You are so dead on re: WRs needing to man up out there, not to mention Riley needing more time after OSU in 07 but that was then. I DO like your thinking though…

JUst wonder if anyone is wondering if the BIG GAME might be BIG this year or what? Hate saying it but Harbaugh has something going on down at the Farm…

I’ve read your posts for 2 years now—while I’ve always questioned your football knowledge (I can’t believe some of the misinformation/misguided analysis you have promulgated from time-to-time), I didn’t know that you also set the rules for posting on this site.

I respectfully disagree with your assessment. Last year, Nate played on an injured ankle, which further limited his already limited mobility. It was entirely nuts for Tedford to refuse to have worked Riley into the lineup. To compare that situation to this season makes no sense.

Looking at this season, Riley was inconsistent at the start of the Maryland game, though he obviously picked it up tremendously in the second half; for that reason alone, I entiely disagree with the notion that Riley is not separating himself from Nate based on the last two performances. A comparative game is Tennessee in 2006 – there, Nate bombed for us, and it was Ayoob who actually made enough plays that Tennessee had re-insert its starting offense and defense in the 4th quarter.

He also was less than adequate against Washington State (other than his 27 yard scamper for a TD – you think Nate could have done that?) and Colorado State, but in both games the sui generis touchdowns in the first half of each game made the games over at half time, such that there was no need for Riley to do anything and it is impossible to judge his performance. When you are up by six touchdowns, why would you ask your starting QB to make throws. Why even risk injury?

In any event, both blowouts gave Nate an opportunity to play meaningful minutes, which is a good thing, and I’ll admit that Nate has played well. I actually like letting Nate make competitive plays in these blowout games, because I do think it will build confidence so that if he is required to step up in a critical circumstance, he will.

The best measure of the QBs this season has been Michigan State. Riley was not perfect, but he was damn good against a good team (which is making noise in the Big-10). Nate played two series in that game when the game was still very much on the line. The first series, Nate did ok, but then threw a horrible pass in the end zone. The second series was even worse. When the ABC announcers – who generally are the last to know anything about football – are asking why Nate would have thrown into quadruple coverage, that tells you something.

Last point – the intangibles. Nate has consistently proven that he makes poor decisions at critical times. We all know about the 4th quarter INT/TD ratio. And remember, Nate had the benefit of three senior/junior receivers and one senior tight end last year. When Riley had that same set, he played extremely well (and I include the Oregon State game, when you consider that Oregon State last year had the best run defense in the conference).

Riley is getting this team to win. Even with Maryland – who is now looking like a legitimate ACC contenders, notwithstanding the Middle TN State loss – Riley gave the team hope of winning.

I do agree that if Riley makes poor decisions during the ASU game over several series, I see no harm letting Nate play a series or two. And, obviously, if Riley is hurt, Nate should play.

GO BEARS!