The Lions' Pride

I think you're right that BOB is going to do everything he can to redshirt Hack. Bench is going to struggle early on like any first year starter does, and the calls from the fans and media to play Hack are going to be very loud.

Fergie won't satisfy the media. What's the sexier story? The local hotshot five-star true freshman or the junior college transfer from California?

Prediction: The Cory Gigers and Ron Musselmans will be telling BOB to start Hack by week two if not before the season even starts. The numskull fans that actually read and listen to these guys will fall right in line.

Good article Jeff.

It will be interesting to see how Fergie does this spring ball. I think he has the tools to wind up the starter, but it just depends on how his playbook is coming along. Bench should have it down by now, and OB wont want a guy out there who doesn't know what he's doing.

Hack will be the most talented QB the minute he arrives on campus, but such a stiff learning curve means he's redshirting unless its a train wreck at QB.

Overall I think Fergie has a better chance to win the job than most do.

Haven't seen too many posts in this thread on how this is one of the most, if not THE most, QB friendly offense in the country. McGloin had a lot of great characteristics but aside from coal dust on his massively chipped shoulder, I think all of the QB's we have share or surpass his great characteristics. McGloin took his shots but this offense is predicated by pre-snap reads and making the easy throw which is usually within 7 yards of the line of scrimmage. Whoever wins the job should move the ball down the field with relative ease.

With regard to Hack, I haven't seen anyone point out that he has actually said he wants to redshirt. I recall from an interview last fall basically saying a redshirt year would be optimal for him. He doesn't want to waste a year of eligibility bumbling through the playbook, not knowing his receivers tendencies, losing confidence, etc. He has publicly expressed his desire to be a pupil of BOB/Fisher Quarterback University and hit the ground running as a RS Frosh. Will be interesting if Bench or Fergie has an amazing year and how that impacts Hack's ascension to the throne.

Ultimately if Hack is starting then we should be worried because that is a sign not building for the future but immediate success/media splash/desperation type of thing which would indicate to me that BOB's tenure at PSU may be shorter. If BOB wants the best for the long term value of the team and to appease Hack's wishes there will absolutely be a redshirt.

Great profile pic, Kid.

"Why would a bowler need a manager?"

I wouldn't leap to that conclusion at all. Also, Hack has said that he wants to play, but will do whatever OB and his dad think is best. He specifically said he has plans to show up and compete for the starting job this summer, but if OB thinks it's best for him to redshirt he has no problem with that.

If I were the coach...I'd let them compete for the starting job and whoever is the best plays. Crazy concept, but it might just work.

If he unseats the starting QB that kind of means this year stunk...... If the QB did well and showed growth... it is hard to unseat him....

Last time that happened successful in college was?????

its an unusual situation and a complicated playbook, i don't expect him to start as a true fresh because he doesn't know the playbook yet......if Bench starts and does decent this year - there is no reason why Hack after a year adjusting to college can't win the job from him.

Its not the days of you were a starter last year - so we will hand you the job this year.

3 months ago.

2012, Stanford turns to a Freshman QB halfway into the season, ends up winning the Rose Bowl and finishing around #5 in America.

2012, Devin Gardner takes over for Denard Robinson. Fairly succesful season that finished with a great bowl game for the fans against South Carolina.

2008, Freshman Terrelle Pryor takes over for Senior Craig Krenzel and helps lead them to a Fiesta Bowl, and I guess technically a share of the Big 10 title.

Craig Krenzel? I think you mean Todd Boeckman.

Whoops, wrong buckeye QB... though in my defense they were basically the same QB though.

EDIT - sorry phila I get what you're saying now