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| Props to Guiton for showing why he CAN be #1 |
Well here we are, almost at the end of Spring Practice and unfortunately as of today there is no real answer to the quarterback question. The most apparent thing is that it is no longer just a three-man race with Bauserman, Guiton, and Miller. Taylor Graham seems to want the job also. If you read the reports and go by Jim Tressel’s track record for starting experienced players (not including benching Boeckman for Pryor) over younger, less experienced players, all signs seem to be pointing towards Bauserman starting the first game of the season. In a recent Saturday scrimmage, it was reported by the Dispatch that Bauserman, Graham, and Miller all had “some” spectacular plays, but Guiton appeared to struggle.
Later in the same article, it stated that during a weekday practice Guiton performed the best. Tressel’s response to questions regarding the #1 quarterback: “We don’t have a game tomorrow, so we don’t have to make the decision.” Frankly, that is not inspiring. I know it is only spring practice, and there is a long way until both summer camps, and the opening of the season, but I was hoping for a little more surety or confidence on the quarterback front.
I would have liked to have heard Tressel’s quote sound something like this: “If we had to name a starter for the first game of the season it would be (insert name here), but there will be more competition in the summer and fall.” Maybe he didn't do this, because he didn’t want to show a preference towards one player or another, and risk damaging an ego (however I believe this would actually foster competition with the other 3 players), or maybe Tressel, Fickell, Siciliano, and the other coaches just do not have an answer.
Again, if were asked to give my two cents I would throw my support towards Guiton and Miller being the one-two QB punch for this team to start the season. I am not just saying this because they are the two most talented (I do believe Miller, the future of this team to be the most talented but he is also raw), but also I feel that we will need their running skills more than ever (especially with Posey watching games with Pryor). The Buckeyes will be entering the season, with almost no experience at receiver. This lack of experience may mean the quarterback needs to improvise and use his feet. Guiton and Miller are by far the most athletic of the group, their skill set includes escapability, which when your receivers can’t get open, or your running backs are inexperienced is an important trait to have.
But again, I will say I believe they will go with Bauserman because of his age, his time around the program, and his perceived experience. Maybe this Saturday at the modified Spring Game, a clearer picture will emerge. No matter who starts behind center, the offense may struggle, so it will be time for the Silver Bullets to step and make plays on D.
