Randall doesn't have "it" When I watched Booty and Randall quarterback LSU, it was obvious that they had some talents as football players but they didn't have "it." "It" is that certain quality that turns close games into victories. Mauck had loads of "it." Davey had more talent than Mauck but he had "it" too. Russell has "it" based on last night, the spring game, and his high school career. He has tons of talent but he also has alot more "it" than Randall does. Russell had two touchdowns and no interceptions in less than two quarters of play. He had a bunch of drops of ball that hit receivers in the hands mostly Addai. Randall's incompletions were almost all just way off. Russell may not have separated himself by a tremendous amount from Russell but he is at least as good even in his first game. Using Russell is also an investment in our future: 2005, 2006, and possibly 2007.
I think Russell looks like a young Rohan Davey, but Jamarcus may be a better athlete. I think Russell should start next week. He is the future, and the future is now, IMHO..
The reason I'd sacrifice it is because I don't believe Randall is any better. If Randall is better, it's a pretty small difference. Small enough to where I'd be willing to lose an extra game this year to get Russell the experience needed. And Russell has had a year in this system, he's had a year around his teammates, it's not like he's coming in not knowing anything. And if last night is an indication of what's to come...Russell is our best QB and Russell has the moxy that we lost in Mauck. Reason I mentioned the physical traits is because when a player is as highly touted as he was and has a first game where he has to make up a 9 point difference and also starts showing resiliency...I think it's a sign that you may have something special. Big, strong, fast QBs don't come around often.
If Randall isn't any better than JR then you aren't sacrificing anything. If Randall is better you don't sacrifice a game now for a game later you do the best thing to win the next game and then the next. I'm not saying JR shouldn't be the starter and in fact I believe he earned the chance to start after last night I just disagree that you sacrifice any game at any time. I think right now JR gives us the best chance to win the next game but not by much.
A better question is did he hydrate properly before the game and the answer is probably not. Rookie mistake that the team trainers should help him with before next game.
Well no one can argue that Russell did no look at least as good as Randall last night, and probably better, even though the numbers are pretty identical. When that's the case, you play your young, future QB. He doesn't have nearly the experience of Randall and you must assume can only get better. I'm afraid Randall is a good as he's going to get.
Russell looked good with his passes we just had a number of receivers drop great passes. So that stat doesn't isnt really fair. Maybe I shouldn't have said Randall sucks. I was drunk when I came in last night and was typing that post under pure emotion. Randall doesn't suck but he sure doesn't have the poise that Russell seems to display. I honestly think that Russell can take us to the SEC championship this year. Some of you seem to think he won't be able to step in and take us there, but what I saw last night has me very comfortable with this kid leading our team. This kid is gonna be GREAT! :geaux:
That was not a petty penalty. It was very clear that we were offsides. We should not boo him off the field but there comes a time when you must realize that Randall doesn't have it. The kid is a great athlete, no doubt, but it takes more than just athleticism. Down the line? No, he should be the player NOW. We can't continue to lose games while we continue to start Randall just for the sake of starting him. It was very obvious that Russell was the better qb last night. This is a football team, you must do what is best for the team to win games. You can't keep someone in a game as to not hurt his feelings. So those of us that see that Russell is the better talent are not true fans? We're uneducated cause we speak the truth and don't try to sugar coat certain situations. Guys, Randall is a good guy and great athlete but our chances of winning are better with Russell in.
I can understand the love for Randall but there is no comparison between the two. Russell will be a superstar qb, and a top 5 nfl pick. He looks much better in his first game than Randall does in his 5th year! He's 6'6'' 240 with a huge arm, great mobility and feel for the pocket. Practice is not the game. When the lights come on, Randall just does not have it. Plus, he has no natural ability as a qb; feeling the play, pocket, and throwing the ball. He can't rely on his natural ability when things break down or he has to make a play with his arm. He is a true tiger and team player and I wish him all the best, but he is not a big time qb. Russell is.You have to be able to throw the ball downfield to be an elite team and he will be our guy. Flynn should be the backup.
