(04-05-2015 10:58 PM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 10:54 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 07:32 PM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 06:27 PM)Bill Wrote:  if he doesn't stop staring down receivers, he will be throwing more INTs than he did while he was here.

Lol he was a 19 yr old single scholarship athlete.

I'm not trying to be funny or anything else, but what do you mean when you say single scholarship athlete?

He had one offer out of HS........

One of the best ever and to some the best ever at Marshall only had 1 scholarship offer, that guy being Chad Pennington. Byron Leftwich only had two offers, Marshall to play QB and Richmond to play DB.

The QB race at Marshall right now is 1A Michael Birdsong and 1B Gunner Holcombe, at this point I don't think one has separated from the other. The QB with the most upside though would be true freshman Chase Litton and most expect him to unseat the starter next year, most expect Litton to redshirt this year. The odd man out is most likely redshirt freshman Cole Garvin.

Leftwich as a DB?!? haha. Guess stranger things have happened, I coulda been a pole vaulter!

Poor pole.

Yeah, but if you ever made it over that bar imagine how far you could fly Dunk, gravity be damned!

I loved Chad Pennington, but he did get the benefit of throwing to Moss, no?

(04-16-2015 06:05 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

My concern is not with Vad's play, but rather an injury. That is the number one reason I'd have worked overtime trying to keep Birdsong on the team. We made it through last season, but its a real concern should he go down. I really like having a capable QB on the sideline and thought that helped make our 04 and 08 teams so strong.

I said it back when he was leaving. They could have redshirted Birdsong last season (and pulled it if VL got injured, essentially making him the backup). He could have backed VL up this season and started in 2016.

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

Birdsong's INT problems seemed to deal with one of two issues. First, he was a rhythm passer and without rhythm (think that Richmond game where he almost single-handedly brought us back) his accuracy was...not all that great. That is probably being nice. Interestingly, I think Withers system would have fit him much better than Mickey's style of offense which made it difficult for a passer to find rhythm.

Secondly, Birdsong knew he had a big arm. He struggled at times with short passes because they were thrown too hard. I think this is something he might have some trouble developing - not unlike those of us that played shortstop and had some trouble moving to second base because of the length of the throw and different arm angles. But he also suffered from Brett Favre syndrome in that he felt he could fit any pass into any space, and sometimes fit them into that space between the d-back's numbers.

(04-17-2015 08:55 AM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 06:05 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

My concern is not with Vad's play, but rather an injury. That is the number one reason I'd have worked overtime trying to keep Birdsong on the team. We made it through last season, but its a real concern should he go down. I really like having a capable QB on the sideline and thought that helped make our 04 and 08 teams so strong.

I said it back when he was leaving. They could have redshirted Birdsong last season (and pulled it if VL got injured, essentially making him the backup). He could have backed VL up this season and started in 2016.

Would think he'd still transfer if he heard he was being redshirted.

(04-17-2015 09:45 AM)JMU08 Wrote:  

(04-17-2015 08:55 AM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 06:05 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

My concern is not with Vad's play, but rather an injury. That is the number one reason I'd have worked overtime trying to keep Birdsong on the team. We made it through last season, but its a real concern should he go down. I really like having a capable QB on the sideline and thought that helped make our 04 and 08 teams so strong.

I said it back when he was leaving. They could have redshirted Birdsong last season (and pulled it if VL got injured, essentially making him the backup). He could have backed VL up this season and started in 2016.

Would think he'd still transfer if he heard he was being redshirted.

No doubt. Why would you redshirt at FCS knowing you would probably be a backup for a year after the redshirt when you could redshirt at an FBS with a wide open QB competition when the redshirt comes off? Anybody that has any confidence in themselves would choose the latter.

(04-17-2015 08:55 AM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 06:05 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

My concern is not with Vad's play, but rather an injury. That is the number one reason I'd have worked overtime trying to keep Birdsong on the team. We made it through last season, but its a real concern should he go down. I really like having a capable QB on the sideline and thought that helped make our 04 and 08 teams so strong.

I said it back when he was leaving. They could have redshirted Birdsong last season (and pulled it if VL got injured, essentially making him the backup). He could have backed VL up this season and started in 2016.

I am sure that is what the coaches would have like to have done.....but I don't think MB was down with that idea.

(04-17-2015 09:45 AM)JMU08 Wrote:  

(04-17-2015 08:55 AM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 06:05 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

My concern is not with Vad's play, but rather an injury. That is the number one reason I'd have worked overtime trying to keep Birdsong on the team. We made it through last season, but its a real concern should he go down. I really like having a capable QB on the sideline and thought that helped make our 04 and 08 teams so strong.

I said it back when he was leaving. They could have redshirted Birdsong last season (and pulled it if VL got injured, essentially making him the backup). He could have backed VL up this season and started in 2016.

Would think he'd still transfer if he heard he was being redshirted.

