July Signs Point to Potts....as the starter....
by NorthAustin on Jul 15, 2010 4:06 PM CDT
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PrintEverything I have seen this week seems to point to Taylor Potts as the starter with Steven Sheffield coming on in relief.....or as a closer (AKA Alamo Bowl).
Point 1. Potts on Davey O'Brien watch list.
Point 2. Potts wins the "Air it Out" contest at the Manning Passing Academy. This contest involves hitting moving golfcarts with a football.
Point 3. Radio shows in Austin 104.9 had a show with Geoff Ketchum (orangebloods) where all of his sources were saying Potts was the man.
Point 4. Adam Zuvanich of the AJ had an article declaring that most people outside of Raider fans were thinking Potts would have the job.
Mr. Ketchum said that Sheffields success came either against weak teams: KSU, UNM, and that the Nebraska game was a team effort and SS's 234 yards didnt win the game. He also iowns orangebloods.com who would wince at the thought of a great qb being right under their nose and getting away (wait that happened again with Brewer ).
I live in Pflugerville but grew up in Lubbock...so you know who I am for. I used to coach HS football and it is so obvious to see the emotional lift and quality leadership that the team gets from Sheffield. Sheffield fits the mold of a very good passing quarterback that is mobile.
The statistics from last season favor Sheffield, who had a completion percentage of 74.3% to Potts’ 65.7%, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 3.5 to Potts’ 1.7, and a QB of rating of 177.6 to Potts’ 137.1. That is an off the charts QB rating.
Adam Zuvanich said "Count me among those who think Potts will prevail in the preseason competition, just like he did the year before under Mike Leach. Potts has a better upside, with a bigger build and a stronger arm, and I think he'll turn out to be the better quarterback".
Anyway, I know it's still early. Both players have been hurt. Both players can be great but I just wanted to get some more opinions just because it's on my mind. I know its been beaten to death. I know the choice is not ours but Coaches Tuberville and Brown.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Double-T Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Double-T Nation's writers or editors.
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I Agree With You that
Potts will win the starting job, with SS coming in as relief QB – That’s what he (SS) excells in anyway! As for Potts, this is his senior year, he has all the tools – height, weight, arm strength, can make all the throws (when using the correct technique) – If I was was him, I would work super hard to correct those few “flaws”, have a real good season, then get drafted to play at he next level – Potts is the only true “pro” type quarterback that Tech has ever had. I am like most, I like SS more than Potts, but I hope Potts will do well. Any how, the competition will be good for both, and we are so lucky to have two very good QB’s to choose from. Others shcools would kill for this “problem”
It's a good problem but it leaves the door open for....
teammates picking sides…. and blaming the lack of success on one person. It’s the same way for fans. I hate that we boo or own players. It’s the worst thing I have ever seen. How about we only applaud whoever is in? Coach is no dummy. People are playing or not playing for a reason. I agree with what youre saying but, I can name many NFL prototypical QB’s who were first round picks and were total busts. It’s not your tools, it’s what you do with your tools.
Dirk?
Good points. I think for me the issue is that I don’t think Potts can fix his biggest problem (or at least it will be very hard). His main issue is he doesn’t have that killer instinct. That drive that makes everyone else better. Two QB’s can be almost statistically the same but the one that has the MJ killer instinct wins in the trenches. I like to think of Potts as the Dirk Nwenski (spelling) of college football. All the physical tools and can score a lot of points. But when he is hit in the mouth and then has to drive 90 for the win in 2 minutes, no way. Sticks has that.
Of course, if Potts somehow achieved his inner zen and obtained that attribute I would immediately be super pumped. His physical tools mixed with enthusiasm and drive could really be something.
Also, I say this speaking only of traits on-the-field in a game. I’m sure Potts works as hard as anyone and I know he is a great guy. I’m speaking of gametime only and off my emotional feelings.
Also, who cares what people across the country say about who starts at QB for us?
