Ok Coach, this is not easy but here it is

[markymark.sixpack]

<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><font face="Calibri">The more I read about the strides Chris Relf has made since last year, the more evident it becomes that...don't want to....dammit....Looks like you were right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There, it's out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I admit defeat on this topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m in your camp on this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If Relf can throw the ball around some, then he will be hard to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From all of the reports, he can now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was hesitant to believe that after the years he spent not being able to hit the broad side of a barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, chalk it up to Mullen as a QB coach or maybe just my pre-season wool; I’m going to believe everything that’s being said and assume he can now handle the job by himself.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><font face="Calibri">I still believe that (obviously) the more Russell progress up until September, the better off we will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He still needs to be able to handle some important snaps in a meaningful game b/c somewhere down the line, Relf is going to get a cramp, a concussion, a thigh bruise, or something else that may cause him to miss a couple of series, or more, here and there since he will be running the ball so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will need somebody who can shoulder the load when called upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> It will also be nice to have a "change of pace" typeguy. </span>However, you can take that statement down on your sig, I no longer believe it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can replace it with this, instead:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You were right.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><font face="Calibri">Like I’ve always said – I WILL admit when I’m wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hopefully one day, you can learn how to do the same (for instance on the Dixon thing – Hey topdawg, j/j, no need to sling an “anti-MSU” slur out there).</font></p>

 

[Coach34]

Relf will still be a little eratic at times- but will be improved. He doesnt have to be a Ryan Mallet- but he has to complete a few throws. He can throw it deep and he makes play-action more effective because of his running ablity. And I have total faith in our offensive staff that they will use his strengths.

Russell will play some. I look for him to play a whole quarter against Mempho. He has got to get a little experience in case Relf gets hurt. But, you are looking at close games in Auburn, LSU, and Georgia- and one possession might make the difference. I just don't see him playing much in these games because of his inexperience.

"You can replace it with this, instead: You were right."


I usually am. But when I'm not- it's NEVER forgotten around here. And that's what creates all the fun. Going back and forth is what it's all about.

 

[Hanmudog]

For once I hope you are 100% correct Coach. However, when did you jump so firmly on the Relf wagon? I could be wrong but didn't you want Tyson in there over Relf last season?</p>

 

[GloryDawg]

He did call you out at the end.

 

[rugbdawg]

***** move.

 

[KurtRambis4]

hard to imagine that Relf wasn't ready last year and that Lee was a little more prepared to handle the offense at the beginning of last season?

 

[Hanmudog]

hard to imagine that Relf wasn't ready last year and that Lee was a little more prepared to handle the offense at the beginning of last season?

I am referring to around the 7th or 8th game of the year when we were struggling badly with Lee in there.Relf played great against UK but then Lee still got the majority of the snaps after that until the Egg Bowl (Lee got injured).

 

[KurtRambis4]

his stance on starting Lee was based on it being the beginning of the year and where each was at at that point. Correct me if I'm wrong, coach.

 

[Coach34]

Rambis is totally correct in that I wanted Lee to start based on experience last season. And from what I watched and was told, Relf also had a very limited grasp of the playbook. Lee played decently for most of the season sans the turnovers. Had he scored against LSU and not had the 4th quarter TO's against Houston, his Sr season would have been viewed very differently.

Relf gets suspended for 2 games. And then we play Florida, Kentucky, and Bama. It didn't matter who we had at QB vs Florida and Bama, and Lee played solidly vs Kentucky. Relf only played a few plays in the Kentucky game. Everybody remembers his long run, but he only played a handful of plays.

Then of course Lee got worse as the season went on down the stretch. What was different was Relf stepping up his game after the suspension.

Relf is now off the weed supposedly, working as hard as anybody to lead he team, and hanging out with the coaches watching film to learn as much as he can. As Mullen said yesterday- "Chris Relf is a totally different player than he was last season"....that's something I can get behind. I never questioned his ability to run the ball. I questioned his knowledge of the offense and accuracy. Supposedly these two things are vastly improved. I can't wait to find out

 

[Coach34]

that Relf was the QB. He said he had to play Russell a little just in case Relf gets hurt, but he pretty much let the world know Relf was going to be the QB

 

[Hanmudog]

For the most part I agree with you. I think Relf is going to be a break out star for State this year. I don't think he can throw well enough to beat the top teams but he will light up some of the weaker ones.