QB battle?

[DallasDiehard]

Is there a chance that the starting QB job really is up for grabs? Preston Stone has been the guy for the last couple of years, but Kevin Jennings was damned good in his place. I'm not saying Jennings should take over, but ... could he?

So I started thinking about the factors that go into the decision and broke them down (according to the eye test, not any specific data).

Experience
Edge: Stone (obviously)

Command of offense (goes with experience)
Edge: Stone

Arm strength
Edge: Jennings

Accuracy
Edge: Stone

Speed
Edge: Jennings (though Stone obviously runs well, too)

Scrambling (in the pocket/traffic)
Edge: Stone

Ball protecting
Edge: even (each threw interceptions on just under 2% of their passes -- Stone: 1.7%, Jennings: 1.9%)

That said, I assume Stone keeps the job. But it seems like it might be close.

[PNW_Stang]

Jennings also got all the champ game, bowl and spring practices as QB1.

I donΓÇÖt think thereΓÇÖs any chance he beats out Stone though.

[orguy]

Jennings also got all the champ game, bowl and spring practices as QB1.

I donΓÇÖt think thereΓÇÖs any chance he beats out Stone though.

Love both these guys. Very slight edge to Stone. Feel comfortable
with either starting.

[gostangs]

IΓÇÖm hearing it is much closer than everyone thinks... also completely agree with you on all your ratings with one exception - On scrambling i think Kevin is more productive. Preston does quite a bit of his scrambling behind the line of scrimmage without advancing. Of course that might lead to late breaking short throws that become effective, leading to his stat lines which are great.

Just different styles of QB. IΓÇÖm guessing if you asked Lashlee, KevinΓÇÖs style fits his offense better - but Preston will get the nod - albeit on a short leash.

[Charleston Pony]

Good "problem" to have if we have QBs 1 & 1a

[Terry Webster]

OMG...which one is going to the portal?

[CBpony]

Preston reminds me of a less athletic Johnny Manziel. Starts to scramble behind the line the moment the snap comes. Not fast enough to evade and break a long run. May have work against private school comp in high school but itΓÇÖs not cutting it here. Has average to be below average zip on his ball.

Jennings on the other hand has an NFL caliber arm, still have some things to work on but he can drive the ball

[ClassOf81]

IΓÇÖm hearing it is much closer than everyone thinks... also completely agree with you on all your ratings with one exception - On scrambling i think Kevin is more productive. Preston does quite a bit of his scrambling behind the line of scrimmage without advancing. Of course that might lead to late breaking short throws that become effective, leading to his stat lines which are great.

Just different styles of QB. IΓÇÖm guessing if you asked Lashlee, KevinΓÇÖs style fits his offense better - but Preston will get the nod - albeit on a short leash.

Think about some of the quarterbacks we have rolled out there over the years. Then imagine having one of the top-ranked returning quarterbacks in the nation with a backup so talented the starter might be "on a short leash."
Oh, how times have changed!

[peruna81]

and apparently not a one of our present QBs want to be a rock and roll star...my how times have changed!

[PlanoStang]

I think Jennings wins the fragility factor, and will start some games even if he is #1A.

[Charleston Pony]

RPO calls are becoming more common in the college game so it's good to have 2 capable guys in case they get dinged up. Hopefully no major/season ending injuries this year but have to expect both guys will take snaps in most games