DMN: Phillips #2 QB; Johnson breaks hand

[MrMustang1965]

UNIVERSITY PARK – Chris Phillips is the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Jerad Romo. Phillips is starting to throw the ball better in practice after recovering from a rotator cuff problem. Coach Phil Bennett said he's impressed with No. 3 Justin Willis, freshman from Denton Ryan, but doesn't anticipate playing him this season.

Freshman quarterback Eric Johnson (Plano West) broke his left hand (non-throwing) in a scrimmage last week. Johnson won't return until January.


Briefly ...
UNIVERSITY PARK – Backup DE Kyle Griffin (Colleyville Heritage) will miss the remainder of the season with a high ankle sprain. Freshman Patrick Handy replaces Griffin as No. 2 on the depth chart, at end. Handy started the season at tackle. ... RB James Mapps, one of the fastest players on the team, will simulate Rice QB Joel Armstrong in practice this week.

[davidsmu94]

Whew! that was a close one.... I thought that clown was going to burn the redshirt for sure. I'm sure hoping that Phillips finds his way on the field, I miss watching him play.

[BUS]

It would be nice if SMU couls get a good lead in the second half and then we could let Phillips play some QB.

Go Defense and NO TURNOVERS

[Hal]

.... Go Defense and NO TURNOVERS

Absolutely right. We should be able to move the ball and score on Rice, but we need a good defensive effort against that damn option (I hate that scheme).

[DiamondM75]

.....we need a good defensive effort against that damn option (I hate that scheme).

But did you hate it in the eighties with McIlheney, Dickerson and James?

[Hal]

That's a good point.

No, I didn't hate it then. Back then, it was sheer strategical brilliance. It was the sound, logical way to go about things, and it showed our mental superiority, as well as our physical superiority, over all challengers. Back then, it was cutting-edge stuff that merited MENSA consideration for our coaching staff.

When used by any other school, it's an antiquated philosophy that should be outlawed.

[DiamondM75]

LOL!!

Just to make sure I understand what you are saying.

If we use the option, it is genius.

If other programs use the option, it is bad, stupid and should be outlawed by the NCAA.

Is this what you are saying?

[Hal]

EXACTLY!

[DiamondM75]

So what are your feelings about the shotgun?

[Hal]

In general, I like the shotgun. However, we seem to run the ball better when Romo is up under center. I don't know if it's because it allows Martin (or Dorsey or Massey or whoever) to get a running start before getting the ball, or if somehow the RB can see the offensive line -- and the running lanes -- better. As far as passing, however, I like the shotgun.

With that said, we seem more effective when Romo lines up under center.

Has anyone charted/noted whether Romo runs better out of the shotgun? I would think he would, because it would give him another second or two to analyze the defense as they come in.

[JasonB]

So, how many times have I posted in the last several weeks that Phillips was sitting because his shoulder wasn't right, not because of some conspiracy? Looks like I was right after all... Bennett isn't stupid. He wasn't going to waste a redshirt unless he absolutely had to. He wasn't going to mortgage Phillips' future as the QB next year by putting him in when he wasn't fully healed.

[Stallion]

Its a MIRACLE! 15 Months after an injury which didn't require surgery Chris Phillips' shoulder has had a miraculous recovery. Let me give you a word of advice-don't believe everything you hear from a coach covering up for a 2-6 record and 8-36 lifetime record trying to hold onto his job in his 4th season. There is nothing in his statement that doesn't mean he hasn't been a moron for going with Tip and Romeo. Just remember The No. 1 QB in the nation is a side-armed throwing, soft ball lobbing QB "who will never make it" because he can't throw.

[Stallion]

Its a MIRACLE! 15 Months after an injury which didn't require surgery Chris Phillips' shoulder has had a miraculous recovery. Let me give you a word of advice-don't believe everything you hear from a coach covering up for a 2-6 record and 8-36 lifetime record trying to hold onto his job in his 4th season. Bennett is getting heat every week at news conferences and from fans about the QB situation. There is nothing in his statement that doesn't mean he hasn't been a moron for going with Tip and Romeo. I'd be willing to bet that there has been no medical change in Phillips medical condition for many months now. Saying otherwise, doesn't make it so. Just remember The No. 1 QB in the nation is a side-armed throwing, soft ball lobbing QB "who will never make it" because he can't throw.

[Pony4Life]

You've never had an injury that took a while to heal? (I've had two -- sans surgery -- that took over a year before they felt 100 percent again. It happens.) I don't know the medical specifics on Phillips' shoulder, and neither do you. Don't believe every word uttered by a coach? breaking news! Yes, Coach Bennett offers coach-speak sometimes -- EVERY coach does. As for his decision to start Eckert and Romo ahead of Phillips, none of us knows the specific reasons. Maybe he got outplayed in practice, maybe he didn't learn the offense, maybe he was out of shape, maybe he was perpetually late for meetings, maybe he had a bad attitude, maybe .... there are a lot of maybes. None of us knows, including you and me. I'm sure the coaches have their reasons, and I'm sure their resumes include a hell of a lot more coaching experience than yours and mine. Personally, I'm a Phillips fan, and I'd like to see him play. But I'd also like to see Romo play well. As long as the Ponies win, it really doesn't matter.

And I think most of the "he'll never make it" talk on the object of your other mancrush -- Vince Young -- referred more to his prospects of playing QB in the NFL .... which remains to be seen. I'd bet there are a lot of GMs out there who think he can be an even better version of Matt Jones, and that's a pretty appealing idea. If they have a QB in place, he's got to have a lot of GMs drooling about his WR future, whether that drool is justified or not.

[Stallion]

yes we are blessed that Chris Phillips has recovered after his abysmal 75% completion percentage in the SMU Spring Game over 7 months ago. Some of you are so gullible.