The case for starting Gray

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

First off, the problems are far from Weber's alone. This offensive line is one of the worst I've seen in decades. Just unbelievable. Even if they didn't have talent, they should at least be able to avoid false start penalties and repetitive holding penalties. The receivers are flat out dropping the ball as well. Bottom line, Weber isn't getting any help, period.

Here's my case for Gray starting, or at least getting more playing time (in my opinion anyway);

> His mobility would significantly neutralize the PATHETIC play of the offensive line. Rolling out, on the move, or even escaping the pocket, it would put less of a premium on the O-Line.

> His mobility forces the defense to respect him running, forcing them to play more conservatively, a step slower, which also translates into more open receivers. Look what Pryor's mobility did to the Rodents' defense today. Pryor rolls out, the defense has to respect him running, BINGO, wide open receivers.

I'm sure Gray has significant accuracy issues, no doubt about it, but the other intangibles he brings to the table better fit the offensive personnel that the Gophers are trotting out on the field right now.

Lastly, those that think Brew should be fired need to get a frickin' grip. Good grief. The Gophers played the top 2 defenses in the Big Ten in consecutive weeks, on the road, games nobody expected to win, lose, and the sky is falling once again.

If I'm starting to second guess anybody right now, it's Fisch. For the life of me, I can't figure out just what it is the Gophers are trying to accomplish on offense. I haven't looked at the numbers but I think the Gophers have actually RUN the ball somewhat effectively in recent weeks, and yet they don't do a lot of it.

Or perhaps my first vote would be Tim Davis. With 9-10 guys returning on the O-Line who played significant minutes last year, the addition of Carufel and Wills, I admit I was one who REALLY REALLY expected the Line to be a strength this year. Biggest disappointment I can remember in ages. Inexplicable.

I'm still with Brew all the way. Not a doubt in my mind that the talent level on the roster is where we haven't seen it in 25+ years. It will show eventually.

 

[gold04]

People are saying Gray is not starting because of accuracy issues. Can it be as bad as Weber's accuracy issues?

 

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

Its tough to be accurate when you've got a DE hanging on your back. Which is where Weber was most of the game. After 3 seasons it amazes me that this guy has no sense of when the pocket is collapsing. If nothing else, count freakin' Mississippis and wing the ball into the 10th row when you get to 5. Granted, when Gray was in there tOSU's secondary consisted of a walk-on English major, the guy who usually folds towels, the one guy on the Buckeye team who can read at the 10th grade level, and the pissboy, but still, MG was effective.

 

[NewEngland_Gold]

Get Gray at least 50% of the snaps...

vs MSU, he has to get ready for next year's Deck-less lineup.

 

[RodentRampage]

Gray would make the running game a much more credible threat. Decker would be an ever-present threat that would keep the opposing defense honest. How about throwing some option into the mix?

 

[Donovan]

People are saying Gray is not starting because of accuracy issues. Can it be as bad as Weber's accuracy issues?

Agree. I'm afraid Weber's confidence is completely shot. I think Brewster has kept saying he's happy with Adam and keeps sending him out there hoping Adam figures it out. He's obviously afraid to stick Gray out there and have him fail and lose his confidence. Well, at this point, there is not much pressure on Gray. Fans have given up on any decent bowl game. And seeing Gray struggle is not going to surprise anyone.

Plus, if we can get Gray out there as a starter for a couple of games, next year he won't be as nervous about that prospect.

 

[GortonsFisherman011]

Here's my case: under Weber we put up 0 points in almost two entire games. Under one drive with Gray (yes, against a mostly 2nd team defense) we put up 7. Weber is the past, Gray is the future, let him start.

 

[magpie]

> His mobility would significantly neutralize the PATHETIC play of the offensive line. Rolling out, on the move, or even escaping the pocket, it would put less of a premium on the O-Line. His mobility forces the defense to respect him running...

Weber - 37 rushes for -35 yards (-0.9 avg)
Gray - 21 rushes for 136 yards (6.5 avg)

...forcing them to play more conservatively, a step slower, which also translates into more open receivers. I'm sure Gray has significant accuracy issues, no doubt about it, but the other intangibles he brings to the table better fit the offensive personnel that the Gophers are trotting out on the field right now.

Weber 116/213 (55%) 6.7 avg, 6 TD's, 11 INT's, 110.1 rating
Gray 5/7 (71%) 7.3 avg, 1 TD, 0 INT, 179.8 rating

Lastly, those that think Brew should be fired need to get a frickin' grip. Good grief. The Gophers played the top 2 defenses in the Big Ten in consecutive weeks, on the road, games nobody expected to win, lose, and the sky is falling once again.

Right. 4-4, 2-3. Considering offensive struggles and remaining schedule, 5-7 is worst case scenario, 6-6 most likely. Not the greatest for 3rd year, but reasonable considering the revolving coordinators/play systems/strength of schedule... and it would mean a bowl game. Recruiting will pay dividends shortly. Nothing to fear. Brewster really only plays "rah-rah" guy and challenges calls. The coordinators are the one's calling most of the plays.

 

[suths5]

Agreed on it being time for Gray. If for no other reason that to just create a spark. Yes Gray was in against second teamers, but let's face it, Ohio St. second teamers on defense is probably as good as almost every other big ten starting defense.