Which QB should get the nod against the Deacs?

[Incognegro]

It should go without saying that winning this bowl game will be huge for us going forward and that's the same reason why I think that we should play the players that give us the best opportunity to win (which I'm positive Mullen will do). This got me to thinking about the QB situation, mainly because if Relf starts, it better not be because this is his last time wearing maroon and white.<div>
</div><div>But with that said, looking at their roster and learning that they run a 3 man front, however, makes me think that Relf probably should be the main man for this game. I think we'd do well with Russell, but I think we'll be playing away from their weakness which (on paper) should be the run. Especially when considering that their d linemen aren't that big. The two biggest d linemen I've seen are a 6-2 325 SR and a 6-6 300 RS JR nose tackles. Everybody else doesn't seem to be that big at all. Whether this means they can be pushed around remains to be seen (since I haven't watched any of their games this year).</div><div>
</div><div>Only going off of this limited information, kind of makes me feel a little bit more easy about the game since their rushing defense isn't that impressive and that's our bread and butter.</div><div>
</div><div>Just looking at a couple of numbers, their rushing defense allows 162.92 yards a game and have given up 19 TDs. We average 168.83 yards and have gotten 17 TDs. Oddly though, statistically... their passing defense.. is nothing to brag about either (which makes Russell seem just as good of an option to start as well). Get this... they give up on average... 236.2 yards a game... Not only that but they have had 21 TDs scored on them verses 11 interceptions. That is simply not good..especially for a defense that runs a 3-4.</div>

 

[Incognegro]

It should go without saying that winning this bowl game will be huge for us going forward and that's the same reason why I think that we should play the players that give us the best opportunity to win (which I'm positive Mullen will do). This got me to thinking about the QB situation, mainly because if Relf starts, it better not be because this is his last time wearing maroon and white.<div>
</div><div>But with that said, looking at their roster and learning that they run a 3 man front, however, makes me think that Relf probably should be the main man for this game. I think we'd do well with Russell, but I think we'll be playing away from their weakness which (on paper) should be the run. Especially when considering that their d linemen aren't that big. The two biggest d linemen I've seen are a 6-2 325 SR and a 6-6 300 RS JR nose tackles. Everybody else doesn't seem to be that big at all. Whether this means they can be pushed around remains to be seen (since I haven't watched any of their games this year).</div><div>
</div><div>Only going off of this limited information, kind of makes me feel a little bit more easy about the game since their rushing defense isn't that impressive and that's our bread and butter.</div><div>
</div><div>Just looking at a couple of numbers, their rushing defense allows 162.92 yards a game and have given up 19 TDs. We average 168.83 yards and have gotten 17 TDs. Oddly though, statistically... their passing defense.. is nothing to brag about either (which makes Russell seem just as good of an option to start as well). Get this... they give up on average... 236.2 yards a game... Not only that but they have had 21 TDs scored on them verses 11 interceptions. That is simply not good..especially for a defense that runs a 3-4.</div>

 

[esplanade91]

Well if you go by their message boards, they think we're terrible at throwing the ball. Hopefully their coaches got the memo and they plan for Relf and we start Russell.

In all seriousness, I'd like to see Russell start with Relf seeing PT. Either should be fine. If we hadn't played Bama, LSU, Georgia, and USC this year our offensive stats would look more like a top 25 team's. The fact that we have the rushing stats we do is a testament to Ballard's ability and the conditioning of our backfield, ESPECIALLY considering the stability on the line.

BUT Russell had an outstanding passer rating in every game except South Carolina, LSU, and Alabama. South Carolina boasted the #1 pass defense in the nation with Alabama at #2, and the juggernaut secondary of LSU might be ranked #3 but it was complete with the two best corners in college football. Our passing game on paper is terrible. That is a huge plus for us in bowl preparation.

We should have success in both aspects of the game on offense. Our interior line with Jackson, Day, and Saulsbury should match well with an undersized 3-4. Add to that our wide receivers' ability to block is pretty undersold. Up the middle, option left/right, bubble screen left/right with Relf, air-mail it all day with Russell.... either way is going to be fun to watch.

That's their defense. How's their offense? Had to have done something more successful than Florida to beat F$U. Not that that means anything this year...

 

[Duggar Hall Desk]

Wake got 5 turnovers in the game against FSU. The starting tailback also rolled up 136 yards before getting hurt (hamstring), an injury that kept him out practically the rest of the season. He's played some in recent weeks, but hasn't started or seen appreciable carries since FSU.

Michigan obviously loaded the box and dared Relf to throw in the Gator Bowl, and he looked good. Of course, a lot of that was his scrambling ability, but I think Relf will get the start for consistency's sake, if nothing else. Wake's coaches are smart - they'll prepare for the possibility that they might have to face Russell.

 

[SwampDawg]

I think he and Ballard are more capable of making a very positive impact early on and geting WF back on their heels than Russell is. Then throw Russell in later.

 

[jcdawgman18]

Reason being is that you can usually tell within a couple of series if Chris has it or not. If he doesn't, Russell has shown that he can come in and make something happen.

 

[Coach34]

you play Russell as well- not just in mop-up....but Ralph should get 2/3 of the snaps in his last game

 

[jcdawgman18]

you play Russell as well- not just in mop-up....but Ralph should get 2/3 of the snaps in his last game assuming he's playing well.

Relf having a good first quarter against the Bears (and Tyrone Nix) does not erase the memory of UAB. It is very possible that he could play poorly enough to where we can't do that. I hope he plays the game of his life, but we have to realize and understand that may not happen and prepare accordingly.

