Thoughts on QB Situation

[jcdawgman18]

I'm from Meridian. I played with Tyler Russell. Know his family, think they're great folks who raised their son well. I personally think our highest ceiling as a football team this year would be to implement a quick passing offense mixed with a downhill run game out of the pistol or under center formations to take better advantage of Robinson/Milton/Griffin/Shump.

Last night I watched us call plays aggressively for the first time in longer than I can easily remember. As I said to people around me, I don't know where Dan found his cojones this week, but they need to stick around.

It it seems to me that Dan is unwilling to be aggressive without a mobile quarterback. Obviously, any QB runs are something Dak can do that Tyler can't but there are a lot of things we did last night that we could have been doing for the last year and a half no matter who the QB was. If we'll only continue to see those with a mobile QB, then we should play Dak. The aggression is what we'll need to beat UK/Ark/OM. That aggression is the only thing that will give us any chance to surprise someone in the other games. Playing conservative again will just lead to miserable losses.

I was was stunned by Dan saying Tyler would be the LSU starter. My immediate thought was "he's setting him up for failure. " I just don't believe he'll be aggressive with Tyler, and throwing him out there and handcuffing him would end really poorly. If he plays Tyler, he better change how we've played so far. By the same token, if we play Dak we need to be just as aggressive against SEC teams as anyone else. If we aren't willing to be aggressive with either QB, then there is a permanent problem.

In the end, I'm a Mississippi State fan more than I am a fan of any individual. I just want us to win. Here's hoping that Dan will be aggressive no matter who the QB ends up being and gives us that chance.

 

[Heawww]

I like Russell too but at this point, after Russell's injury and lack of game action, you go with Prescott until it doesn't work. That's the only fair thing to do, and gives us our best chance to win. And that's what Mullen gets paid to do. I have a feeling Russell is going to get his shot again to be the hero. But Dan can't put him out there in a position to fail and get booed.

 

[AlCoDog]

Careful, you don't want anybody confusing you for a Dak Lover

I like Russell too but at this point, after Russell's injury and lack of game action, you go with Prescott until it doesn't work. That's the only fair thing to do, and gives us our best chance to win. And that's what Mullen gets paid to do. I have a feeling Russell is going to get his shot again to be the hero. But Dan can't put him out there in a position to fail and get booed.[/QUOTE)

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[NCDawg.sixpack]

Bottom line is Dak can run and throw, even if he does short hop some of his throws. Russell is probably a better passer but is immobile. In Mullen's type offense, the QB has to be able to run and throw, therefore, Dak is clearly the better choice.

 

[SkullCandy.sixpack]

I'm not sold on benching Tyler at this point. Sure Dak looks adequate as a passer against Troy, but what happens when LSU brings the pressure? He's just not that accurate, and "aggressive" is fine when you're playing a team where you can afford to make mistakes. If LSU stuffs the run, we are in deep do-do. Running QBs don't scare LSU-- after all, they shut down JFF last year. Of course, they have lost a lot on defense from that team, but they look pretty good so far. We are going to have to be able to throw to beat LSU (hell-to even stay on the field with them) and I'm not sure Dak is ready for that yet.

 

[Heawww]

I fully expect Dak to suck vs. LSU. If he doesn't, and we win, you can get on my nuts while I celebrate my internet defeat to you and Cadaver Dawg. I'm sure I'll be devastated.

 

[rugbdawg]

If we had last year's receiving corps, I would agree with you.

But we don't. Russell was successful last year throwing against LSU because of our experience at receiver. The only way we stay on the field with LSU is if we keep them off balance with a running and throwing QB.

 

[drt7891]

My thoughts are that dak is riding a momentum wave of very solid performances that, as a coach, you have to continue to ride until the situation demands otherwise. Just like a good pitcher, you ride his arm until the situation demands a change. Nothing against Tyler at this point, but dak deserves a start against LSU.

 

[SkullCandy.sixpack]

You're probably right, but if we spot them an early lead, we'll need to dust off Tyler. Auburn's QB is a duel threat guy (though he was a JUCO DB last year) but LSU stuffed him. I don't like the way we match up with LSU without a passing game. Hopefully Daks hitting his stride.

 

[Heawww]

Nailed it. Just on a short leash. Three 3 and outs and we need to go to Russell.

