DMN: SMU QB Race Wide Open

[RednBlue11]

Gotta love the drama. I think Jones plays one mean game of Poker.

i bet(whoops haha)

he has the emotional display range of a slab of polished granite...nice to look at, but tells you nothing

[jtstang]

I don't know, jt. I really think Willis is the man. I base this on the three practices I've seen and Pride's practice report from yesterday.

If Pony Pride had said that for three or four practices in a row, you might be on to something. Maybe you are on to something anyway, I don't know. I'd like to see Jones throw a little public praise Willis' way for his performance onthe field, like he has the others. For now, I still have that feeling.

[Dooby]

When coaches say they haven't settled on a QB, they mean it. They aren't playing games. Especially in a new offensive system. If Jones knew who his starting QB was going to be, that qb would be getting a majority of the snaps. The starting qb (whoever it is) needs all the snaps in practice he can get.

[Mustangsabu]

Maybe Jones is getting Willis' head into the right place. Making him compete just to get a start should make him improve faster, thus making up for some of the lost time in the spring. I'm not saying that's what it is, I'm just saying that it would make sense, especially with Willis' prior ego-issues to make him sweat it out for a while, and not get comfortable.

I also think that while it will be scary if JJ does not go with JW for the Rice game that it must be an indication that he has found a REALLY good QB for his system.

[jtstang]

I also think that while it will be scary if JJ does not go with JW for the Rice game that it must be an indication that he has found a REALLY good QB for his system.

That would be a freshman, over a guy who is in the process of rewriting the SMU record books. I am not convinced that gives SMU its best chance.

[Mustangsabu]

I also think that while it will be scary if JJ does not go with JW for the Rice game that it must be an indication that he has found a REALLY good QB for his system.

That would be a freshman, over a guy who is in the process of rewriting the SMU record books. I am not convinced that gives SMU its best chance.

I doubt this is the case but maybe JJ is looking to next year, and feels that one of his freshmen QBs this year will be fantastic next year with the experience. As I say, I doubt this is the thinking, I believe that JJ wants to win this year. I think it would be very strange if he feels that JW is not the man to get that done.

I think it much more likely that he is just trying to get the best out of JW. And if he does, this could be a good year.

[KnuckleStang]

I also hope it's Willis, but Willis has always specialized in making things happen while running for his life. JJ has never mentioned that as an attribute he wants in a QB. Whoever he decides is the most accurate will start.

[mustangbill67]

I would be very surprised if Willis does not get the starting nod. Unless JJ absolutely does not trust him or he has demonstated no ability to effectively run the R and S, I do not see JJ starting a freshman over a two year starter. Accuracy is a major factor but I would also hope that poise under div 1 pressure, ability to read defenses, maturity and leadership qualities would also be in the mix. The fact that Willis has apparently been practicing with the first team offense tells me he is probably the one. I also believe that all 5 of these guys through practice and QB meetings probably have a good idea as to where they currently stand with JJ.

[SmooBoy]

I think it much more likely that he is just trying to get the best out of JW. And if he does, this could be a good year.

Let's hope this is the case. Starting anyone but Willis would be a step back (if that is even possible for our program).

[StallionsModelT]

Look at all you know-it-alls. Starting anyone but Willis would be a step back for our program?! Its a good thing we arent paying you 2mil. a year to make these decisions. If Justin Willis is our starter it will be b/c June Jones believes he gives our team the best chance to win. If he is not our starting QB, it is b/c he believes someone else gives us the best chance to win. Either way, to say that not starting Willis would be a step back is saying you know more about football than June Jones. And I know you don't feel that way do you?

[pony warrior]

I haven't seen any reports that say JWill has been better than the other QB's. In fact, the coach's are doing exactly what they said they would do, evaluate everyone and then make thier decision, based on performance. Justin does not have a leg up on anyone else, nor should he.

[MrMustang1965]

Competition. It's good in business and it's good in sports. I like it.

[mr. pony]

I also hope it's Willis, but Willis has always specialized in making things happen while running for his life. JJ has never mentioned that as an attribute he wants in a QB. Whoever he decides is the most accurate will start.

Agreed.

Don't forget: Willis has had two shots at Rice and lost. JJ may turn the page and have Willis as an ultra experienced backup.

[San Antonio Mustang]

If Justin Willis is our starter it will be b/c June Jones believes he gives our team the best chance to win. If he is not our starting QB, it is b/c he believes someone else gives us the best chance to win.

Agreed! If I were JJ, I would hope Willis would turn out to be my guy because of his experience and therefore would be giving him every chance to win the job. However, I would not do so at the expense of picking the wrong guy thus the open competition we are witnessing. We will have a better idea of JJ's thinking this time next week.

[Stallion]

Willis will start Game 1
Willis will start all Games he's healthy
Willis will start next year if he's on the team

If for some reason he doesn't

SMU will win 2-3 games this year
SMU will be soundly defeated by Rice
SMU may well start the season 1-1 and then consequtive losses in Weeks 3-9 maybe 10 until Willis does start if he hasn't already transferred