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The Backup QB Situation

Kadeezy

Active member
As vital as Kevin Thomson is to this Hornet team, I think this team is in a position to accomplish even bigger things in November/December. Not knowing the full extent of his injury, I'm speculating here, but I would let the NAU and Idaho games play out before making a "play him or not" decision.

1. @ NAU - No matter what, I say we roll the dice with a backup here. This team is talented enough to beat NAU without Thomson at QB. NAU has the worst Rush Defense in the Sky. Rely on Perk and Dotson to win this game for you. We also saw a QB under center for the first time this season with Dunniway against Weber in the second half, maybe they can expand upon that with a week's worth of prep.

2. @Idaho - Idaho is so hard to nail down this season. I think they're better than their record indicates. If we can beat NAU, I say you have to sit Thomson again regardless (why rush it or risk further injury). If we are coming off a loss against NAU, you almost have to play Thomson with the 7 win threshold for playoffs at stake.

3. vs. UC Dungpile - If we go 2-0 without Thomson, keep the status quo. That would mean we're 8-3 with playoffs secured no matter what happens. Don't risk an pre-playoff injury, and keep the round 1 opponent guessing as to Thomson's status, and make them prepare for two different gameplans. If we lose to either NAU or Idaho, Thomson has to play in this game if he can freaking breathe...


MY BACKUPS IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE

18 Roman Ale QB 6-1 200 Jr. 1V Carson, Calif. / Narbonne HS

Will likely get a Medical RS for last season and eventually be reclassified. Played in 5 games as a Frosh, played outstanding, fits the RPO model that's been Taylor's hallmark. He won on the Road at UND in a dome. Throws a pretty ball and is mobile enough to keep D honest. NAU won't have tape on him from Weber, but expect they might prepare with 2017 tape just in case.

12 Jake Dunniway QB 6-1 210 So. JC Tracy, Calif. / San Diego Mesa JC

I've seen enough in mop up duty and backup action to know that Jake is not a viable long-term starter option. I do think we can win with him at QB over the next two weeks, but not beyond that. He has the game manager vibe, and I'm not sure he can make enough throws to keep defenses honest. I hope I'm wrong (like my epic Safron fail) - but he still has a lot to prove. Maybe Taylor and company can gameplan around his deficiencies. No RS option.

19 Tristan Meyer QB 6-0 190 So. 1V La Mirada, Calif. / La Mirada HS

I really like this kid, pretty much no game experience, but he is arguably just as mobile as Thomson or more, and throws a nice ball. He is an athlete, but pretty much a complete unknown. No RS option.

8 Frank Gamberdella QB 6-1 165 Fr. HS Santa Barbara, Calif. / Santa Barbara HS

I've never seen Frank play, but as a True Frosh he can play up to 4 games and still RS - I've seen him dressed on the sidelines for previous games, yet to participate.
 
https://www.sacbee.com/sports/college/article237007854.html

Joe Davidson says Thomson is "day-to-day" - that's fantastic news.
 
Nice breakdown - I forgot about Ale seeing some time as a frosh, and having some success.

But I think the coaches have already spoken. Dunniway won the #2 spot this year, so he deserves the start. There's only so much practice time available, and #2 has gotten most, if not all of the 2nd team reps. I assume the other QBs have mostly been playing scout team during the season, so it's a bit unfair to think they can make that jump after a couple days of practice.

And I don't think he will be the difference in us winning or losing at NAU. But I agree with you, if Thomson is out for the rest of the regular season, there may be a better option. Will be an interesting week.
 
I'm personally not gonna judge Dunniway off one short stint against arguably the best defense in the Sky. He has a strong arm, and has been in big games before dating back to his time at St. Mary's. I trust Taylor.
 
I agree with both posts above. Have to think Taylor went with what he thinks/knows is the best QB on the roster after Thomson, and that apparently is Dunniway.
 
I'm more of the opinion that if Thomson is available, he starts all three remaining games, and in the easy ones, comes out after a series or two, particularly if we jump out to a big lead. Maybe a bit longer against the Manure Pile due to the rivalry factor, but we MUST get Thomson back in the saddle and we MUST get backup talent developed. That's a good way to do both....
 
Kadeezy said:
The SAC depth chart was just released:

QB 1 - Kevin Thomson or Jake Dunniway

And Meyer listed as 3rd.

Game notes has Dunniway listed as a JR but the Hornetsports roster has him as a SO.
 
Super Hornet said:
I'm more of the opinion that if Thomson is available, he starts all three remaining games, and in the easy ones, comes out after a series or two, particularly if we jump out to a big lead. Maybe a bit longer against the Manure Pile due to the rivalry factor, but we MUST get Thomson back in the saddle and we MUST get backup talent developed. That's a good way to do both....
I agree the sooner the better. We are not a provincial school in FCS football. Back to back losses and everyone starts chirppin. Win these next 2 games if possible. Leave no doubts for folks.
 
In my personal opinion, if Thomson is good to go, we play him. We should be heavy the favorite for the last 3 games (not sure how I feel about playing a really good QB with our current DB situation in NAU and Davis, but we'll save that for later) but we play him, pull away by the half and put in Jake. The last thing we want is to lose the first round bye and then have a rusty Thomson, who would be out a full 4 weeks by then, to come in and play a playoff game. At least this way, we get him playing but also protect him from big hits when it's unnecessary (when we already have the game in check)
 
Hook that kid up with cortisone injections and he won’t feel a thing for two months, should get us past the championship game!
 

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