Malik Zaire or Hendrix

[IrishLion]

I think Tommy will be ready to go against Air Force, but the game plan will be run-heavy to keep him safe.

If he isn't ready to go, I expect Hendrix to be a competent QB. He's not going to throw the ball often, but he will surely look better than last night.

He did look awful, and my initial reaction was to call it unaccaptable, but it was a tough situation and it is not easy to throw an out-route correctly. I think Hendrix was doing what Crist did so often: skipped the ball on the dirt for fear of an interception.

Hendrix needs opportunities to throw over the middle and deep down the field. The out-route is a simple concept, but a very difficult throw. IMO, it was a mistake by the coaching staff to start him off with those two play calls in passing situations. Give him an easy slant or let him air it out early (like he did when he targeted DD). He can use his arm strength to fire the ball on a slant or pitch it deep; the out-routes killed his confidence because though it requires arm strength as well, it also tested his timing and probably had him worried about a defender jumping the route.

 

[koonja]

this is FACT

hendrix couldn't throw a 5-7 yard out route...it went about 4 yards into the ground

he can't stay on his feet when he tries to run
we have penalties galore when he comes into the game
0 confidence and produced NOTHING

i've seen enough to not ever see that **** again...it was embarrassing, not only for him but to be a div 1 qb being so inept ...burn malik's redshirt and don't think twice...i can't stomach another game w/ hendrix...it was dayne crist all over again except no completions

Lol, this sounds like a IrishPat-post!

 

[MJ12666]

That's quite the reach. I believe in the staff, that doesn't mean I have to blindly believe that they can pull off some miracle gameplan where our QB doesn't throw the ball.

If you think that the staff can change 3.5 years worth of mental attitude, physical skillset and playbook understanding.... In one week... Then you haven't played much football. That's crazy talk.

This is actually possible (although I agree highly unlikely). If I remember correctly in one of Lou's last years we needed to beat Air Force late in the season and the starting QB was injured (I think Paulus but I am not 100% sure). We basically ran the ball every play and won quite easily. The obvious difference is that Lou was not afraid to run the ball even if it took a couple of quarters to wear down the defense. Unfortunately I don't think Kelly has the patience. The other problem is that (as stated a couple of times above) I don't think AH is that good of a runner so probably the most effective run formation would be the I with a lead blocker. I don't see this happening either as I can't remember Kelly ever using this formation. However, given out talent advantage we should still win if AH has to play. At least the one long pass down the sideline to Daniels looked like a spiral and doesn't rely on timing. If he can loop it a bit higher, any of our receivers should be able to catch a few over the AF DB's. It is sad when you think about it but that's what happens when you need to play your third string QB.

 

[irishfanjho15]

what is Tommy's injury? I'm assuming concussion?

Neck strain.

 

[PANDFAN]

Lol, this sounds like a IrishPat-post!

i had a very rough night watching the usc game w/ him in...i cannot stomach another...i always root for whoever is in and trying...but this is beyond trying...it's in his head...it's painfully obvious his nerves get the better of him and i would rather malik give it a go as i have seen more than enough throughout his career...NO progression at all.

 

[connect the dots]

First I agree with the majority that its better to preserve a year of eligibility and play Hendrix but he looked terrible. Every time he has the ball in his hands he looks nervous. Has no touch on his throws and clearly can't recognize where he's supposed to go with the ball

This September post was right on(prescient). And, as far as this week's practice reps -

All of Kelly's horses and all of Kelly's men
Couldn't put Andrew back together again!