 

[coachdaddy]

start relf, run the football! read option, pitch option, draws, counters, ect.. when we throw , roll relf out. he is not a pocket passer. he gives state the best chance to win imo.

 

[Coach34]

Relf had cracked ribs earlier in the season- since getting healthy, he has looked more like his old self. He isnt going against Alabama, its Wake Forest.Vandy scored 40 on this bunch. And while they should be a little tougher with more time to prepare, Ralph will be fine.<div>
</div><div>Ralph 2/3, Russell 1/3...and let Mighty Midget hold on extra points</div>

 

[Hanmudog]

Reason being is that you can usually tell within a couple of series if Chris has it or not. If he doesn't, Russell has shown that he can come in and make something happen.

Relf either starts out well and plays pretty good or starts out awful and stays that way. There seems to be very little change throughout the course of the game. That being said, I say start Relf for at least the first 2 or 3 series and then pull him if he does not get the offense moving.

 

[mo78881]

I'm more interested in who gets the majority of work in the bowl practice...... It benefits us for Russell to get the majority of work in the practices.... If we want a feel good game for Ralph then so be it...

 

[Incognegro]

Mullen is pretty consistent on giving those two about the same number of snaps. I don't see that changing.

 

[paindonthurt_]

And while you are at it, how about you make a prediction on how Relf does? Be specific. Give us some stats.

Like, he'll throw for 200+ yards and rush for 100+ with 2+ passing tds and 1+ running. And before you toss this gem in there......"i won't predict in case he gets hurt"..........let's assume for your PREDICTION sake that there are no major injuries between now and the end of the bowl game.

I'll let you know my wager amount once you've predicted something.

 

[Tds &amp; Beer]

But it is Relf's last game and they have a small, soft, defense. I think it will look similar to the Ole Miss game. They will plan for Relf more, so I expect Russell to come in at some point after they slow us down a bit. Then Relf will score a couple and everyone will be happy. If Favre started, it would be the same outcome though. A lopsided game with a lopsided percentage of fans cheering them on.

 

[Duggar Hall Desk]

But it is Relf's last game and they have a small, soft, defense. I think it will look similar to the Ole Miss game. They will plan for Relf more, so I expect Russell to come in at some point after they slow us down a bit. Then Relf will score a couple and everyone will be happy. If Favre started, it would be the same outcome though. A lopsided game with a lopsided percentage of fans cheering them on.

I don't see a domination. Wake is a lot better than TSUN on both sides of the ball. The Deacons may be smaller, but they're quicker, more disciplined, and more opportunistic. MSU will not only have to play well to win, they'll need to play smart.

 

[esplanade91]

But it is Relf's last game and they have a small, soft, defense. I think it will look similar to the Ole Miss game. They will plan for Relf more, so I expect Russell to come in at some point after they slow us down a bit. Then Relf will score a couple and everyone will be happy. If Favre started, it would be the same outcome though. A lopsided game with a lopsided percentage of fans cheering them on.

I don't see a domination. Wake is a lot better than TSUN on both sides of the ball. The Deacons may be smaller, but they're quicker, more disciplined, and more opportunistic. MSU will not only have to play well to win, they'll need to play smart.

In order to win, MSU willneed to board the bus.After arrivinginNashville on said bus, MSU will need to make their way to the hotel. After many festivities that fans participate in,MSU team must arrive at the stadiumsometime around lunch time.

MSUplayers are rewarded for the success of bowl game afterwards in the form of strip clubs andAndre(Dixon's buying).

 

[Todd4State]

Simply because he's a senior- both Tyler and Relf are probably going to play anyway unless it's a monsoon like the Egg Bowl. Relf has done a lot of good things for us- how many MSU QB's beat Ole Miss three times in a row- and I know he didn't start in the first win, but he might as well have won us that game along with AD. He also beat Florida, Georgia, and won a NYD bowl game for us.

As far as who we should play more- I would go by Wake's statistics rather than their scheme. Yeah- they play a 3-4, but if they are really solid up front seven but have a crappy secondary, playing Tyler would make more sense.

 

[was21]

come in towards the end of the game.

 

[BiscuitEater]

In order to win, MSU willneed to board the bus.After arrivinginNashville on said bus, MSU will need to make their way to the hotel. After many festivities that fans participate in,MSU team must arrive at the stadiumsometime around lunch time.


substitute Memphis for Nashville and gosh, I read the same thing on our Message Boards right before Jackie took his team to play Air Force in the Liberty Bowl.


In fact, took him several bowl trips to learn to prep the team mentally and physically for bowl games. More practice; less party.


Better prepared team that shows up will win this game; don't make excuses or overlook this Wake team. They are excited to play in this game and I just don't get the same 'feeling' amongst the State players ... yet.


That said, Dan proved last year that he can prepare a team. His gameplan against Michigan was outstanding. Last year, the fans could tell that the players were 'pumped' to be playing in the Gator.


Practice starts Dec 9.

 

[SwampDawg]

The announcers would say something like "MSU is setting their defense such and such, that means AF is going to do (fill in the blanks)" and then those disciplined little pukes would fire off the ball and chew up the yards. I wondered why, if the fourth string announcers could predict **** like that why couldn't our defensive coachs do the same thing and do better.

 

[Bobby Ricigliano]

nm

 

[Buford T. Justice]

I read the same thing on our Message Boards right before Jackie took his team to play Air Force in the Liberty Bowl.

Seriously?

 

[natchezdawg]

He invented the internet while serving in Congress in the 1980's.....

 

[paindonthurt_]

[No message]