QB Update

[CatBlitz]

I've been frustrated with late game QB play and our ability to close out teams since the last 3 games of DM's career. When DM started 26-3 in his first 29 conference games, we had a knack of closing teams and sneaking out with a win. Prukop only was able to make magic happen one time at Sac State, and in several other games he simply couldn't close it the same way DM did (at North Dakota comes to mind). I really like how Murray has beaten the grizz twice, but we largly went cold in the second half of those games. I like that Troy accelerated in the second half of games and it seemed like we had a return of the DM magic in a couple games (Idaho for example), but it other games not so much. So what's my point? I hope that somebody will find a way to make critical plays late that ensures us the win. Until DM's injury that contributed to a 0-3 finish to his career, I really haven't seen this consistently happen since.

I think that may have been a result of TG being DC at the time not QB play. I say that because it sure seemed that TG's philosophy on defense was 'bend don't break', and, if we had a significant lead then it seemed as though the 'bend don't break' philosophy became 'crack don't shatter'. In 2016 we were up 24-7 about half way thru the 3rd, with the only score that um had was their first play from scrimmage. In 2017, we were up 24-13 late in the 3rd, and, 31-16 with 6 minutes left in the game. IMHO it seemed as though in those games, and in most other games as well while TG was DC, the theory/game plan was 'just don't give up the big play'. I think this theory at times works and is a smart way to manage the game, but it can also be a way to let teams back in a game that they shouldn't be in to start with. I think this is why the CATS have seemed to give up big plays on 3rd downs and are unable to get off the field......they have been willing to risk giving up a 1st down on 3rd & long, but overemphasize IMO, preventing a 20+yard play. I think this defensive philosophy spilled over to the offense and cost the offense possessions which would have allowed them to get into more of a rhythm......IMHO.

Another example of this IMO is last years game vs um......in the 2nd half the CATS held um to 3 points because we were playing from 2 scores down for the most part, which resulted in a 'more aggressive' defensive play calling. However, as soon as we took the lead after a KO return to mid field um was able to convert, more than I want to count, 3rd & long plays for 1st downs. That 'bend don't break' or 'prevent' defense ended up winning that game in the end, but after the way the defense limited um's offense in the 2nd half up to 2 minutes remaining in the game was impressive to say the least.

Remember in 2016, CM completed a pass to Connor Sullivan on um's 3 yard line for a 1st down with 1:19 left plus a timeout. The CATS just ran out the clock and ended up winning 24-17, but to say we couldn't have got 3 yards in 1:19 with a timeout after we had ran it down um's throats to the tune of 420 yards and 5.9 yds/carry is not realistic. So in the end the game was not as close as the final score would have you believe.

Whether you think that is good or bad I don't think anyone would argue with the statement that, a Choate coached team isn't looking for 'style points', it's more along the lines of 'just win baby'. Were any of Coach Choate's games vs um pretty or dominant.....nope, but they have all been wins! GO CATS!

I'm thinking more along the lines of a QB with the "knack", regardless of who DC is. It wasn't just DM, but several other QBs in the same time period. Shooter for example had it in spades. He was a Cat killer, and it so happens I was at the Oregon/ASU game when he came to Tempe, he did the same damn thing down there in a triple overtime game. I was surrounded by shell shocked and disappointed Sundevil fans and all I could think was...Yup, that was about right... During UMs run they seemed to reload with QBs that knew how to win at the end of the game when all the chips were down. There are many more examples. Does Rovig have the knack and can he perform at his highest level when the pressure is at its greatest? For as electrifying as Prukop was at times, and aside from the Sac State win, I don't think he ever played his best when it matter most. Does Murray have it? Yes the completion to Sullivan was amazing, but he only had 2 that game. We won that game because Stitt sucked, and if you read Vim's action above, we won't be able to go to the next level using this approach. Although maybe Murray has the knack and now can actually make throws downfield. Should be fun competition this fall.

Yes, this Fall's QB selection will be HUGE! I think if we go with Murray, we will lose Rovig for sure to transfer and maybe Beltran or Baumann. If we go with one of the others, Rovig or B n B, then I think we still keep Murray. Just a thought!

