I'm a Prescott guy, but here's why Russell should start. Also, second scenario..

[TheStateUofMS]

Dak is going to be a good QB for us there's no doubt. I just think LSU will put 7-8 in the box the whole game and force Dak to beat them through the air if we play Dak. I don't think Dak has horrible accuracy at all and I think throwing the ball down field is a strength for him, he's just going to need time to throw and his WR get some separation which I'm not sure our WRs will be able to do against LSU. I think, and Russell proved last year, Russell give us our best chance to move the ball against LSU. You beat LSU with a run game AND a respectable passing game. Russell gives us our best chance in the passing game and we're going to have to trust our O-line to block for our RBs and give Russell protection for us to beat LSU with Dak coming in from time to time to keep LSU off balance maybe even bringing Dak in as a WR.

OR....


We play for the future and let Dak get experience this year. So, when Dak comes in next year, with our favorable schedule, a lot of experience, senior and junior driven team, and the true style of QB Dan needs to run his system, he could ball out and we could have a special year. Getting a lot of experience this year for Dak will be huge for Dak. I liked him outta high school, I think he's one of the best recruits Dan has gotten since he's been at State.

So, are we likely to go 5-7 regardless who plays at QB at this point? I'm a Hud guy and I want him in here after Dan, but I'm also not a quitter. In my opinion, we play to win and I think Russell gives us our best chance against LSU. We have to pull an upset somewhere to get bowl eligible and I know we haven't been to great bowls, but I'd rather say we have been to 4 straight bowls instead of 3 outta 4 years.

What say ye?

 

[patdog]

Good point. People (me included) forget that Russell had a pretty good game against LSU last year. Maybe starting him isn't such a bad idea after all.

 

[Heawww]

First of all, the coaches have to figure out if one is better than the other for LSU specifically. It could be Russell, as per your post, but they could see something Prescott could exploit. Either way. Now, if all things are equal, I think you have to go with Prescott TO START, and see where it goes from there. He's like Kapernik, he's played too well to take him out, plus Russell hasn't had any game experience since Oklahoma State. The LSU game is too big to put a rusty QB out there. But there again, we are coming off a bye week, so that may not matter as much. But I wouldn't kill the Prescott momentum unless I saw some specific things that made me think Russell could be successful vs. LSU. And I emphasize specific. Not just because he's a senior or he's the starter or any of that.

But I agree, you play to win the game, not for next year.

 

[57stratdawg]

I agree, but we're going to have to rush the ball for 150+ yards to beat them. I'm not sure we get to that number with TR at QB.

 

[BriantheDawg]

I don't think we're likely to go 5-7 if Dak continues to start. Maybe that's just me though.

 

[aTotal360]

Play Dak. The play calling when TR is under center is appalling. Yes, TR played better than average against LSU. But that's never going to cut it against them. IMO, the best 2 games we've played in the TR era, were the last two without him.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Play Dak. The play calling when TR is under center is appalling. Yes, TR played better than average against LSU. But that's never going to cut it against them. IMO, the best 2 games we've played in the TR era, were the last two without him.

Love it!

 

[Wizard.sixpack]

I like the idea of Dak getting experience. I hate it for Russell, but the goal is to win games not try to keep people from getting their feelings hurt. If he is truly a leader of the team and cares he will want to win and know our better chance is with Dak. If you give Dak experience now as a Sophomore he will set up nicely to have a good junior year and a GREAT senior year.

 

[ChinaDogSunflower]

Dak gives us our best opportunity to win. The argument is over right there.

To me, Tyler is pretty much immobile, so that cuts our playbook in half. Well, I mean, you could call some option-keeper stuff for him but he won't do to well -- decision making can only get you so far, athleticism is required in the SEC.

So with TR in all we can do is hand it off to our scat back that we refuse to allow in the open field with a ball in his hands. Pretty much just hand it off, then let TR drop back and hold the ball too long and not be able to escape the pressure.

With Dak... I mean, you've seen the games right? The guy is Averaging 231ypg. alone, add 8 TDs to that and one pick and I found my starter. He is our leader. He's vocal, he's fired up, he's ready to ball. He's not a senior like Tyler, but he is a natural leader/playmaker. I wish the best of luck to TR at the next level but this is now Dak's team.

Like I've stated previously, if we are facing a 3rd and 5 situation, I want Dak as my QB.

ETA: Just noticed that you said "start". TR will start bc Dan said he would. He may even play the entire first series, but Dak is our QB now and he will be doing most of the QBing (hopefully).

 

[TBone.sixpack]

This sounds like more an indictment of our coaches.

 

[klong-dog]

+1, +2 yards, -1, -2,-3 yards rushing when TR is under center is not getting it done. Yeah, our Oline isn't the best but with Dak in there we have shots at getting at 2nd and 3rd manageable down situations. If he we had a fullback and RB in the backfield with TR I might feel better about it but we now run the lone, RB and he's not your bruiser back that can help much in blocking on 2nd, 3rd and long.

