In Cole We Trust

There has been a lot of talk (from fans and other "experts") since spring practice about the quarterback situation in Clemson and how Deshaun Watson was going to come in and take over the starting job and lead the Tigers this season. I've seen his film from high school, I've heard all the good talk and reviews from coaches and teammates since he's arrived on campus and how "far ahead" of schedule he is for a true freshmen. I've heard how he just "gets it". I've heard how he's put on a solid 20 pounds of solid muscle since his arrival. I get it. But lets not forget....he's still a TRUE FRESHMAN. Yes, I know there has been recent success of freshmen (most notably, Manziel and Winston) and anything can happen but more times than not...freshmen play like freshmen. Watson is a special player and will be a great asset for us moving forward but for right now...Cole is our guy. He's a senior, knows the playbook inside and out, and has experience (albeit limited). Stoudt has waited patiently for his time and he not only deserves this moment...he's earned it.

We already know that Watson will see the field this season including in Athens but that will be his first time in a college game and it will be on the road in front of a loud, hostile, highly intoxicated Georgia home crowd who will make sure he has a nice, warm welcome to the field. I'm excited for his future and think he can take this program to the next level. But for right here in the present, Cole Stoudt is the best option and gives us the best chance to win RIGHT NOW. While Watson has impressed coaches, so has Stoudt and they are confident in him as the starter and so am I. He will start the game in Athens and (hopefully) every game this season. If that proves to be the case that only means good things have happened and that the Tigers have had a pretty solid season and not needed to make a change at QB. I've heard people call in on the radio (...yeah I know...you don't even have to say it...), comment on various message boards ( again...I know what you are thinking) and on social media about how Stoudt will be benched and he's not a good player etc. Stop it, just stop it! There are a handful of players that would have started over Tajh Boyd the past two years. Cole is more than capable and adds a bit of a different dimension to the offense. Boyd could get those yards on 2nd/3rd and short out of the pistol formation like clockwork. He even had that big run of 48 yards right up the middle all the way to the house against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl for the Tiger's first touchdown of the game. But for the most part, Boyd wasn't known for running. Stoudt is much better mobility wise and gives us the option of more designed runs and implementing some zone read into the offense...which I'm excited to see. I think we move away from the pass-first mentality we've had the past few seasons and utilize the talented group of runners we have this season.

Now if Stoudt does happen to struggle and makes numerous and costly mistakes then yes, I'm in favor of Watson coming in and seeing what he can do. But for now, its time for us to rally around Stoudt as our starter. It will be tough going for him early on with road trips to Athens and Tallahassee but if he can play well in those games it will be a much easier road for the remainder of the season. I just hope people give him the chance and realize that it is very likely the Tigers could start the year 1-2...but many teams with that schedule would also. Only time will tell but for now, its Cole Stoudt's team and I'm 100% okay with that. Spot the ball!!!!