I saw no evidence last year of these "physical tools" people talk about with Potts
Yes he throws a very pretty long ball. It just never seems to land within 10 feet of a receiver. He is just awful at hitting people in the backfield or on a short screen. They have to run back towards him & grab the ball off their shoelaces. His decision making is bad to non-existent. He will stand there looking at 5 recievers covering every inch of the field & he won’t throw to any of them. I don’t consider choosing to repeat the sputtering offense of last year a good problem to have. Please Brown & Tubs, pick Steven & let’s pray he stays in one piece through 12 games. And if he doesn’t, give Karem the job.
"I can't believe I finally decide to let a girl into my life and she tries to eat me" - Zombieland
3 play selection..
The Mad Scientist Jr. will help the Player formerly known as Nick by allowing him to worry only about 3 plays as the Capt. allowed him the whole playbook,,,,,but at the ent of the day Sticks is still the QB for this team…..Sticks must stay healthy but ……Wreck’Em Tech
I also agree with you
I’m starting to think that there is a little bit of preseason hype surrounding sir Potts. The Manning camp showing on his behalf was some really good self promotion. The media was all over that one and now the DOB watch list? It’s looking really good for him and I’m sure his size and health will also be a factor. Not my favorite choice but I really hope he has matured for the mental game of football. Lets not forget that SS was also a walk-on and Potts was a highly recruited QB with offers from elite programs. A new coaching staff will consider that. I still think neither of these players lose in the situation. I can see both having substantial game time. For us fans and alumni it’s actually not a bad problem to have heading into the season.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
Concussion
Nobody acknowledges Potts got a concussion from the hit he received from Kendell in the Texas game. He got another one against New Mexico. It takes several months to really overcome a head injury. Potts gave his all for Tech and had a great season under the circumstances. I think Potts will have his best season ever. If he gets hurt, we have a capable replacement.
To quote George Patton, no SOB ever won a war by dying for his country
You win wars by making the other SOB die for his country. Potts may be the Jerry Quarry of college football. He can stand there and take a tremendous pounding while remaining standing. But while admirable, it doesn’t help the team win any games.
"I can't believe I finally decide to let a girl into my life and she tries to eat me" - Zombieland
Exactly
We didn’t perform to expectations in game one, then he took the hit against UT and stayed in as we lost (which IMO takes away the heroic part of that since we lost), then in New Mexico had 2 or 3 picks and us losing to a terrible team before he got the concussion just before the half. Taking a hit to stay in and lead your team to victory is one thing (see Sticks against Nebraska….), but taking hits and playing bad ball both before and after the hit is another.
Where do you people get that Tech was ever down to UNM?
The score was 7-7 when Sticks entered the game, and Tech scored the first TD. That means Tech was never down in that game.
The whole “Potts would have lost to New Mexico” argument makes no sense. Yes, he didn’t play great against a terrible team, but neither did Harrell against EWU or Nevada and those games were won by 20.5 points (average).
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
My apologies, I was thinking it was 14-7 at that point.
I’m not necessarily saying that Potts would have lost to NM at all, just that he wasn’t playing great before those concussions either. Kind of tired of hearing about the concussion affecting his play and how he’s brave and what not. At the end of the day I want the best QB for us to play, and I’ll cheer for whomever is out there. I just feel like Sticks should be that guy if he’s healthy.
No doubt
I too want what’s best for the team no matter which QB it is. I just feel that some of the people that discredit Potts are doing it blindly.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I would agree about the blind hatred
He’s a cool guy and a decent quarterback. I just feel that Sticks is the better option for this team, but it’s not my decision thankfully.
+1
We aren’t in the locker room, but based on a fan’s point of view, Sticks is the better QB for the team (based on what we saw last season). I really hope that Potts matures into the prototypical beast the Late Captain wanted him to become. Last season (the Baylor game in particular) the defense had to do too much. We’re Texas Freakin’ Tech. The defense should be able to give up 35 points and we should still have a very got shot at winning. Having to make a goal line stand against Baylor to win? Not what I want as a Red Raider faithful. During that game (I was there in person) I saw Potts overthrow open receivers, underthrow screens, not throw to a wide open, streaking down the sideline Ed Britton (ok, maybe that was a good decision), and worst of all fail to lead a prolific offense. I’m not saying Potts isn’t a leader, he just doesn’t give the team that spark that Sticks does. You can’t really blame Sheffield for OSU since he was playing in a boot with nails in his foot. Either way, I’m excited for whoever wins the QB job and I wish both Sticks and Potts the best.
