Five College Football Programs Facing Unresolved Quarterback Controversies For 2011
By Ty Duffy
College football is less than a month away, but a few major programs, including a BCS Title Game favorite, still have outstanding quarterback controversies. Some may not be resolved until the season’s first game. Teams will portray the competitions as friendly, (really friendly, just freaking incredibly friendly) but, in reality, the uncertainty could affect how some otherwise promising teams could perform this season. Here is a look at the major controversies.
Texas: The Longhorns won’t rotate quarterbacks and won’t announce a starter until it’s necessary. Fortunately, they are replete with options. Unfortunately, none of them are proven. Garrett Gilbert is the five-star incumbent, who was a budding star until being terrifyingly derailed last season. He will duel with Connor Wood and David Ash, two 6’4” pro-style guys with some mobility and Case McCoy, brother of Colt. Conventionally, Gilbert would be the favorite, though co-coordinator Major Applewhite owes his Texas career to bucking convention. [Prediction: Gilbert, with a short leash].
[The] Ohio State: Terrelle Pryor packed up his automobile fleet and departed. Ohio State, likely, has avoided significant sanctions. The pressing concern now will be whether the school commits longterm to Luke Fickell. That depends on him having enough success to convince the Tressel true-believers. Fickell could play it conservative, ride the defense and opt for the steady hands of 26-year-old fifth-year senior Joe Bauserman. Or, he could go all out for the job and dangle with super-talented freshman Braxton Miller. Miller will be the man for the future, but Fickell does not yet have the luxury to consider it. [Prediction: Bausermania, eventually giving way to Miller midseason]
Notre Dame: The Irish have a potential BCS team, but does Brian Kelly entrust it to Dayne Crist, the senior with explosive potential and five-star tools, or pesky Tommy Rees, the sophomore, who executed a limited game-plan and led the team on a winning streak to end the season? Underclassmen Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson have also made themselves names to consider. Making the right choice could affect this team’s ceiling. Potential savior Nate Montana, alas, has taken his talents elsewhere. [Prediction: Crist, for better or worse]
Alabama: Many felt Alabama’s initial No. 2 ranking was harsh, which is curious for a team without a designated starting quarterback. Candidates A.J. McCarron and Philip Sims seem indistinguishable. Either, behind a veteran offensive line, seems capable of being a Greg McElroy facsimile, though neither will have an outlet with the capability of Julio Jones. Worst case scenario: Alabama must rely on its defense. That’s not such a bad scenario. [Prediciton: McCarron]
Miami: Both Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris played extensively last season. Both were absolutely brutal. Neither could complete 55 percent of his passes. The two combined to throw 24 interceptions. Had either been even average, Randy Shannon might still be employed. New coach Al Golden will hope the problem was systemic under Mark Whipple and at least one of the two can step in and provide stability, while handing the ball off to Lamar Miller. [Prediction: Morris, Jacory Harris is what he is, which is Jacory Harris.]
[Photo via Getty]