 

[drt7891]

And to further add...

Starting Russell could lead to confusion and possibly losing the offense totally. This is a huge decision for Dan. Start Russell simply because of seniority and bench Dak after 3 very solid performances and a complete routing of a team that almost beat us last year could be very damaging to the team's confidence in Dan. Dak, the team, and the fans need to be able to SEE WHY it is he is not starting over Russell and two week's worth of practices is not justification enough (unless he's just terrible). Like you said, Prescott needs to start... ride him until he gives you a REASON to pull him. Heck, you can even use seniority as a reason to tell him the leash is short... but seniority alone is not reason enough at this point to take that opportunity to start away from Dak after he's shown he can run the offense, electrify the fanbase, and bring an energy to the team that Tyler just can't seem to do.

It's an easy decision, Dan. Don't screw this up.

 

[kcbulldog]

Agree. Do what's best for the program and don't cater to the needs of one player. That one player should always understand that the program comes before himself even if he's a 5th year senior.

 

[thatsbaseball]

Dan will be curled in a fetal position on the sideline by the 4th quarter...doesn`t matter who the QB is

 

[SkullCandy.sixpack]

I'll admit it. That image made me laugh

 

[121Josey]

[h=2]If we had last year's receiving corps, I would agree with you.

[/h] Our receiving corps now is as good as last years. They'll be better than last year by seasons end.

 

[121Josey]

Going with either one is a recipe for failure. They've both got to play. TR doesn't run well (but can). Dak doesn't throw well (but can). Dan has got to keep LSU off balance.

In the Auburn game, if TR comes off the bench in the 4th quarter (which wasn't going to happen) we win going away. It would have been Wyatte-esque.

It's easy to be aggressive against inferior talent. Haven't you ever played NCAA football on Playstation?

 

[Where'sWaldo]

I like Russell too but at this point, after Russell's injury and lack of game action, you go with Prescott until it doesn't work. That's the only fair thing to do, and gives us our best chance to win. And that's what Mullen gets paid to do. I have a feeling Russell is going to get his shot again to be the hero. But Dan can't put him out there in a position to fail and get booed.

Technically speaking going with Dak has already "not worked". We lost to a sub par Auburn team with Prescott playing every snap.

 

[AT4 Dawg]

Going with either one is a recipe for failure. They've both got to play. TR doesn't run well (but can). Dak doesn't throw well (but can). Dan has got to keep LSU off balance.

Dak doesnt throw well ? That myth has been put to rest. He made a NFL caliber throw to Joe Morrow and hit him in stride yesterday.

 

[thf24]

Dak doesnt throw well ? That myth has been put to rest. He made a NFL caliber throw to Joe Morrow and hit him in stride yesterday.

He can throw well, but not consistently. He made some great throws yesterday, but also put a short pass to Tubby in the dirt, and placed multiple others badly, resulting in no run after the catch when there could have been one. I'm not saying in the slightest that he shouldn't start or has major problems throwing the ball, but to say he doesn't have passing issues at this point in time is not being completely honest.

 

[Singer]

I'm from Meridian. I played with Tyler Russell. Know his family, think they're great folks who raised their son well. I personally think our highest ceiling as a football team this year would be to implement a quick passing offense mixed with a downhill run game out of the pistol or under center formations to take better advantage of Robinson/Milton/Griffin/Shump.

Last night I watched us call plays aggressively for the first time in longer than I can easily remember. As I said to people around me, I don't know where Dan found his cojones this week, but they need to stick around.

It it seems to me that Dan is unwilling to be aggressive without a mobile quarterback. Obviously, any QB runs are something Dak can do that Tyler can't but there are a lot of things we did last night that we could have been doing for the last year and a half no matter who the QB was. If we'll only continue to see those with a mobile QB, then we should play Dak. The aggression is what we'll need to beat UK/Ark/OM. That aggression is the only thing that will give us any chance to surprise someone in the other games. Playing conservative again will just lead to miserable losses.

I was was stunned by Dan saying Tyler would be the LSU starter. My immediate thought was "he's setting him up for failure. " I just don't believe he'll be aggressive with Tyler, and throwing him out there and handcuffing him would end really poorly. If he plays Tyler, he better change how we've played so far. By the same token, if we play Dak we need to be just as aggressive against SEC teams as anyone else. If we aren't willing to be aggressive with either QB, then there is a permanent problem.