I diagree totally
all 4 of your reasons are outsider opinions…PERIOD!
what happens during fall practice is what will decide what happens.
personally I think sticks will be starter because coach brown prefers mobile quarterbacks, plus he said potts still has problems of throwing off his back foot. I learned not to do that in the 5th grade…
im getting tired of all the Potts bashing
Really guys enough is enough. From being booed in public to suffering two concussions in a season, the man has been through quite a bit. You guys point to stats but i dont see that as a valid point. Sticks’ stats are from a very short time period. hell, its like saying if i threw one pass for one touchdown then that i would have a awesome passer rating(hypotheticaly speaking). I like sticks as much as the next guy, but potts still put up some good numbers and he didnt quit on this team. Even when it seemed like no one had his back, he still walked out wearing that scarlett and black with his guns up. I said this awhile back but i think this season he puts it together and comes out playing with fire. But if im wrong, then i think we will see both guys play. Sticks will be working the gun and i bet potts comes in when we show some pro-style looks. So please, chill out with rheortic. you guys are starting to sound like Tea Party members. :P
What do you call a Serbian with an insatiable desire for sweets with only one nad (in his throat)?
CHOCOHOLICINADINHISNECKDARKOINSKIVICHSKI
Tea Party
Thats what we can call it. The Sticks Tea Party. Except when Sticks is in I feel like slamming Yager Bombs and shotgunning beers and when Potts is in I feel like having tea…
Wish I could Agree with you
But it’s not one pass. In games where Potts has failed, Sticks has come in to salvage the situation: New Mexico, Michigan State and he even steadied the ship against Oklahoma State in that first half pulling us to lead before getting injured. Add to that blow out victories over K-State and Nebraska. So, basically in the 9-4 season Stick was went 4-0 (or 4-1 if you consider the Ok State game, for which I will blame Potts). Potts on the other hand went 5-4. I am not sure how much he has improved but his weaknesses are attributes that are difficult to change. He hasn’t changed backfoot throwing in last several years, he won’t be able to change it in one spring practice and other intangibles such as lack of mobility etc. are more innate and those factors aren’t going to change overnight either. I wish him all the best but I still consider him to be too much of a risk as a starter especially if we plan on winning 9 games or more this year.
Tech never lead against OSU....
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=293180197
You Sticks supporters (not really Sticks supporters but Potts bashers, I support the both of them without bashing the other) are starting to sound the the blind homer idiots from College Station…I’m just saying.
If you’re gonna bash Potts atleast get your facts straight.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Check the end of second quarter again in your link
The score at half:
TTU: 10
OSU: 7
Check your facts
Actually you wouldn’t have to if you watched the game
I did watch the game
I misread the box score, but the point is that Tech never had a significant lead and were shutout for damn near 2 quarters with both quarterbacks playing during that time (in fact, I believe Sticks played most of the snaps Tech had during that time).
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
In fact...
Sticks took ALL the snaps during the drought, and it wasn’t until Potts came back in that Tech got back on the board. But, Sticks did throw a TD on his last play….to OSU.
Who didn’t watch the game now?
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
If you want to blame anyone for that loss...
blame the D for not getting OSU’s O off the field or blame the RB’s who had a total total of 69 yards on the ground (and if you include the supossedly so mobile Sticks in the rushing total then that brings the total to 50) or blame whoever you want, but to blame Potts without looking at how inept Sticks was that game too is just plain ignorant.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
On the other hand...
Sticks played that game with a broken foot. Can’t help but feel that Leach should have played someone else given the circumstances. Leach obviously felt that Potts wasn’t getting it done either though since he pulled him for an injured back up. It’s a tough situation all around.
I still say...
that both QB’s playing off games could have been offset had the D just got them more ToP.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Big hit != W
I’d rather the D have a pillow fight with the opposing team to tackle them and win every game while doing so, than have one monster hit on the opposing QB and lose the game.
