Quarterback controversy

[ralph1950]

Last night Tony Pike showed that he should be the # 1 QB. Tony's passes are sharp (quick) and on the money. Mauk's passes are slow and off target. How many receivers did Mauk over throw last night, plenty. The receivers made the plays on the ball when Mauk was throwing, Tony Pike put the ball in the receivers hands when he threw.

[shaunsimpson]

I didn't see the game, but lisening to it Mauk sounded good. I don't think you will see a change unless Mauk doesn't proform next week. Pike does sound like a better fit for the offense in that he ran better, but you can't make a judgement against a team that doesn't have depth and it showed in the 2nd half.

Pike was also in a decided game where Mauk was playing against a fresh defense.

[Bearcat Cafe]

Tony Pike was throwing against a beaten down, tired D-1AA secondary that couldn't wait for the game to end quickly enough. He looked good - not great. I guess Jacob Ramsey should be the starting RB and Ben Guiduli should start at TE, too?

[bearcatmark]

I thought Pike looked much better too. Pike had two drops...really he should have been 8 for 9. He was very decisive and he hit his recievers in stride. I was a little worried watching Mauk because he was not hitting recievers in stride...When the window closes and you have to make better throws against better teams that worries me.

I'm rooting for Ben...I hope he is our best QB and is starting for that reason, but I was really impressed by Pike.

[nachoman91]

I will put my faith in a guy who has coached for 18 years to decide who is the best fit. So far BK is 2-0 so I see no reason to question him.

[General Woundwort]

Pike also didn't make a single throw (that I remember) downfield. It was strictly ultra-conservative dumpoffs, screen passes, etc. This isn't a criticism of Pike - the game was well in hand and they weren't trying to throw bombs and run up the score.

However, it is really hard to judge Pike (or to get overly excited about his performance) given both the game situation and the types of plays they were running. That said, I did like what I saw, and feel pretty good about the QB situation no matter what happens.

IMO, Mauk was every bit as good as Pike on the short passes. He had some timing issues on the longer passes, but he also showed more than sufficient arm strength.

One point that has been emphasized is that Mauk has a better grasp of the offense than the other 2 - which is impressive when you consider that he did not have spring practice, and the other QB's did. It is a complicated offense, and being a quick learner is probably the most important trait in a QB.

I agree with nachoman - I trust that Kelly knows what he is doing.

[shaunsimpson]

Also, I am hoping that Mauk had some jitters and getting hit a few times will calm him for next week.

[jplog]

I thought Pike looked very good last night but I also think that Mauk should retain his starting role. Mauk has a proven track record at this level and he was merely knocking off the rust last night. Look for his touch to improve against OSU. It is very reassuring to know that Pike is only a sophmore and waiting in the wings.

[Bearcat85]

Last night Tony Pike showed that he should be the # 1 QB. Tony's passes are sharp (quick) and on the money. Mauk's passes are slow and off target. How many receivers did Mauk over throw last night, plenty. The receivers made the plays on the ball when Mauk was throwing, Tony Pike put the ball in the receivers hands when he threw.

I'll bet there's a lot of QB's who would love to be considered "slow and off target" if they could go 18-26 for 244 yards and 2 TD's - in 2 1/2 quarters.

I think Pike looked good. But to proclaim he should be #1, especially given the circumstances already pointed out, is a bit much.

We'll see how either of them looks next week against a real defense.

[STKohls]

Last night Tony Pike showed that he should be the # 1 QB. Tony's passes are sharp (quick) and on the money. Mauk's passes are slow and off target. How many receivers did Mauk over throw last night, plenty. The receivers made the plays on the ball when Mauk was throwing, Tony Pike put the ball in the receivers hands when he threw.

Mauk completed 67% of his passes for 244 yds in just over a half with a QB rating of 159.6 - and you want to replace him?

Pike has shown that he'll be a capable backup against a I-AA opponent who is down by 30 points. Let's not annoint him the second coming of Gino Guidugli just yet.

[Rickriot]

I think Bearcat Cafe's point about a beaten down D-II defense is right on point. Mauk softened them up and Pike mowed'em down. It will likely work itself out with a few more non-conference games. It sure is reassuring that we do NOT have to rely on an NCAA ruling on Mauk's medical redshirt to have a decent signal caller next year though.

[jkwuc89]

I'll second the notion that we trust Coach Kelly with this decision. He says his QBs several hours each day and should have a very firm grasp upon who understands and plays his system the best.

It is comforting to know that UC has a very capable backup in Pike. Hopefully, there will be other blowout wins that will allow Pike to get more reps. If Mauk's injury/redshirt appeal for another year of eligibility does not pan out, Pike will be the starter next season and the more reps he can get this season, the better.