OK...I'll buy that we're still young and need to learn how to execute on offemse...so, here's what I'm hoping to see the last 6 games of the season (Boise State doesn't count--their new standing in the polls will make them even angrier, and they'll probably look to make UT the example. I say play all 4 QBs, one per quarter, with Owens in the 4th--maybe if we keep the 1st string in against the BSU 3rd string, we'll make a play or 2 to build on for the next game).

1. No QB Controversy. This team cannot belong to both Dantin and Owens. I think Owens has more physical skills, Dantin perhaps more intangibles, but unfortunately for Dantin, we need a playmaker at QB and not a game manager. Owens can throw a better ball--period. He msut handle most of the snaps the last half of the season.I'll take a 50% completion percentage over a 70% if it means that a few completions were on passes actually thrown 20+ yards downfield. Even on TDs & interceptions would also be OK for the stretch run if it gives Owens the experience he needs for next season.

2. Keep feeding Thomas and Fluellen. Yes, they miss some holes, but I'm really liking how strong they run. Need this duo to average a combined 150 yards a game the last 6 games, and next season we'll have a duo unlike that we've seen in a few seasons.

3. Use the GPS to find our tight ends in the passing game again. I like Noble, but if we have another tight end to develop, nows the time. That position needs to be thrown to several times a game, and at least catch 1 or 2.

4. The freshmen receiving duo of Green and Reedy need to average a combined 3 catches a game. Page can't do it all against the every-play double team he's facing, and Stafford could use some help drawing coverage away from him. Give these 2 frosh some more playing time, and perhaps next season, with the Illinois transfer Scott thrown in the mix, we have a passing game to complement the above-referenced running game.

5. Burn the redshirt for Simpkins, the true freshman placekicker, for reasons I've stated on other posts. Even if he just goes something like 4-8 in FG over the last six games, he'll also gain the experience he'll need for next season.

If we accomplish these things, even a 6-6 season could make Rocket fans anticipate "next season".

Green did seem to be more of a target last night with three or four thrown his way. Catching them will get him more looks.

(10-03-2010 03:31 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  OK...I'll buy that we're still young and need to learn how to execute on offemse...so, here's what I'm hoping to see the last 6 games of the season (Boise State doesn't count--their new standing in the polls will make them even angrier, and they'll probably look to make UT the example. I say play all 4 QBs, one per quarter, with Owens in the 4th--maybe if we keep the 1st string in against the BSU 3rd string, we'll make a play or 2 to build on for the next game).

1. No QB Controversy. This team cannot belong to both Dantin and Owens. I think Owens has more physical skills, Dantin perhaps more intangibles, but unfortunately for Dantin, we need a playmaker at QB and not a game manager. Owens can throw a better ball--period. He msut handle most of the snaps the last half of the season.I'll take a 50% completion percentage over a 70% if it means that a few completions were on passes actually thrown 20+ yards downfield. Even on TDs & interceptions would also be OK for the stretch run if it gives Owens the experience he needs for next season.

2. Keep feeding Thomas and Fluellen. Yes, they miss some holes, but I'm really liking how strong they run. Need this duo to average a combined 150 yards a game the last 6 games, and next season we'll have a duo unlike that we've seen in a few seasons.

3. Use the GPS to find our tight ends in the passing game again. I like Noble, but if we have another tight end to develop, nows the time. That position needs to be thrown to several times a game, and at least catch 1 or 2.

4. The freshmen receiving duo of Green and Reedy need to average a combined 3 catches a game. Page can't do it all against the every-play double team he's facing, and Stafford could use some help drawing coverage away from him. Give these 2 frosh some more playing time, and perhaps next season, with the Illinois transfer Scott thrown in the mix, we have a passing game to complement the above-referenced running game.

5. Burn the redshirt for Simpkins, the true freshman placekicker, for reasons I've stated on other posts. Even if he just goes something like 4-8 in FG over the last six games, he'll also gain the experience he'll need for next season.

If we accomplish these things, even a 6-6 season could make Rocket fans anticipate "next season".