 

[SPMT]

TR offense needs Heavy personnel and downhill running with a play action game. With no big back and TR in the game we have no power. Personally I was concerned about this when Relf graduated and it's proven true through TR's tenure. Run some two tight end sets in offset pistol with JR or Shumpert. We just have no power and our athletes and midget players are not the athletes of Florida. In effect we end up in limbo, not powerful and not an athletic spread. Mullen relied on small athletics guys like Percy Demps Rainey with Tebow as the power accompanied by a couple tall pass catchers. We don't have the athleticism in our small guys. We have guys as good as Riley Cooper though.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Sorry but everything you said is crap

TR offense needs Heavy personnel and downhill running with a play action game. With no big back and TR in the game we have no power. Personally I was concerned about this when Relf graduated and it's proven true through TR's tenure. Run some two tight end sets in offset pistol with JR or Shumpert. We just have no power and our athletes and midget players are not the athletes of Florida. In effect we end up in limbo, not powerful and not an athletic spread. Mullen relied on small athletics guys like Percy Demps Rainey with Tebow as the power accompanied by a couple tall pass catchers. We don't have the athleticism in our small guys. We have guys as good as Riley Cooper though.

Midget players compared to Florida does not make sense. We are just as big as other SEC schools. I won't argue their talent is better, but not size.

Percy Harvin is not small and he's also powerful. He ran between the tackles at Florida. Percy Harvin is by no means strictly a "speed guy." He's injury prone tho.

We could use a FB tho. I don't disagree with you there. Maybe I shouldn't have said everything was crap. Sorry.

 

[engie]

Dak is going to be a good QB for us there's no doubt. I just think LSU will put 7-8 in the box the whole game and force Dak to beat them through the air

I do NOT understand the "Dak isn't proven" perspective.... They do the EXACT same thing with Tyler stacking the box. And playfakes off the read option don't work with him.. We were EIGHTY SIXTH last year as a team in rushing. Nevermind that Tyler has proven that he couldn't beat anybody with a pulse through the air when he starts(after the run game goes to total **** in ALL those games). So, how is this of disadvantage to Dak?

Rushing stats under Tyler Russell(see the pattern):

I'll believe a Dak-led offense can be held under 100 yards on the ground when someone proves it to me...

 

[Singer]

I don't think we're likely to go 5-7 if Dak continues to start. Maybe that's just me though.

Dak is going to be a good QB for us there's no doubt. I just think LSU will put 7-8 in the box the whole game and force Dak to beat them through the air if we play Dak. I don't think Dak has horrible accuracy at all and I think throwing the ball down field is a strength for him, he's just going to need time to throw and his WR get some separation which I'm not sure our WRs will be able to do against LSU. I think, and Russell proved last year, Russell give us our best chance to move the ball against LSU. You beat LSU with a run game AND a respectable passing game. Russell gives us our best chance in the passing game and we're going to have to trust our O-line to block for our RBs and give Russell protection for us to beat LSU with Dak coming in from time to time to keep LSU off balance maybe even bringing Dak in as a WR.

OR....


We play for the future and let Dak get experience this year. So, when Dak comes in next year, with our favorable schedule, a lot of experience, senior and junior driven team, and the true style of QB Dan needs to run his system, he could ball out and we could have a special year. Getting a lot of experience this year for Dak will be huge for Dak. I liked him outta high school, I think he's one of the best recruits Dan has gotten since he's been at State.

So, are we likely to go 5-7 regardless who plays at QB at this point? I'm a Hud guy and I want him in here after Dan, but I'm also not a quitter. In my opinion, we play to win and I think Russell gives us our best chance against LSU. We have to pull an upset somewhere to get bowl eligible and I know we haven't been to great bowls, but I'd rather say we have been to 4 straight bowls instead of 3 outta 4 years.

What say ye?[/Q
Tyler has never had much fire as talented as he is and I think he should play but not start. And these young guys need a leader with faith and wanting to prove his worth and wants his shot. I'm just not sure Tyler isn't defeated and a little to laid back. No disrespect to Tyler he's a great talent and awesome guy.

 

[aTotal360]

So we been bigger, stronger, faster guys for TR to work. I'll let Merlin know.

 

[SPMT]

I neve said our players as a whole lack size. We need more size on the field at one time in order to have our running be successful because the classic Florida scheme uses small backs and slot guys as oart of the run game and our small guys are not the tic enough to make that work.

Heavy/Tank personnel means two tight ends, etc.

Our primary back is nowhere near the size of AD, Yeldon, Gurley, Relf, Tebow.

Our primary back is 5'7 190, Ray Charles can see he lacks power.

 

[SkullCandy.sixpack]

If you delete the stats for the two games against vastly inferior opponents, Dak was 15/28 with a QBR of 75.2 against Auburn and 7/17 with a QBR of 7.2 against OSU. Still a bit too early to put him on the Heisman watch list. I think assuming Dak is the superior threat at this point is way too premature. Stick with Tyler until he loses the job due to performance, not injury. After all, the guy has played all of 3 quarters of football this year--a bit early to bench him.

