The Lions' Pride

I am willing to believe that PJ is struggling to grasp the playbook, but he has a presence that may have provided a spark when McGloin went out of the game. Bench looked pretty lost out there, save the long run on third down.

Bench has some tools that make me think he will be fine.

We will see how much PJ really likes PSU. If this sticks, BOB better hope Hack sticks - otherwise its Bench, McGregor and ??? next year.

McGregor is a 5th year senior. If for some reason PJ and Hack bolt, there is always another Steven Bench type QB that we can find. Last year at this time no one ever heard of Bench.

I think Bench showed enough POTENTIAL, but he isn't ready yet. You could tell BOB only had a handful of plays that he was comfortable giving Bench.

The kid showed the willingness to stand in the pocket, ability to scramble, ability to make something happen when things break down, he showed good zip on his passes.

And let us not forget the would be TD that was dropped, that was a really nice ball he put up for Robinson.

With that said, if thatis who BOB is going with for 2nd string, he really needs to expand Bench's playbook.

What I liked most about the his throw on the dropped TD wasn't the throw, but his ability to escape and keep his eyes downfield. You either have it (as he does) or you don't (Morelli & Bolden).

He also has a bigger arm than I thought and he has a good frame. Could easily see him at 215-220 next year.

As others have said, he showed great POTENTIAL, IMO. All the physical tools (including some zip on the ball) seem to be there. Also, as someone else mentioned, nice ability to keep looking downfield as he scrambled (and did a good job of that too).

The game just seemed to be moving a little fast for him -- as you would expect -- but he seemed to be slowly adjusting and getting more comfortable. Let him grow his playbook knowledge, and keep getting him some live game snaps and I think he could be very solid.

Basically, given that he showed up on campus in June, and probably wasn't mentally expecting to play, I thought he showed himself well.

What I also like is that the first time he scrambled and ran out of the pocket, he immediately tucked the ball to run (which is not what you're supposed to do).
Then, either O'Brien had a talk with him and pointed that out, or Bench knew that was wrong and that is why he kept his eyes downfield the second time on the throw to Robinson.
It shows that
A. He's very coachable and doesn't need to be told things twice, even in the heat of a game.
B. He was simply a little nervous his first couple snaps, then got comfortable on that drive (very quickly, shows he has good natural composure).
C. Both.

Bench looked surprisingly comfortable and poised. The fake out of the rushing UVA defender was pure, natural composure and feel for the position.

Showed very nice touch. Some ill-advised throws, which are to be expected, but they were bullets and right on the money.

Hopefully he can learn to see the field well over the next year, gets a lot of experience this year, and goes out and wins the job for us. I really want Hack to redshirt (frankly, he'll need the time, IMO), so if he can start next year it will be a big boost to Hack's career and his impact at PSU.

And I agree with whoever said we need to go out and get a JUCO QB, if Jones really is not going to stay at the QB position. I think he does, though.

If that happens, we are in major trouble.

Depth wise, I agree. But there has to be a reason 2 staffs have both determined PJ is not a starting QB.

From everything I've read about the kid for two years, he seems like a great kid with some solid physical tools.

That tells me it has to be a mental thing. No coach can put a kid out there, especially at QB, if he doesn't know the playbook. I was excited to see what PJ could do this year too, but unfortunately it doesn't look like that is going to happen.

That said, if O'Brien is moving the kid to TE, a position we arguably have the most depth at on our entire roster, then obviously he doesn't see the kid as the QB to lead this team in the future.

Essentially if PJ transfers, that's two 3rd string QB's we'll have lost to Freeh Agency. It makes keeping Hack and/or taking Andrew Ford even more important. Looks like Bench, or if he sticks with us, Hack, will be the future QB of our program.