The thing is, you don't even have to say you are redshirting a player. You can, but you don't have to make that statement. As long as a player doesn't play in no more than 20% of the games, then he is eligible to use red shirt if he hasn't used it up already. Therefore, a minor injury, you can put him in and not lose anything.

(04-17-2015 09:14 AM)PhillyDuke Wrote:  

(04-16-2015 01:40 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  I am thrilled for Birdsong. I have always wondered how many of his INTs were from his issues vs. the offense we were running and the WRs not running good routes. Keep in mind that when a system is really working, you can stare down receivers and look like a Heisman candidate. I expect good things for Birdsong this year. His style just didn't fit JMU unfortunately, I wish it had - I love his excitement and enthusiasm for the game. That said, nobody is complaining about Vad Lee's skills and talent either and they mesh so much better with our personnel.

Birdsong's INT problems seemed to deal with one of two issues. First, he was a rhythm passer and without rhythm (think that Richmond game where he almost single-handedly brought us back) his accuracy was...not all that great. That is probably being nice. Interestingly, I think Withers system would have fit him much better than Mickey's style of offense which made it difficult for a passer to find rhythm.

Secondly, Birdsong knew he had a big arm. He struggled at times with short passes because they were thrown too hard. I think this is something he might have some trouble developing - not unlike those of us that played shortstop and had some trouble moving to second base because of the length of the throw and different arm angles. But he also suffered from Brett Favre syndrome in that he felt he could fit any pass into any space, and sometimes fit them into that space between the d-back's numbers.

I just never saw 15 interceptions as a big deal for a true sophomore. That should come down with experience. Heck Rakeem Cato (last year's Marshall QB) threw 13 as a senior.

I hope Birdsong blows up this weekend and wins the starting job...he def gave us his all and deserves the shot imho.

(04-17-2015 12:45 PM)jmusuperfan Wrote:  I hope Birdsong blows up this weekend and wins the starting job...he def gave us his all and deserves the shot imho.

Agree. I hope he wins out. He was a good Duke. Circumstances just did not play out for him at JMU. But, that is ok.

(04-17-2015 03:53 PM)JMU Wrote:  

(04-17-2015 12:45 PM)jmusuperfan Wrote:  I hope Birdsong blows up this weekend and wins the starting job...he def gave us his all and deserves the shot imho.

Agree. I hope he wins out. He was a good Duke. Circumstances just did not play out for him at JMU. But, that is ok.

Agree. He played his ass off for JMU and through several injuries. Wish him nothing but the best.

I hope Birdsong wins the job and I will be rooting for him every step of the way. He gave his heart and soul to JMU for 2 years and he did so under some challenging and divisive (at times) circumstances. He was always responsive to e-mails and tweets. Most importantly, he was gracious and humble in the interactions I know of with me and others. Unless we are playing them, I am rooting for The Herd because of him and because I want our football program to be where Marshall is at this time in FBS at some point.

Chuck Landon: With time, Birdsong has learned to run offense

Apr. 18, 2015 @ 12:01 AM


CHUCK LANDON

Much ado has been made about Mike Birdsong learning Marshall's offense.

Too much.

Sure, it's complicated.

Yes, it's sophisticated.

And, of course, the Herd's offense is a different system.

But there are two factors to take into account.

No. 1, as prolific as Marshall's offense has been for the most part, it's still not rocket science that requires a young Homer Hickam to play quarterback.

No. 2, this ain't Birdsong's first rodeo.

The 6-foot-5, 242-pound redhead didn't spend two years quarterbacking James Madison without learning a thing or four.

"Fortunately, I've been in a lot of different systems," said Birdsong, "so the concepts transition. There are more concepts here than I've used in other systems, but there are a certain amount that transition, so I can pick up on it relatively easy.

"This is my fourth offense in four years, so I'd better be able to pick up on it."

Birdsong chuckled after that comment.

As well he should.

Remember, the Virginia native already has thrown for 3,206 yards and 26 touchdowns in his collegiate career.

If anyone thinks that doesn't affect the learning curve, they should have seen Birdsong during the live, team periods at the end of Marshall's spring practice on Thursday.

Talk about impressive.

Birdsong put on a show.

On one play, he stood tall in a rapidly, diminishing pocket with the chaos of offensive linemen trying to fend off pass rushing defensive linemen all around him.

He didn't bail out. He didn't run. He didn't panic.

Instead, Birdsong stood even taller than his 6-foot-5 frame and delivered a pass downfield to a wide receiver running a crossing route.

That spoke volumes about his composure and mental toughness.

Then, there's Birdsong's arm. The ball doesn't spend much time in the air when he throws it. As the saying goes, he can make all the throws.

He also showed that during the Thursday practice, delivering several outstanding throws.

And don't forget Birdsong's running ability. Lots of fans have taken one quick glance at his Paul Bunyan-like size and wondered aloud, "But can he run?"