In the end, I'm a Mississippi State fan more than I am a fan of any individual. I just want us to win. Here's hoping that Dan will be aggressive no matter who the QB ends up being and gives us that chance.

Very well said. The one thing that also needs to change is the unconditional support and faith. If we lose. Win we lose. If we can. I don't see. They will never. And the crowd leaves when we get behind and leaves when they get a lead. Support is pulling for and showing support for these kids that want to play hard for people who believe in them. That was a quote from a high profile player unnamed.

 

[Singer]

I fully expect Dak to suck vs. LSU. If he doesn't, and we win, you can get on my nuts while I celebrate my internet defeat to you and Cadaver Dawg. I'm sure I'll be devastated.

You are nothing but a hater. Prescott had a legendary performance at State sat. night. And you say he has to beat LSU to be credible. I think Tyler's great but be didn't beat LSU. Prescotts first pass in LSU TD. The only freshman to ever score TD against LSU and Alabama at their stadium. One of the only QB to score a TD in Death Valley from his first play from the line of scrimmage. Suck that idiot.

 

[pmack65]

Better shot with Dak

Sorry but Tyler can't get out of his own way. There were several plays in both the Auburn and Troy game that if Tyler had been in he would have been sacked. Also it's funny how everyone talks about Tyler's arm which his a good one, problem is he doesn't release the ball fast enough and his foot work is not very good. It amazes me how people have short memories and get on this sight and blast Tyler for holding the ball to long, looking down one receiver or not being mobile and now want him to start over Dak. Now I like Tyler as a person and a QB but he's in the wrong offense. How many TD's has Dak scored running the ball in the last two games? Regardless of the opponent no way Tyler does that.

Does Dak need improvement on his accuracy, absolutely, is he a better runner, without a doubt, arm strength oh yea and more importantly it appears Mullen and beyond him the team appears to play better and support him. So I say if Mullen starts Russell its a huge mistake and will have an even more of an irate fan base. Dak should start until we see he can't do the job.

 

[Singer]

Technically speaking going with Dak has already "not worked". We lost to a sub par Auburn team with Prescott playing every snap.

Hasn't worked? Where the hell do you live? Prescott had his team with the lead when he left the field. It wasn't Prescott. And auburn is twice the team they were last year. I guess until Prescott upsets a top ten team with sophomores and freshman and from what you negatives call a sub par O line and receivers who drop 4-6 passes in their hands every night. And the youngest defense in the sec, Prescott sucks? Get a clue. Where do these idiots come from ole miss?

 

[Singer]

He can throw well, but not consistently. He made some great throws yesterday, but also put a short pass to Tubby in the dirt, and placed multiple others badly, resulting in no run after the catch when there could have been one. I'm not saying in the slightest that he shouldn't start or has major problems throwing the ball, but to say he doesn't have passing issues at this point in time is not being completely honest.

Agreed. But no interceptions especially in the flat where he has thrown low the majority of his low throws. But interceptions In the flat seem to go the distance. I'm not sure a couple of those throws the receivers weren't suppose to come back to the ball. And add the drops to his performances and his percentage is easily 65-70%

 

[Drebin]

Dak doesnt throw well ? That myth has been put to rest. He made a NFL caliber throw to Joe Morrow and hit him in stride yesterday.

He also threw a couple into the ground that should've been easy completions; one for a TD...we ended up kicking a field goal on that drive.

 

[121Josey]

Myth Busters

Dak doesnt throw well ? That myth has been put to rest. He made a NFL caliber throw to Joe Morrow and hit him in stride yesterday.

If Dak throws the ball so well., what happened at AU in the fourth qtr.? All he did was tuck n run. When he had a wide open Tubby he throws it behind him.

As a matter of fact he did the same thing in the first qtr. Sat.

When is the last time Dak has completed a timing pattern? He can complete an open vertical route or hit a stationary target. He misses a lot of easy throws.

Dak is a good qb. He is not a good passer. He is not a bad passer. He will get better. But this is not a myth. It is verifiable.

I did see TR scramble a few times against OSU. It did cost him a few games. Myth Busters.

