2005 Winter Conditioning (official thread)

[buckzip]

the reality on the qb situation is both guys have had great games, both guys have had terrible games. it will all play out in practice, tressel and staff will play the guy they feel deserves the job and gives them the greatest ability to win.

Exactly. Let's remember, last year they were first time starters.
Alot of first time starters are inconsistent. This year will be the year that one, or the other seperates.

 

[FritoBandito]

The Texas game will be a Very Big Deal, mediawise. Everybody in America who cares about college football will be watching that game, including all tOSU alumni around the country. JT knows this only too well. Therefore, I predict he'll start Zwick.

The pre-game segment by the ABC announcers who cover the game will focus a ton of attention on the two opposing QBs. They will talk about Vince Young, the Longhorns' 'early season Heisman candidate' who 'ran roughshod over scUM in the Rose Bowl' and about tOSU QB 'controversy'. They will define 'tOSU controversy' in two ways -- the classic QB controversy of which QB should start, and the legal controversy surrounding the NCAA investigation fueled, at least in part, by Troy Smith's confession.

To open their broadcast, ABC will give three or four minutes of prime national air-time -- complete with video replays, 'expert' analysis and in-person interviews -- to either:

1) Justin Zwick, who played heroically in the Bowl game blow-out of Oklahoma State; or to
2) Troy Smith, who set records against scUM before being suspended for taking money from a booster, giving credence to MoC's sensational allegations, fanning the flames of a full-blown NCAA investigation ...yadda, yadda, yadda.

From a PR standpoint, tOSU would be far better off if the ABC broadcast opened with background on Vince Young and Justin Zwick. If it's Vince Young and Troy Smith, all they'll talk about is the stuff of our nightmares -- Maurice Clarett, the NCAA investigation ...even poor old Jim O'Brien.

If I were JT (which fortunately for all of us, I am not) I would announce Zwick as my starter right after the Miami game -- to steer ABC's pre-game hype toward our unblemished star and away from our tainted one. On game-night, if Zwick doesn't perform after three or four series, you bring in Troy to spark the team and, hopefully, save the day. But the wise coach, with a brand new boss, starts Zwick.

 

[Vikes]

First, who has to watch anything? (I know, I know.. cheap shot. Sorry! I withdraw this comment.)
Second - unfair to the fans? Since when should a coach think "which choice should I make that would be most fair to the fans?" I think that the coach should never consider the fans when making his decisions.

But overall, I agree. A drop-back quarterback can be effective without a good O-line, but it's very difficult. He needs the receivers to get open early and to make catches nearly 100% of the time. On top of that, he needs to read the defenses instantly, because he basically has no time. There may be quarterbacks who can do all of that, but not many can.

But at the time, I was not confident with Smith. I was afraid Smith would fade back and then scramble every time he got the chance. I thought Zwick was the best (and sometimes only) option for the Bucks, until he got hurt.

I know now that Smith is better than I had expected, and I think both can win games for the Bucks. (Also, both can lose games for the Bucks.)

The coach should think of what's best for the team, the coaches, and the university. If he's a professional of his craft, he would also want to show his ability to coach. The 3 game skid was embarrassing. No other way to state it.
Tressel's not infaliable, omnipotent, he's human. Tressel would be the first to admit that. Right now after the fact Smith is a pleasant surprise. He's proven his critics wrong, we know what he's capable of.

I'll bet a lung....Coach Tressel knowing what he knows now would definitely not keep Smith on the bench. If you think otherwise your stating Tressel doesn't learn from his own mistakes. ...Agree to disagree.


As far as the comment on starting Zwick because of a PR standpoint. I hope Tressel doesn't go that route. I HOPE HE PLAYS THE BEST QB possible. Smith should have at that point fullfilled the 2 game suspension and another fear-based action ...will do nothing but to mess up the team.

 

[Zurp]

I can see your point, FB. Though I really hope JT doesn't let the media hype change his QB decision. He should make his decision, and do "what he can" to keep his players from being caught up in the hype. And I can also see the pre-game story being "Zwick gets the start because the hero of the Michigan game last year took money, and here's a bunch of other illegal things that have happened because Ohio State is evil.."

 

[funman]

If Smith is not eligible for Miami and doesn't play while Zwick performs good or better in the opener, it would be difficult to start Smith against Texas. As a matter of fact, until Smith is reinstated, it serves no purpose to discuss him as participating in any game.

My obersvation of JT over the years is that he values the decision-making phase of QB play. JT would focus less on the stats of games but would be critical of plays such as the Smith's attempted pitch going in against PU. It was a poor decision. This is the biggest part of the QB grade they get from Daniels. I think the scUM game was the first winning performance by either QB all last season. Poor decisions lead to turnovers and a punt is better than a fumble or interception. Based on one performance, virtually everyone would choose Smith, but the body of work, including practices (and media events and NCAA infractions) is much larger than one game. It is early. Step one, Smith must become eligible.

 

[Zurp]

If Smith is not eligible for Miami and doesn't play while Zwick performs good or better in the opener, it would be difficult to start Smith against Texas. As a matter of fact, until Smith is reinstated, it serves no purpose to discuss him as participating in any game.

That's a good point. I guess I just assumed that he'd be reinstated. Or, more accurately, that he's already reinstated. But there's no such thing as a sure thing.

However, I don't think that realization is going to stop the QB debate, and I still say Smith is the man.

 

[Vikes]

I think funman makes a good point. He's not eligible but based on past NCAA rulings and infractions....there is a high likelihood he'll be eligible.

2nd ....minor disagreement. Smith showed steady improvement in 5 games and dramatic improvement his last game.

 

[Taosman]

Purely on football ability I'd like to see Smith start against Texas. But having Zwick the starter won't be a problem, and it may take the edge off any Smith, NCAA probation talk! Bottom line.........winning will take care of everything! Besides with the weapons at our QBs disposal, we should still have a very good shot at winning every game!

 

[siebs7]

Mili you are correct. Zwick earned the respect of the players and played well and did well even though he had a bad hamstring in the Alamo Bowl. Whichevever QB Tressel decides to play i will support 100%

 

[Zurp]

Whichevever QB Tressel decides to play i will support 100%

I second that one. He could decide to start Bellisari, and I'd support it. I wouldn't understand it, but I'd support it.