Just to rehash, Jeffrey and Neal said today that they're a little bit confused on why Freeze is playing the QB race up still when it's obvious at this point. Neal basically said he's locked in on the Tunsil situation and the QB race as storylines for Saturday.
Jeffrey went on to say that he doesn't understand why Freeze is doing this and from everything they had heard, both Buchanan and Kincade had been informed that Kelly was the starter going forward.
Here's my thoughts:
1) Is it possible that both quarterbacks could've declared their intention to transfer after he delivered the news, which caused Freeze to back up a little bit, tell each QBs they'll have a "package" in the system, and let this thing just play out? This makes sense for a number of reasons.
- We all know Kincade was wanting to go to TCU before Kenny Hill transferred. It's been hinted at and verified that Buchanan was looking at options after hearing the news. Truth is, Freeze knows he can't be down to JUST Kelly.
- Playing this out as long as possible while Buchanan and Kincade get deeper into the season may be his play. What changed from his statement may name his quarterback going forward on the first game week to now he's saying all will have a role and package?
2) Freeze has stated several times, even before fall camp I believe, that all quarterbacks could receive some time in the games leading up to Tuscaloosa. This timeline is still valid with those thoughts. However, I went back to his fall camp report day press conference, and he did say his number one offensive goal was to "find a quarterback." That's why I'm with Neal: If he sticks to the same sub routine and he's still singing the same tune in the PC next week leading up to the Bama game, I'll be as perplexed as they are.
3) Let's be real here though. Let's say there's a tight game in Tuscaloosa 13-10 Rebels in the mid third quarter with Bama getting some momentum but Rebels have the ball. Kelly is driving and has had a good game with around 14-19 passing, 200 or so yards and a touchdown. Freeze surely isn't about to throw Buchanan out there for "his package" against the Tide, or even Kincade really. He would be heavily criticized, not only by the media, but by his own fans. I've gathered over the last three years that Freeze doesn't like the negative attitudes perceived by any part of his program.
4) While Kelly needs the most #1 reps, I'm hearing he's getting his fair share in practice, and it isn't even close. It's been pretty apparent that Kelly has been getting the vast majority of practice snaps with Treadwell, Stringfellow, Core, Engram, etc. I do agree it's important for Kelly to play the majority of the first half to get in a flow, and I'll be disappointed if it isn't a more traditional sub system for Fresno. Get out to a four or so touchdown lead with the 1s, and get them out of there ASAP. Let Kincade and Buchanan run their package for a whole half.
Overall, it's a unique situation, but I think reading between the lines here, this is just a tough situation where three quarterbacks desperately want to be the guy or get out. In the end, Freeze has to control the attrition and have a backup plan in case Kelly gets injured or is somehow more inconsistent when SEC play begins.
Jeffrey went on to say that he doesn't understand why Freeze is doing this and from everything they had heard, both Buchanan and Kincade had been informed that Kelly was the starter going forward.
Here's my thoughts:
1) Is it possible that both quarterbacks could've declared their intention to transfer after he delivered the news, which caused Freeze to back up a little bit, tell each QBs they'll have a "package" in the system, and let this thing just play out? This makes sense for a number of reasons.
- We all know Kincade was wanting to go to TCU before Kenny Hill transferred. It's been hinted at and verified that Buchanan was looking at options after hearing the news. Truth is, Freeze knows he can't be down to JUST Kelly.
- Playing this out as long as possible while Buchanan and Kincade get deeper into the season may be his play. What changed from his statement may name his quarterback going forward on the first game week to now he's saying all will have a role and package?
2) Freeze has stated several times, even before fall camp I believe, that all quarterbacks could receive some time in the games leading up to Tuscaloosa. This timeline is still valid with those thoughts. However, I went back to his fall camp report day press conference, and he did say his number one offensive goal was to "find a quarterback." That's why I'm with Neal: If he sticks to the same sub routine and he's still singing the same tune in the PC next week leading up to the Bama game, I'll be as perplexed as they are.
3) Let's be real here though. Let's say there's a tight game in Tuscaloosa 13-10 Rebels in the mid third quarter with Bama getting some momentum but Rebels have the ball. Kelly is driving and has had a good game with around 14-19 passing, 200 or so yards and a touchdown. Freeze surely isn't about to throw Buchanan out there for "his package" against the Tide, or even Kincade really. He would be heavily criticized, not only by the media, but by his own fans. I've gathered over the last three years that Freeze doesn't like the negative attitudes perceived by any part of his program.
4) While Kelly needs the most #1 reps, I'm hearing he's getting his fair share in practice, and it isn't even close. It's been pretty apparent that Kelly has been getting the vast majority of practice snaps with Treadwell, Stringfellow, Core, Engram, etc. I do agree it's important for Kelly to play the majority of the first half to get in a flow, and I'll be disappointed if it isn't a more traditional sub system for Fresno. Get out to a four or so touchdown lead with the 1s, and get them out of there ASAP. Let Kincade and Buchanan run their package for a whole half.
Overall, it's a unique situation, but I think reading between the lines here, this is just a tough situation where three quarterbacks desperately want to be the guy or get out. In the end, Freeze has to control the attrition and have a backup plan in case Kelly gets injured or is somehow more inconsistent when SEC play begins.
