[QUOTE='68Flask]"...and also the running skills of Troy Smith."
This at the least is an uneducated surmise on the writers part; if not a very stupid and ignorant stereotyping of one white and one black quarterback and their styles.
No one (well, Al and Jesse maybe) likes to look for racism as a cause, yet the above statement does seem to say TS runs better than passes, and infers that the other QB passes better than runs...reinforcing the stereotype. Saying the two combined would be perfect just adds to the inference.
Just a dumb, lazy analysis IMHO. :)[/QUOTE]
OK, guys. I gotta be honest. I hate this kind of disunity.
Here is the original quote. It does not say anything about running, passing or anything else about the two QBs. It just says they are different...
4<SUP>th</SUP> and One – Déjà vu All Over Again – Okay, let’s do this for the second consecutive year – there’s a QB controversy in Columbus. Surprise, surprise. The difference going into this year is that we all got to see what each one could do. And, also, not do. If you could put the talents of Troy Smith and Justin Zwick together in one QB, that guy could be a Heisman worthy candidate. Rotating QBs are the worst idea the college football gods ever created, but this is one place where it might work because of the varied talents of this pair. Might, being the key word. Either way, when the individual at this position played well last year, the Buckeyes won. When they didn’t, it was ugly. Very ugly.
So, I thought, gosh, perhaps this stuff is inside. Nope, doesn't say Zwick is a better passer or that Smith can't throw. So, where in the heck is the racism? Where is the claim that Zwick is a better passer or that Smith is a better runner?
Despite all the talent on offense, Tressel-ball needs a quarterback who doesn't turn the ball over and can keep the chains moving. Troy Smith is an efficient thrower and a good runner, but he's not a pure passer and has to prove he can be counted on after his off-the-field issues. On the other hand, Justin Zwick is too conservative needing to have "don't think, just throw" tattooed on his wrist. Zwick is the opening day starter and has to show why Smith shouldn't take over the reins in game two, but he has to find his accuracy and play up to his talent level. There's talk of quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels using a two quarterback system.Player to keep an eye on: Todd Boeckman, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 8Projected Starter
- Justin Zwick, Jr. - The golden boy recruit was supposed to be a major upgrade over Craig Krenzel talent-wise, but it didn't happen in his first year as a starter. At 6-4 and 225 pounds, Zwick is a big passer with a live arm and prototype NFL tools. However, he never looked comfortable and outside of a brilliant performance against Marshall, never got his accuracy on track. And then came the Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State. Banged up early, Zwick gutted it out completing 17 of 27 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. While Troy Smith is the more explosive quarterback, but don't be too shocked if there's a mix of starters or if Zwick hangs on to the number one spot for the Texas showdown.
Top Backups
- Troy Smith, Jr. - With Justin Zwick struggling, Smith came in and gave the offense a shot in the arm highlighted by a 241-yard, two touchdown, 18-carry, 145-yard, one rushing score performance in the win over Michigan that had everyone's jaw dropped. By now, everyone knows Smith took money from a booster and was suspended for the Alamo Bowl and the 2005 opener against Miami University, but he'll be back and ready to roll for the Longhorns. With his rushing skills and all-around talents, don't expect him out of the mix for long.
- Todd Boeckman, RFr. - A very big 6-5, 235-pound bomber with good athleticism, Boeckman will be used as a scout teamer and emergency quarterback. He has a good arm and has looked good enough to see time with the first team in practice.
Unless I am the village idiot and have missed something, can we please move on now?
