Perrilloux's performance today is going to go a long way towards next years ranking. I believe if he has a great day, we may have our best offensive performance of the year against a quality opponent. Regardless of who wants to believe it, he is superior in talent to Flynn.
I don't believe anybody doubts that Perrilloux is a very talented quarterback... more physical talent than Flynn. However, there is some concern as to whether he has the other tools necessary to be a great, or even good, college quarterback. The history of college and pro football is littered with those who had all of the physical tools but lacked the intelligence, knowledge of the game, decision making skills, or leadership abilities which a quarterback also needs. So far, Perilloux is guilty of nothing more than having bad relatives (who doesn't?), trying to sneak in underage (who hasn't?), and choosing questionable friends while a young man (I plead guilty). None of these are knock out factors. But, they do raise questions. Especially since he has not yet proven that he has the football knowledge or decision making skills. This doesn't mean he doesn't have them, just that he has not yet shown that he does, or been given the opportunity to do so. If Perilloux does play all, or even extensively, in this game, it will at best be an indication. If he has a great game, there will be reason for optimism but not certainty. If he has a "not so good game," there will be reason for some pessimism but, again, not certainty. May people have one great game (or novel) in them. The questions is can they repeat. On the other hand, a bad game may indicate nothing more than youth and inexperience and should not be a cause for panic. We all look for certainty in this world. Unfortunately, other than our impending death, there is nothing certain. We are all just playing the odds.:geaux:
My stance on Ryan Perriloux has not changed. Am I kind of concerned going into next season given his off the field problems? Yes I am. But I have said all year that if Matt Flynn was to go down with an injury, that I would be very confident in RP's ability to lead this team.
His mobility will add a wrinkle to the offense today, which may keep UT off balance. I am anxious to see how he well he does in the passing game. He looked pretty good against against Middle Tennessee, but today we're playing the REAL Tennessee. Keep the interceptions down around 2, and we have a good chance to win.
