Don’t expect MarQueis Gray to replace Adam Weber as the Gophers starting quarterback. Fans and media are directing criticism at Weber after the Gophers produced only 138 in total yards including 101 passing last Saturday in a 20-0 loss to Penn State, now ranked 11th nationally by USA Today.
It was true 50 years ago and will be the same a half century from now: fans and media reps focus blame on the quarterback when results are poor. Often the criticism isn’t deserved and the critics lack credibility. On talk radio this week a commentator was criticizing “Aaron Weber.”
Fans have told Sports Headliners that Weber isn’t performing and want more playing time for Gray. The Gophers are 11th in the Big Ten Conference in yards rushing per game and ninth in passing.
While Weber isn’t an All-American and makes mistakes, he’s certainly a better than average Big Ten quarterback. The offensive line, though, is below conference standards.
Last Saturday Weber was harassed by Penn State rushers while trying to pass and to his credit escaped to keep plays alive. He also handed the ball off to running backs who didn’t have space to run because the Gophers line wasn’t successful at pass blocking or run blocking against a Penn State line and linebackers that rate among the best in the country.
The truth is results like last Saturday are to be expected when there is a large discrepancy in ability between lines like Minnesota’s and Penn State’s. The Gophers could face similar results this coming Saturday at Ohio State against a formidable Buckeyes defense that is second in rushing yards given up per game and third in passing yardage yielded.
The Gophers’ 4-3 record includes losses to teams with better personnel–California, Wisconsin and Penn State. Weber and the Gophers (including a defense improved over a year ago) have been able to win against four teams they match up with or exceed in personnel.
Don’t look for coach Tim Brewster to back off his commitment to Weber because a radio guy criticizes “Aaron” or fans whine about him. A lot of critics live by this: “What have you done for me lately?” Translation: if the Gophers start winning again the complaining goes away.
There’s plenty to value about Weber who other than wide receiver Eric Decker has no great players surrounding him on offense. The Gophers need to get better on offense at a lot of positions. Weber is the unit’s second best player.
Weber, a redshirt junior, has invaluable experience as a three year starter. He does and sees things that are way beyond what the fan recognizes. Putting the Gophers in the correct plays and reads for running and passing is something that a less experienced quarterback like Gray isn’t ready to do.
Decker said yesterday: “I’d ask anybody to stand back in Adam’s position and try to do what he does because he’s got to call all the protections. He’s got to make the reads. He’s got to know what his receivers are all doing, and then he’s got to drop back, elude defenders and throw the ball perfectly.”
If Weber were making mistakes in judgment and passing that were similar to what an inexperienced quarterback does, the Gophers would be losing games by larger margins than they are. In addition, Weber is a respected leader on the team who has rallied the Gophers to victories late in games.
Weber is a personable student-athlete who cares about academics and football. He’s a role model for what football players at Minnesota should be. He’s also a school record- setting quarterback.
This season Weber has completed about 56 percent of his passes and thrown six touchdown passes. Before the season, expectations were for better results but the Gophers are in a new offense and his throwing mechanics have been changed. Weber’s stats, including his average of 189.3 passing yards per game, could be better by season’s end.
Gray is a freshman who hasn’t played much football for two years. He was injured and missed games his senior season of high school. At Minnesota last fall he wasn’t eligible.
In high school Gray played in a spread system. The Gophers have moved away from that offense to a pro style using multiple variations with the quarterback mostly under center. Obviously Gray has much to learn and some day is expected to make a big impact on the program.
Brewster has said Gray will eventually impress with his passing and running. He has even made some comparisons between Gray and Vince Young, the former Texas All-American quarterback.
There’s nothing wrong with anticipating Gray’s arrival as a playmaker for the Gophers. But the time is not right because of the offense’s other problems, Weber’s skills and Gray’s lack of experience. A quarterback controversy isn’t a good call.