Team can belong to Dantin, Owens, and Pasquale. I saw Florida win a BCS title doing it.This Offense is designed so the majority of passes are short in nature, making reads, and getting the football into the hands of playmakers when the field is spread. With the way UT's OL is playing there won't be alot of time to throw downfield when a team is able to pressure the QB. BS on building for next year, the Rockets maybe sitting alone at the top of the MAC West after this next weekend, a full game infront of everyone else.The time to win the MAC is now.

(10-03-2010 03:56 PM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(10-03-2010 03:31 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  OK...I'll buy that we're still young and need to learn how to execute on offemse...so, here's what I'm hoping to see the last 6 games of the season (Boise State doesn't count--their new standing in the polls will make them even angrier, and they'll probably look to make UT the example. I say play all 4 QBs, one per quarter, with Owens in the 4th--maybe if we keep the 1st string in against the BSU 3rd string, we'll make a play or 2 to build on for the next game).

1. No QB Controversy. This team cannot belong to both Dantin and Owens. I think Owens has more physical skills, Dantin perhaps more intangibles, but unfortunately for Dantin, we need a playmaker at QB and not a game manager. Owens can throw a better ball--period. He msut handle most of the snaps the last half of the season.I'll take a 50% completion percentage over a 70% if it means that a few completions were on passes actually thrown 20+ yards downfield. Even on TDs & interceptions would also be OK for the stretch run if it gives Owens the experience he needs for next season.

2. Keep feeding Thomas and Fluellen. Yes, they miss some holes, but I'm really liking how strong they run. Need this duo to average a combined 150 yards a game the last 6 games, and next season we'll have a duo unlike that we've seen in a few seasons.

3. Use the GPS to find our tight ends in the passing game again. I like Noble, but if we have another tight end to develop, nows the time. That position needs to be thrown to several times a game, and at least catch 1 or 2.

4. The freshmen receiving duo of Green and Reedy need to average a combined 3 catches a game. Page can't do it all against the every-play double team he's facing, and Stafford could use some help drawing coverage away from him. Give these 2 frosh some more playing time, and perhaps next season, with the Illinois transfer Scott thrown in the mix, we have a passing game to complement the above-referenced running game.

5. Burn the redshirt for Simpkins, the true freshman placekicker, for reasons I've stated on other posts. Even if he just goes something like 4-8 in FG over the last six games, he'll also gain the experience he'll need for next season.

If we accomplish these things, even a 6-6 season could make Rocket fans anticipate "next season".

Team can belong to Dantin, Owens, and Pasquale. I saw Florida win a BCS title doing it.This Offense is designed so the majority of passes are short in nature, making reads, and getting the football into the hands of playmakers when the field is spread. With the way UT's OL is playing there won't be alot of time to throw downfield when a team is able to pressure the QB. BS on building for next year, the Rockets maybe sitting alone at the top of the MAC West after this next weekend, a full game infront of everyone else.The time to win the MAC is now.

Boca, kindly pass me some of what you're drinking--it's alot less bitter than what I seem to have on hand

(10-03-2010 07:15 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  

(10-03-2010 03:56 PM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(10-03-2010 03:31 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  OK...I'll buy that we're still young and need to learn how to execute on offemse...so, here's what I'm hoping to see the last 6 games of the season (Boise State doesn't count--their new standing in the polls will make them even angrier, and they'll probably look to make UT the example. I say play all 4 QBs, one per quarter, with Owens in the 4th--maybe if we keep the 1st string in against the BSU 3rd string, we'll make a play or 2 to build on for the next game).

1. No QB Controversy. This team cannot belong to both Dantin and Owens. I think Owens has more physical skills, Dantin perhaps more intangibles, but unfortunately for Dantin, we need a playmaker at QB and not a game manager. Owens can throw a better ball--period. He msut handle most of the snaps the last half of the season.I'll take a 50% completion percentage over a 70% if it means that a few completions were on passes actually thrown 20+ yards downfield. Even on TDs & interceptions would also be OK for the stretch run if it gives Owens the experience he needs for next season.

