Now that the access issues are out of the way - let's discuss the QB situation...
I really do believe that Relf should get about 15-20% of the snaps, but we need to start Russell. Sometimes it doesnt matter who takes the first snap. This time it does. <div>
</div><div>The team felt and experienced everything we did when Russell came in and put in the 5th best single game performance of the year in the NCAA for a QB (by QB rating). If he starts the game, they will go into the huddle believing they can score. If Relf starts, they will go into the huddle wondering if they can score. Like someone else said, we can't afford another slow start. </div><div>
</div><div>HOWEVER, we all have to remember that Russell still has problems. He is still a tick slow on his delivery, he still tries to force to many balls, he still telegraphs some of his passes, his deep ball floats on him a little. I thought that TD to Green was a for-sure pick, but we got lucky on that one - we were also lucky to avoid a pick on a deep throw to Bumphis. That said, I think Relf's problems > Russell's problems at this point, because Relf's problems carry with them the team's perceptions that things
might go like they have the last 4 games. Anyone expecting Russell to come in and carve up USC has lost it, we have to hope he can do that, but more importantly, just hope he can do better than Relf would have done. </div><div>
</div><div>I also agree with those that note that USC has struggled against the run (specifically, the option) this year. Our staff will not ignore that. I am afraid they might overthink it and play Relf based solely on the matchup, instead of playing the QB that has produced.</div>