 

[RocketDawg]

Very well said. The one thing that also needs to change is the unconditional support and faith. If we lose. Win we lose. If we can. I don't see. They will never. And the crowd leaves when we get behind and leaves when they get a lead. Support is pulling for and showing support for these kids that want to play hard for people who believe in them. That was a quote from a high profile player unnamed.

The crowd only leaves when we get a big lead against a nobody team, and the prime reason is to get a jump on traffic. If we were beating Alabama or LSU by 40 points at halftime, the crowd would stick around until an hour after the game celebrating (but no goal post teardowns, please) regardless of any traffic advantage. At least that's what I think.

 

[Heawww]

I guess until Prescott upsets a top ten team with sophomores and freshman and from what you negatives call a sub par O line and receivers who drop 4-6 passes in their hands every night. And the youngest defense in the sec, Prescott sucks?

Isn't this the same criteria everyone uses to judge Russell? And Mullen?

I'll sit back and listen to the crickets chirp.

 

[Heawww]

So then, is Russell credible? He's done everything Prescott has. He beat Auburn and Tennessee as well.

 

[Singer]

The crowd only leaves when we get a big lead against a nobody team, and the prime reason is to get a jump on traffic. If we were beating Alabama or LSU by 40 points at halftime, the crowd would stick around until an hour after the game celebrating (but no goal post teardowns, please) regardless of any traffic advantage. At least that's what I think.

I can understand that, but not sure those kids who work as hard as the starters do understand when they finally get their chance to showcase their talent the support is gone. Or when they're struggling its good to look back and realize the crowd won't give up on us then we shouldn't give up either. I don't mean to sound negative there's enough of thAt actually trying to be just the opposite.

 

[Singer]

So then, is Russell credible? He's done everything Prescott has. He beat Auburn and Tennessee as well.

Tyler is very credible never said he wasn't. He's a great talent and good guy. Prescott is playing with a much needed fire. And not saying Tyler should be benched. I'm saying your a Prescott hater and ridiculous in your fickle opinions. Like Tyler beat Auburn. Auburn Is twice the team this yeAr then they were last year and Prescott left the field with the lead and you wanna put the loss on him. Ridiculous. Tyler barely beAt Troy last year. Dak wrecked them. Tyler is awesome and he and Prescott make each other better. That's what fans should do support their team, not armchair QB like they know what goes on. Then just hate on everybody and everything. Ridiculous. Go get a coaching job.

 

[RocketDawg]

Yes, and you're right. But I suspect the crowd that leaves never considers that the non-starters would like to be seen too. It's unfortunate, but still the way it is, not only at MSU but everywhere else too. Perhaps many of the subs will be starters too in a year or two and be able to enjoy some of the glory.

 

[Singer]

Yes, and you're right. But I suspect the crowd that leaves never considers that the non-starters would like to be seen too. It's unfortunate, but still the way it is, not only at MSU but everywhere else too. Perhaps many of the subs will be starters too in a year or two and be able to enjoy some of the glory.

Glad there are some intelligent positive people on This board. I appreciate that. I'm a dog fan without fail. Win or lose. I believe and faith is much needed to flip the switch and develop a winning tradition. I happen to think Mullen cares too. He needs to iron out some issues but he will also get my support until he seems to give up.

 

[msudawglb]

I'm not sold on benching Tyler at this point. Sure Dak looks adequate as a passer against Troy, but what happens when LSU brings the pressure? He's just not that accurate, and "aggressive" is fine when you're playing a team where you can afford to make mistakes. If LSU stuffs the run, we are in deep do-do. Running QBs don't scare LSU-- after all, they shut down JFF last year. Of course, they have lost a lot on defense from that team, but they look pretty good so far. We are going to have to be able to throw to beat LSU (hell-to even stay on the field with them) and I'm not sure Dak is ready for that yet.

Did you see Russell's accuracy against OSU, Northwestern, and the bears? In his last 3 games played Russell is 40 of 77 (52%) with 7 INT and 3 TD. That's a Quarterback Rating of 47.9.

Currently our 3rd string QB, Williams, is a better passer than Russell.

 

[Singer]

So then, is Russell credible? He's done everything Prescott has. He beat Auburn and Tennessee as well.

Really? Under 9 quarters of football under center and Dak is tied for leading scorers in the SEC. I LIKE Tyler and respect him. But ain't never done that. Period