If it were up to you, would David Piland or Terrance Broadway get the start Saturday?
‘Avatar’ Losee: My body is in the office
Head coach Kevin Sumlin named freshman David Piland the starting quarterback over Terrance Broadway for Saturday’s game against Rice scheduled on Oct. 14. His decision couldn’t be more questionable, now that the Cougars hold on to its Conference USA lifeline.
Yes, the two true freshmen began each game with an opening touchdown drive, but the statistics favor Piland. Broadway might have got the win against Tulane, but he wasn’t facing a stacked SEC defense. The Broadway and Bryce Beall rushing combination that shredded Tulane’s defense wouldn’t have pierced the Bulldogs’ secondary the entire game. UH is not geared to rely on the run game.
Piland brings the same leadership and passing ability that Case Keenum displayed in his last freshman start at Reliant Stadium in the 2007 Texas Bowl. Looking past the two costly interceptions thrown against Mississippi State, Piland aired out 301 yards, leaving no doubt of his passing ability. His quick release to receivers on short routes is more accurate, and he is more patient in the pocket compared to Broadway.
The reigns have been handed over, so Broadway will have to get in the backseat as his fellow teammate attempts to revive the Cougar offense.
Ronnie Turner: Sumlin knows best
David Piland played admirably in Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State, prompting head coach Kevin Sumlin to stick with him as the starting quarterback. Though some fans are probably torn between Piland and Terrance Broadway, they surely can’t argue that each man wasn’t given a fair chance.
Each was allowed to start and play for an entire game, though Broadway led the final drive against Mississippi State. Piland had some flashes of brilliance Saturday, but he also made his share of mistakes, just like Broadway did against Tulane. The sample size was small for each quarterback, but Piland appears to be the one who gives the Cougars’ passing attack the best chance to flourish.
Whether Sumlin truly has picked the best man for the job remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: He had to settle on a permanent starter as soon as possible. Piland needs to take all the repetitions with the first-team offense to prepare himself for the remainder of the season.
The last time UH fans were this torn over quarterbacks was when Case Keenum and Blake Joseph battled for the job in 2008. Sumlin made the right call then, and fans should trust that he’ll do so again this season.
Jack Wehman: It’s too early to tell
Ronnie, you say that both quarterbacks have small sample sizes, and that’s the only time you make any sense.
Yes, Sumlin had to pick one starter — but we have no idea which one is actually better. The only time Piland looked truly confident was on the first drive against Mississippi State; after that, he made some good plays but nothing that truly proved he was the right choice.
And Broadway brought in a touchdown when he came in, so as of now both players are still fighting for the position in my mind. True, one of the players needs to be the starter — that decision needs to happen soon — but what if Piland isn’t the correct choice? Then the Cougars will have wasted valuable time Broadway could have used.
And Chris, the statistics are so small right now they shouldn’t even be taken into consideration. Both Broadway and Piland need at least one more start each before we can start looking at numbers. You’d probably know that if you spent more time on Earth.
Bottom line, the Cougars need to tough it out for at least another game before making their final verdict.
Judge Brannen: Let’s make a deal
The best move for UH is to shop around some draft picks to trade for Stanford’s Andrew Luck or Michigan’s Denard Robinson.
Really though, the comparison is difficult because of the lack of exposure for both players.
In Broadway’s start against Tulane he showed positive and negative aspects of his game, but pulled through for a win. After the first drive against Mississippi State Piland looked like a cool customer but had his share of frustrations.
When Broadway entered last Saturday, the game had already been decided. Had he encountered the same pressure Piland faced in the first half, the choice would be clearer.
We don’t see what happens in practice and don’t know which quarterback has a better grasp of the playbook, but most fans would agree they would like to see No. 10 have a few more snaps under center.
Verdict
Despite the purple shirt in his picture, Jack notches the victory because it’s too soon to make a judgment.
Facetime
I cast your souls into unending darkness.