 

[Seinfeld]

In my mind, there are four possible ways that this thing could play out including one that could ultimately cost Mullen his job

A) Tyler starts and gets obliterated, Dak comes in and get shelled too
B) Tyler starts and plays well, Dak comes in and during certain situations as needed - Best case scenario in my mind because no matter who agrees/disagrees with Mullen, everyone wants to see Tyler succeed
C) Tyler starts and is ineffective, Dak comes in and turns the tide to lead MSU back to victory - If this happens, Mullen will still catch some flack for starting TR, but people will be giddy enough about the win that the complaining will be minimal
D) Tyler starts and is ineffective, Dak comes in and turns the tide but it's too little, too late - THIS is the one that Mullen cannot allow to happen under any circumstances. Props to Dan for sticking to his guns and going with Tyler, but if State loses this game and the fanbase has any reasonable notion to think that the dawgs would have won if Dak had started, Dan is going to take some heat like he has not yet seen.

Before anyone gets riled up, in no way am I saying that Mullen is going to get fired on the following Monday if we lose to LSU next weekend, but if scenario D comes to pass, his disapproval rating will take off to uncharted territory

 

[SkullCandy.sixpack]

I think you're right, though I would add E) and F)

E) TR starts and gets way behind. Dak comes in during garbage time (last year's Egg Bowl) and does well enough against scrubs or at least 2nd stringers to have everyone questioning whether or not we could have won (i.e, stalemate).

F) TR starts and gets pounded. Behind by 17, Dak comes in but we are far enough behind that there isn't the time to establish a Dak -style mixed running/quick out game, and he's is forced into obvious passing situations with LSUs line charging in on every play (OSU). Dak looks bad too (his QB rating for the OSU game was a friggin 7!), and both QBs (and our fanbase) have their confidence destroyed.

Scenario F) is what I fear most... B) is what I predict, we cover, but lose a relatively close game.

 

[sleepy dawg]

This sounds like more an indictment of our coaches.

It may be, but it is reality. That's why you should want to see Dak. It's foolish, at this point, to expect the play calling to be any better when Tyler is in the game. What's the definition of insanity again?

 

[TheStateUofMS]

G) Tyler starts and plays well and Dak comes in and sucks
H)Tyler starts and sucks and Dak sucks
I) Tyler starts gets hurt and Dak comes in and is awesome

seriously we gonna list every possible scenario

 

[SwampDawg]

Let's not forget the intangible think known as enthusiasm. Our offensive players seem much more energetic and enthusiastic when Dak is in. We all know that stuff means a lot (remember last years when the Bears came out fired up and whipped us good.) I think our guys feed off of his energy.

 

[Singer]

Let's not forget the intangible think known as enthusiasm. Our offensive players seem much more energetic and enthusiastic when Dak is in. We all know that stuff means a lot (remember last years when the Bears came out fired up and whipped us good.) I think our guys feed off of his energy.

Yes yes and yes Tyler is great but the fire is smoldering.

 

[esplanade91]

Throw 2 QB's out there. If they stuff the box move Dak outside (or make him play HB and block).

 

[Singer]

I don't think we're likely to go 5-7 if Dak continues to start. Maybe that's just me though.

it may be just you. He's the best chance. And not cause Tyler's not great but because Dak has the team playing harder for him and he is all about winning. Dak is playing with fire that these young players need.

 

[was21]

Mullen and staff should be able to come up with some kind of creative scheme to use the talents of both of these guys. If not shame on them. We ain't going to beat LSU with some kind of boring conventional game approach. We don't have the talent they have, and need to do something innovative.

 

[Singer]

If you delete the stats for the two games against vastly inferior opponents, Dak was 15/28 with a QBR of 75.2 against Auburn and 7/17 with a QBR of 7.2 against OSU. Still a bit too early to put him on the Heisman watch list. I think assuming Dak is the superior threat at this point is way too premature. Stick with Tyler until he loses the job due to performance, not injury. After all, the guy has played all of 3 quarters of football this year--a bit early to bench him.

Come on really you give Dak a team with a defeated attitude way behind at Ok state. Then anyone who thinks auburn isn't way better than last year and Dak was the reason for the loss is just stupid. They should ask someone who knows or at least watches football for advise. Lessor opponents maybe but they sure are playing with more conviction and passion then I've seen in a long time.

 

[CadaverDawg]

If you delete the stats for the two games against vastly inferior opponents, Dak was 15/28 with a QBR of 75.2 against Auburn and 7/17 with a QBR of 7.2 against OSU. Still a bit too early to put him on the Heisman watch list. I think assuming Dak is the superior threat at this point is way too premature. Stick with Tyler until he loses the job due to performance, not injury. After all, the guy has played all of 3 quarters of football this year--a bit early to bench him.

The biggest problem with your post is saying that anyone is "putting him on the Heisman watch list". He doesn't have to be Heisman caliber...not even close...just better than Russell. Russell has been great beating teams just like Troy and Alcorn too, but can't beat good teams. So you are literally losing NOTHING by playing Dak over Tyler...but potentially gaining A LOT. Again, if we were playing him in place of an actual Heisman QB, you may have a point...but he just has to be good, not great, to be better than Russell.