Honestly, I don't think you're wrong. I believe we'll be better off with Rovig or Bauman but that's just me.

[Montanabob]

Oh boy, here we go...

Getcha popcorn ready.

BOOM!

[iaafan]

Oh boy, here we go...

Getcha popcorn ready.

Lol! I didn’t mean it that way.

[catsrback76]

Where do you think Rovig will transfer?

Here's a better question for you: "If Murray is anointed our QB going forward do you think Rovig stays in our program?" Why or why not?
(there, that might make it easier to get your head around it)

[lutecat]

Why do you think Bauman transfers? I mean he's only a rs fr. That means his junior year he can start if Chris wins the job this year and next.

[Montanabob]

Why do you think Bauman transfers? I mean he's only a rs fr. That means his junior year he can start if Chris wins the job this year and next.

I don't see any quarterback transferring unless somebody gets cut. Rovic can't win the job here he probably have to go to naia and he doesn't want to do that. Baumann can't beat out rovig if you have to go to naia. Beltran I'm sure he could go to someplace else and compete for a starting job but again as long as they're on scholarship they're not going anywhere.

[iaafan]

Where do you think Rovig will transfer?

Here's a better question for you: "If Murray is anointed our QB going forward do you think Rovig stays in our program?" Why or why not?
(there, that might make it easier to get your head around it)

It appears you’re focusing too hard on your coffee and not the question. I’m asking “where” you think Rovig will go. As in D1, D2, naia...?

[catsrback76]

Where do you think Rovig will transfer?

Here's a better question for you: "If Murray is anointed our QB going forward do you think Rovig stays in our program?" Why or why not?
(there, that might make it easier to get your head around it)

It appears you’re focusing too hard on your coffee and not the question. I’m asking “where” you think Rovig will go. As in D1, D2, naia...?

Could be. Obviously I am speculating so it really doesn't matter where he would go. BUT, the reason I think it's a real possibility IF Chris Murray is the QB this Fall, is that it indicates a decision by the coaching staff to play a running QB over a traditional drop back passing distributor, and Chris would have a likely 2 year run at the job.

So, if I'm thinking as a Rovig or a Baumann that the direction of the Offense is going to be cast in that direction, it would be better to go "anywhere" I can play and get a shot in a system that fits my skills. Both of those QB's were recruited to be what they are and not a CM running QB. I'm not really convinced that when Murray came in that the idea was to play him ultimately at the position, but we know the debacle that put him on the field and his athleticism won the day. However, unless Murray becomes a passing phenom in his world...(serviceable ) passer with consistency, and still is the starter...I think we lose Rovig for sure and possibly Bauman.

Again, just my thoughts around the coffee mug. Maybe I'm delusional...maybe I'm prophetic!

[iaafan]

Where do you think Rovig will transfer?

Here's a better question for you: "If Murray is anointed our QB going forward do you think Rovig stays in our program?" Why or why not?
(there, that might make it easier to get your head around it)

It appears you’re focusing too hard on your coffee and not the question. I’m asking “where” you think Rovig will go. As in D1, D2, naia...?

Could be. Obviously I am speculating so it really doesn't matter where he would go. BUT, the reason I think it's a real possibility IF Chris Murray is the QB this Fall, is that it indicates a decision by the coaching staff to play a running QB over a traditional drop back passing distributor, and Chris would have a likely 2 year run at the job.

So, if I'm thinking as a Rovig or a Baumann that the direction of the Offense is going to be cast in that direction, it would be better to go "anywhere" I can play and get a shot in a system that fits my skills. Both of those QB's were recruited to be what they are and not a CM running QB. I'm not really convinced that when Murray came in that the idea was to play him ultimately at the position, but we know the debacle that put him on the field and his athleticism won the day. However, unless Murray becomes a passing phenom in his world...(serviceable ) passer with consistency, and still is the starter...I think we lose Rovig for sure and possibly Bauman.