2. Keep feeding Thomas and Fluellen. Yes, they miss some holes, but I'm really liking how strong they run. Need this duo to average a combined 150 yards a game the last 6 games, and next season we'll have a duo unlike that we've seen in a few seasons.

3. Use the GPS to find our tight ends in the passing game again. I like Noble, but if we have another tight end to develop, nows the time. That position needs to be thrown to several times a game, and at least catch 1 or 2.

4. The freshmen receiving duo of Green and Reedy need to average a combined 3 catches a game. Page can't do it all against the every-play double team he's facing, and Stafford could use some help drawing coverage away from him. Give these 2 frosh some more playing time, and perhaps next season, with the Illinois transfer Scott thrown in the mix, we have a passing game to complement the above-referenced running game.

5. Burn the redshirt for Simpkins, the true freshman placekicker, for reasons I've stated on other posts. Even if he just goes something like 4-8 in FG over the last six games, he'll also gain the experience he'll need for next season.

If we accomplish these things, even a 6-6 season could make Rocket fans anticipate "next season".

Team can belong to Dantin, Owens, and Pasquale. I saw Florida win a BCS title doing it.This Offense is designed so the majority of passes are short in nature, making reads, and getting the football into the hands of playmakers when the field is spread. With the way UT's OL is playing there won't be alot of time to throw downfield when a team is able to pressure the QB. BS on building for next year, the Rockets maybe sitting alone at the top of the MAC West after this next weekend, a full game infront of everyone else.The time to win the MAC is now.

Boca, kindly pass me some of what you're drinking--it's alot less bitter than what I seem to have on hand

Like I said- last night's loss dropped us to 2-0 in the MAC with both wins on the road. What does worry me is that there seemed to be a lot of internecine sniping along the sidelines and at times on the field last night. Maybe I just noticed it more but that always concerns me.

bcunn1328, when I got up this morning I was thinking exactly like you are--give the keys to Owens. But, as I thought about it through the day I came around to thinking about it differently. I'm not a fan of a dual QB situation, but there's a time and a place for everything and that might just be here and now (not necessarily in that order). Anyway, Owens shows talent and the ability to move the offense. He did a hell of a job coming in under a lot of pressure and making things happen, but he is still green. Dantin has trouble initiating and sustaining drives but has been effective in the red zone, and he definitely has some wheels. Pasquale has a strong burst to get a couple yards.

This season is far from a bust. Let's not make a rash decision and throw a guy who won 3 games under a bus and put our destiny in the hands of a freshman who has played a quarter and a half. Why not leverage the best of all of them and try to win a championship, or at least a bowl appearance? I'd like to think that the players would all want that.

I do believe the Wyoming game was a tipping point in the QB situation, though. Prior to last night Dantin had not lost a game that he should have won. I believe TO came out and made his case. Let him start and give him a chance to move the football. When we get in the red zone the coaches can evaluate who is the best fit to to punch it in. Maybe TO at QB with Dantin and Pasquale on each hip, line Eric Page up in the slot, then send him in motion. OK, maybe just on 4th downs...

I agree, Thomas is really coming into his own. The more carries he gets, the better he will get. Same with Flu.

Regarding Noble, Green, and Reedy, with TO in there we might be able to finally get the ball to someone other than Eric Page. They all need to catch the d@mn ball, though. A couple more 1st downs and maybe we would have won that game. We do have a receivers coach, right? Why all the dropped balls?

Last week Dantin was BMOC, this week he is benched, probably rightfully so, however I am not sure that he is not a better short term option than Owens. Owens definitely provided a spark. Owens has a MUCH stronger arm and throws a LASER. The deep ball Owens threw was a beauty, however he did miss badly on two pass to the sidelines, one to each sideline if I remember correctly. He also threw a ball badly behind a receiver (Green, maybe), when Owens should have run with the ball.

As far as the drops, the receivers do have to do a better job of catching the ball. To their defense, Dantin appears to throw a softball, while Owens throws a beebee. Owens is left handed, plus he seems to throw the ball with a downward trajectory. Being cold, wet, rainy and windy, probably didn't help either.