(Granted, it was awesome and was one of the three plays Wall actually made in college. I still don’t see what Jones sees in him though, but that’s neither here nor there)
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Lets not forget that after that hit we got the ball back and Potts overthrew some receiver (maybe britton) for the win on a post route that would have went for 60 yards. That play isn’t the reason we lost, but like the crabtree drop two years before, we just have a jinx at OSU.
i think your conclusion sucks man with all due respect. its great potts is doing good but we all know sheffield is THEE quarterback. that statement you made that sheffield played weak opponents… is just crap man. dont you remember? sheffield got pulled in cuz potts was doing a horrible job and we all saw the last drive sheffield put on the field in the alamo bowl. who cares what the public says man. the decision is made on the field. im sorry i am talking to you like this…but its just ignorant what you just said. mark my words sheffield will be our quarterback if he is healed
I'm all for good debate.
But if you can’t use proper capitalization in your post then blackbeard is going to have to castrate you.
Just busting your balls cfraider.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
Farting around somewhere.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
I'm still around.....reading all this crap mostly....
I just don’t get it……the Raider Nation gushes over an 18 year old kid who has done nothing for the program, places a new coach’s face on Mount McDougal even though he has a 0-0 record at the Jones. You boo a kid wearing Red and Black and getting his ass kicked as a result of a no-blcking tatooed line and SENIOR receiver who could not catch a cold.
Guess I just won’t post much until I feel some passion………and see some proof…….kinda reminds me of the Staubach / White debate in the 70’s.
Anyway I’m enjoying the summer, golfing, hanging by the pool……watchin the hotties.
Now KW, I think it is almost time for that preseason case of beer to be consumed at BWW. Give me a shout.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Mount McDougal
Is that what they named the hill they built? Hills are bad ass…
Live big.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jul 16, 2010 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Of course if.......
Christey Brinkley married Billy Bob McDougal, then
I would mount McDougal.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
I propose to move the comment above into the evidence vault.
It serves as proof that you need to contribute to this site on a daily basis.
Live big.
by San Antonio Red Raider on Jul 16, 2010 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
hat tip sir
just have not felt like my old self lately…………….need new meds
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
+infinity
getting strange looks from co-workers now
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
ol' Eddy Brickhands.....
I mean Britton
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 16, 2010 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
He's probably just an ee cummings fan
Refusing to capitilize anything, ever, on principal.
"I can't believe I finally decide to let a girl into my life and she tries to eat me" - Zombieland
That was good for a laugh.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
Dudes. Im getting killed by friendly fire...
Read the whole article….SS is from Pflugerville….hint hint
The statistics from last season favor Sheffield, who had a completion percentage of 74.3% to Potts’ 65.7%, a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 3.5 to Potts’ 1.7, and a QB of rating of 177.6 to Potts’ 137.1. That is an off the charts QB rating.
I live in Pflugerville but grew up in Lubbock…so you know who I am for. I used to coach HS football and it is so obvious to see the emotional lift and quality leadership that the team gets from Sheffield. Sheffield fits the mold of a very good passing quarterback that is mobile.
I guess I did a poor job. My points are…. Sheffs stats are better. All four of Techs losses= Potts started. Im getting killed by friendly fire
And if Potts is the starter
I am going to downgrade my projections for Tech this season. I say this if Potts is the QB we finish 7-5 if lucky. Potts crumbles under pressure against UT, at A&M and with Missouri. Who knows we might even lose to SMU with Potts as starter. Loss against OU is a given. If Sheffield is the starter we have a chance to win it all. Sticks has this ability to put pressure on the other team and change the momentum. Now I am not sure if Sheffield will be healthy enough to play the entire season, but if we can have him healthy for atleast the first 6 or 7 games we will have enough momentum to weather the season with Potts or another backup QB
I’m with you on that jef. I have us at 10-2 but that predicated on Sheffield as the starter. I’m not sure I could say the same if Potts is at the helm. I just hope both these guys are 100% percent healthy by SMU. We will need both these seniors throughout the season.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
everyones points have merit
no doubt. im just stating my displeasure of fellow fans bashing one of our boys. I still maintain that we see both guys play this year in the scenario that i mentioned in my earlier post. I just want to win games, drink beer, and put my guns up. :)
What do you call a Serbian with an insatiable desire for sweets with only one nad (in his throat)?
