means more three an outs or more interceptions. Is Russell the answer ? No, but a combination of the two is. How many three and outs did we have against Kentucky?

 

[Sutterkane]

he averaged 4 yards a carry against LSU. The guy can run the option. As I've stated previously, no he is not going to win games running the ball, but he will keep the defense honest on the option play. Even against Houston, you wouldn't expect him to have a run for over 20 yards, but he still did.

Before the season started if I had tried to tell you that he'd have a big play running the ball this year, you would've tried to draw and quarter me.

Once again...Relf should be our quarterback barring injury until he graduates; however, running the option is still something Russell can do to SOME effectiveness.

 

[Pat Pat]

he averaged 4 yards a carry against LSU. The guy can run the option. As I've stated previously, no he is not going to win games running the ball, but he will keep the defense honest on the option play.

Do you realize what you just typed? Do you realize what's required by the QB to successfully run the option? You know, hard-nosed aggressive running? If there's anything the defense "honest"ly knows for sure is that Tyler Russell isn't going to take the ball and ram it down their throat.

Even against Houston, you wouldn't expect him to have a run for over 20 yards, but he still did.

I bet Peyton Manning broke off a 20 yarder a time or two too. Wouldn't call him a runner.

 

[Coach34]

he had 2 runs on the first drive against LSU that were decent...and then once they started getting after him, it was a different night. He ran the triple to the left that last time for a gain of 2 that should have been a 10 yard run. And I was worried he was hurt on the tackle.

I then watched him try to get to the corner vs Alcorn and that was just terrible....

Russell is basically Brantley from Fla- we will get the same results with him if we stay with the option game. Tyler is a Spread QB- not a Spread Option QB

I watch him run and I worry about him getting hurt- and that does not define an option QB or serviceable runner

 

[prettygooddawg]

remember the old addage of yesteryear's Dawg teams?....

..."we play better when we're behind"..

..thought you would remember..

..you're welcome, Coach!

 

[TUSK.sixpack]

i believe MSU's best chance to win will be facilitated by a threat of pass.

if Relf can't do that consistently, you're better off with Russell.

 

[Shmuley]

and more to do with keeping ralph's *** in one piece for the last two.

 

[KennyPowers2]

directly to his face and had him backtracking...this post is for pure enjoyment...he rang his 17'ing cowbell the entire night, especially when he wasnt supposed to...and forced me into several high-fives and fist bumps I really didnt want to participate in. But calling him an idiot in front of his wife and niece or whatever she was wouldnt have been very appropriate

Do you think that he had any clue he was fistbumping the Coach34???Was his wife Hot???

 

[ckDOG]

nm

 

[LR1400]

I'm with 34 starting Tyler is a stupid 17'n idea. Why in the hell would you take out a guy who has led wins against multiple SEC teams and put in a guy who has not a team to any wins yet. And against one of the best defensive minds in the game at their house.

Moronic.

 

[AlCoDog]

nm