Again, just my thoughts around the coffee mug. Maybe I'm delusional...maybe I'm prophetic!

Maybe, but it’s also a real possibility that he stays. He’s still on full ride as the backup and he knows Murray wouldn’t be that solid as the starter, so he could be called upon to step in at any time.

I don’t agree that Murray at quarterback means MSU can’t adapt to a QB that throws more. I think a lot of Murray and Andersen’s runs were on plays that the option to run or pass and plays they were intended to throw. On plays with the option to run or pass, Rovig is more apt to pass than Murray and Murray is more likely to run than Rovig. So I do t think the style of offense should make Bauman or Rovig transfer.

[Colter_Nuanez]

[Buckaroo Bonzi]

I don't know but I have a hunch the main QB will be a ball distributor. Run to open up the pass and be able to pass
to keep the run open. With multiple Running QB packages available at any time. It's hard for me to imagine Troy , Chris
Travis and Isaiah or Logan in the Diamond or Chris and Troy running the option. I think Matt Miller is going to have a blast.
It will be a nightmare for defenses to prepare for. The culture is built for it to work , all for one and one for all . A lot
of unselfish players!

[The MICKSTER]

I think it's fair to say that this spring we did not see enough of any QB to the extent to make a very confident guess as to who will be taking snaps this fall. However, I am speculating that IF Chris Murray is on the team, whether it be as the starting QB or something else, along with Travis Jonsen and Kevin Kassis, I do think the need to have TA play at QB is diminished.

I have no doubt we will see the 'wildcat' set quite a bit this coming season. IF CM is the starter that will essentially be every snap, just like it was this past year with TA. IF Rovig, Bauman, or Beltran are the starter, then the 'wildcat' will be discernible. I know TA has different running skills than CM, TJ, & KK but let's face it, CM, TJ, & KK have some pretty good running skills as well. So IF all of them are on the team and healthy I would think the number of times we see TA take a snap will be significantly lessened because we have 3 other options for a 'wildcat' that are all pretty good in their own right. I will hazard to guess that IF those 3 are on the team, then when we see TA line up on offense it will be more often at WR or RB than at QB. Just a guess.

One thing is for sure, the coaching staff has a lot to mull over this off-season. GO CATS!

[jgrilley406]

Just saw Choate following McLane Carter a Texas Tech QB who just announced he is putting his name in the portal.

[Bobcat4Ever]

Maybe Mr. Carter would be motivated to get a win over Texas Tech

[Joe Bobcat]

At the same time Texas tech might be motivated to put a beating on Mr. Carter too. It could get interesting.
Could some of you that are good at finding and posting stats and videos of potential signers do a little digging and post what you find?
TIA

Honestly I'd like to see some big, fast, mean DL transfers as much as anything.
In Choate I trust.

[jgrilley406]

Definitely agree...interior d-line depth is by far are biggest need.

[BleedingBLue]

Carter was less than average in his handful of starts at TTU. 50% completions in his career. Decent game yards wise against Baylor last year but still 21-37. And not much of a running threat.

[Montanabob]

Carter was less than average in his handful of starts at TTU. 50% completions in his career. Decent game yards wise against Baylor last year but still 21-37. And not much of a running threat.

Good JUCO pro style QB who went to Texas Tech, spent most of last year with ankle injury and played in 5 games each of last two years and wonder why didn't redshirt him last year instead of burning year. Ankle surgery in March and no spring ball this year. Do we even have a scholarship to offer or is Choate looking for a Ty advantage by getting the kid's knowledge of TT weaknesses?

Who leaves if he comes in?

[jgrilley406]

Think he redshirted at Incarnate Word. Not sure though, just saw his name on their 2015 roster. But there’s no way Choate brings him in IMO, I just think it’s more for to have a couple phone calls with him and maybe pick his brains about TTU.

[TomCat88]

I’d say Choate is looking for a QB. He was trying to bring one in before Signing Day and it didn’t appear that anything happened in spring ball that would cause him to not continue looking. I doubt he’s recruiting anyone primarily to get info on a future opponent.