CHOCOHOLICINADINHISNECKDARKOINSKIVICHSKI
+1000
West Texas sunsets are the best !!!!!!
Go RED RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Long live the Pirate Spirit!!!
by IndianaRedRaider on Jul 16, 2010 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I wish you are right
I wish that both QBs play but both Tuberville and Neal Brown has mentioned time and again that there will be one starting QB.
Red Raider fans.....you don't have to guess how they feel....
Lots of good points….maybe the’ best one is- its a nice problem to have……And we had young qbs play all spring……receiver u? Maybe qbu next.
Yeah, going into the spring, the two are going to be completely even in the eyes of the coordinators. So your post is not correct.
You just dont get it
This is a post about news on potential tech qb’s……I’m good at two things….screwin’ and readin’ the news…..this is just readin’ the news.
I am guessing nobody knows who will be our starter yet. The staff may be leaning one way or the other, but I would lay lots of money that cTT won’t be comfortable naming the starter until a week or two before the SMU game. If it’s Potts, it will be the right call. If it’s Sheffield, it will be the right call. We are blessed to have two experienced QBs who can put points on the board.
My personal preference is Sticks…
I think my preference depends on what the O-line ends up doing… if they can give the QB decent time before pressure then I guess I could see Potts getting it depending on what kind of work he’s has done with his awareness, technique, and his confidence/leadership.. I think the adjective that best described him last year was “raw”. If the O-line is as lackluster as they were for parts of last year then I don’t see how you could start someone who isn’t mobile at all. Any QB who can’t move is going to be a liability behind a weak O-line no matter how strong his arm is. Taking hard sacks in the face doesn’t make you a hero.
Really I think Sticks just has the it factor. He also made really dumb mistakes, but overall I think its better to be moving too fast than to be moving too slow.
Flashback to UT QB Controversy
This whole debate reminds me of the situation between Major Applewhite and Chris Simms at UT.
"Well I’m glad you picked us last, we put that on the bulletin board and maybe we can circle around that" - Neal Brown, Offensive Coordinator
Bill Simms was an aggravating factor.
We are fortunate not to suffer that.
Because we will lose a game, it is guaranteed that at some point this season Potts vs. Sticks camps will be at each others’ throats, which is unfortunate.
Not the same at all! IMHO
The Major was coming off the big 12’s top QB performance in its short history. I believe he had set a record for yards and his QB rank was very good. He was not injured and was a solid performer. Meanwhile Simms only had a shot b/c of politics and his dad. That was a joke.
If Potts plays for us I will at least be able to list reasons that he plays on not feel cheated.
Only had a shot because of his dad...
sounds like a certain “fairy formation” TE I know of at Tech…..
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 19, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Major Applewhite was the better QB.
End of story / debate.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
Did Anyone else notice
yesterday on College Football Live. All the talk was about the SIX qb’s that impressed the most and NO mention of Potts.
Is the fix in?
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 21, 2010 9:43 AM CDT reply actions
YES
I too noticed this and thought, “WTF, no mention of the guy that won the skills competition?”
Only more proof that #1 on this list (<—Link) is true.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 21, 2010 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
All I know
is that douche duo of Huard and Palmer better have a Manning followup that actually mentions the guy who won it.
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 21, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
It was strange that they mentioned the contest, but then never once talked about who won.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 21, 2010 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Holy S***!!
That list is awesome! I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.
Props to the author.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
hahaha indeed
I read it a couple years back, and thought this would be the perfect time to link it.
The Hurbstreit mention, “The Greatest Generation”, and wife/girlfriend questioning your sanity were awesome.
I forgot to put that it might be NSFW though. So, if anyone reads this before clicking the link, it might be NSFW….
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 21, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
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