If I were in Beckman's shoes, I would split the reps between Dantin and Owens this week in practice and split PT in the Boise game. Then, I would name a starter for MAC play. May the best man win.

This season kind of reminds me of the 1999 season where the team was young but finally got on the right track and put it all together for the last few games of the season which set up the momentum that carried over to the 10-1 2000 season. However, at this point (unlike 1999) the possibilities for a bowl and a championship are still out there but the team still has to put it together on offense.

If memory serves me, we were a little unsettled at QB in that 1999 season with Dan Cole and Tavaris Bolden. Once the coaching staff decided to turn the offense over to Bolden things really started to come together. We could be headed for a similar scenario as this plays out. We'll see.

Wishful thinking can get in the way of the kid's development, but I would like to see him get the early snaps at Boise St. He earned that priviledge IMO.

Even if Dantin remains the starter, Owens needs to get a lot of playing time. I think we lost a lot last year because our backup quarterbacks were just not experienced. Since we will likely not beat Boise State, there is no reason the game cannot be a positive learning experience.

(10-04-2010 03:32 PM)Rocket75 Wrote:  Even if Dantin remains the starter, Owens needs to get a lot of playing time. I think we lost a lot last year because our backup quarterbacks were just not experienced. Since we will likely not beat Boise State, there is no reason the game cannot be a positive learning experience.

Should be interesting in Boise!! My bet is Dantin is starter in Boise even though Owens a better QB. Hope coach does not go down in flames with Dantin like he did in the Arizona game, and Wyoming. Had Dantin been pulled at the half UT would have won. Looked like a new spark to the team when Owens was in. IMO Play all the QBs in Boise let them all have fun and see what they can do. Coach should be done with this "young team" stuff. Team needs to step up and do their job for the rest of the season. UT has receiver's. Page is good but not he only one. Stafford, Noble, JJ, etc. Dantin telescopes Page , even the fans can see it. If Dantin starts I hope he can lead the team to victory the rest of the season even giving Boise some competition. Should be interesting!!! GO ROCKETS!!

there is little use of tight ends in the offense. i think noble mostly lines up as a wr. you don't want to throw dantin under the bus so to speak, but he's had issues. played pretty well vs purdue, although he made some poor plays there, but has struggled quite a bit in other games and he tends to lock in on page running short or crossing routes so the defense is able to bunch up and clog running lanes. owens downfield passing opened up the running game. one of the keys to a good spread offense is that the d has to cover a lot of space and there are running lanes between the tackles. with dantin's short game the lbs and safeties seemed to really sneak up and the dline was able to knock a lot of passes down as dantin has a low arm angle and isn't tall. there's things i like about dantin's play at times, but he certainly struggles at times and owens didn't just show a good arm, but enough poise and leadership to impress as well. also, i think some of the receivers struggled adjusting to the ball arriving more quickly and hitting them w velocity, getting owens more practice reps will be crucial.

(10-05-2010 02:02 PM)pono Wrote:  there is little use of tight ends in the offense. i think noble mostly lines up as a wr. you don't want to throw dantin under the bus so to speak, but he's had issues. played pretty well vs purdue, although he made some poor plays there, but has struggled quite a bit in other games and he tends to lock in on page running short or crossing routes so the defense is able to bunch up and clog running lanes. owens downfield passing opened up the running game. one of the keys to a good spread offense is that the d has to cover a lot of space and there are running lanes between the tackles. with dantin's short game the lbs and safeties seemed to really sneak up and the dline was able to knock a lot of passes down as dantin has a low arm angle and isn't tall. there's things i like about dantin's play at times, but he certainly struggles at times and owens didn't just show a good arm, but enough poise and leadership to impress as well. also, i think some of the receivers struggled adjusting to the ball arriving more quickly and hitting them w velocity, getting owens more practice reps will be crucial.

The future is now!!! The coaches need to stop making excuses "we are a young team" they all need to man up, coaches and players. The players worked hard in the off season, they know how to play now play. The Wyoming game made me sick. Coaches need to call plays to win. Three and out will not get it. Will be watching on my little screen, too bad not in color to see the blue field. Love the midnight blue and gold!! GO ROCKETS!!