Yes, he can.

And then some.

On two occasions during the team period, the play broke down so Birdsong tucked the ball and took off. Each time he raced about 30 yards downfield before pulling up.

Could he have been tackled?

Maybe.

But, then again, can a runaway CSX train be tackled?

That's the quarterback spectators will see during Marshall's first officiated scrimmage of spring practice at 9:45 a.m. Saturday in Edwards Stadium.

Right, Bill Legg?

"He has been trending pretty good," said Marshall's offensive coordinator with a grin. "Is that a good word? That's a good word, right?"

Apparently, Legg has been spending some time on social media lately.

Yes, Bill, trending is good.

"What I saw during the first couple of practices was a little bit of a feeling out process," Legg continued. "Then, the next couple of practices I saw him take jumps in the right direction, which is what he needed to do."

Since then, Birdsong absolutely has taken command of the offense and the starting quarterback position.

"I'm getting back in the old groove now," said the redshirt junior. "I'm feeling like my old self."

Looks more like an upgrade to me.

Call him Birdsong 3.0, the next generation.

Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Contact him at clandon@herald-dispatch.com.

(04-05-2015 10:58 PM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 10:54 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 07:32 PM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  

(04-05-2015 06:27 PM)Bill Wrote:  if he doesn't stop staring down receivers, he will be throwing more INTs than he did while he was here.

Lol he was a 19 yr old single scholarship athlete.

I'm not trying to be funny or anything else, but what do you mean when you say single scholarship athlete?

He had one offer out of HS........

Marcus Mariota had one offer out of high school (Oregon).... even though Hawaii made an obligatory late offer.

Great to hear. We ran into him in a sling a year ago at the River Rivalry game at RMC, and he was as nice, polite and graciuos as one could be. Asked him about the coaching change and it was a kind of "well, we'll see". Not an ill word to be found.

I wish him the best of luck and let's remember- even my old roomie delivering the subs on the moped for JM's while taking his one class ever is an "Alum".

Good luck ginga ninja! I'll be pulling for Marshall!

(04-18-2015 09:03 AM)HotHamandCheese84 Wrote:  I hope Birdsong wins the job and I will be rooting for him every step of the way. He gave his heart and soul to JMU for 2 years and he did so under some challenging and divisive (at times) circumstances. He was always responsive to e-mails and tweets. Most importantly, he was gracious and humble in the interactions I know of with me and others. Unless we are playing them, I am rooting for The Herd because of him and because I want our football program to be where Marshall is at this time in FBS at some point.

+1

"Some point" should have been 7 or 8 years ago. The administration must have never been taught about SMART goals, particularly the specific, measurable, and time-based aspects.

(04-17-2015 01:28 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  Leftwich as a DB?!? haha. Guess stranger things have happened, I coulda been a pole vaulter!

Poor pole.

Coming out of HS Leftwich was 6'4 241 and ran a 4.67. And he played both ways in HS, but wanted to play QB in college.

(04-17-2015 09:14 AM)PhillyDuke Wrote:  Birdsong's INT problems seemed to deal with one of two issues. First, he was a rhythm passer and without rhythm (think that Richmond game where he almost single-handedly brought us back) his accuracy was...not all that great. That is probably being nice. Interestingly, I think Withers system would have fit him much better than Mickey's style of offense which made it difficult for a passer to find rhythm.

Secondly, Birdsong knew he had a big arm. He struggled at times with short passes because they were thrown too hard. I think this is something he might have some trouble developing - not unlike those of us that played shortstop and had some trouble moving to second base because of the length of the throw and different arm angles. But he also suffered from Brett Favre syndrome in that he felt he could fit any pass into any space, and sometimes fit them into that space between the d-back's numbers.

The biggest problem Ive seen with the little clips Ive seen with Birdsong in a JMU uniform is that your OLine kinda sucked. On the INTs Ive seen the OLine collapses in the middle making Birdsong get rid of the ball way to early or get taken down by 3-4 DLineman at once.

(04-17-2015 12:00 PM)JMUPurple Wrote:  I just never saw 15 interceptions as a big deal for a true sophomore. That should come down with experience. Heck Rakeem Cato (last year's Marshall QB) threw 13 as a senior.

Yeah but Cato also had 40 TDs in the air (2nd most in the nation) and 8 on the ground. And Marshall had the D- most of the time to defend the TOs. Marshall had a top 10 offense and defense in the nation, 2nd best offense and 8th best defense. And had the most yards in the nation with 7783.

(04-17-2015 12:45 PM)jmusuperfan Wrote:  I hope Birdsong blows up this weekend and wins the starting job...he def gave us his all and deserves the shot imho.

After scrimmage yesterday no coach would come out and say it but the starting job is Birdsong's to give away. He was 14-24 for 148 yards and 2 TDs. No matter what though, whoever wins the starting job, Chase Litton will push for the starting job next year, and most think he will get it.