[Hank 91]

This is the troubling, but unavoidable part of college football. With four or five quarterbacks on campus at a time, there will always be someone who's left out. Hopefully Nottingham sticks around, carries the clipboard, learns some more, and is ready if anything happens. But as people have pointed out, he must know that the job won't be handed to him in 2014. He'll have to battle against Evan Crower, Kevin Hogan, and even Ryan Burns. I could never fault him for looking to transfer, but I hope he stays. Perhaps a phone call to Matt Cassell would help...

[Hank 91]

This is the troubling, but unavoidable part of college football. With four or five quarterbacks on campus at a time, there will always be someone who's left out. Hopefully Nottingham sticks around, carries the clipboard, learns some more, and is ready if anything happens. But as people have pointed out, he must know that the job won't be handed to him in 2014. He'll have to battle against Evan Crower, Kevin Hogan, and even Ryan Burns. I could never fault him for looking to transfer, but I hope he stays. Perhaps a phone call to Matt Cassell would help...

[yvonne]

And Dallas Lloyd

[yvonne]

And Dallas Lloyd

[readarmy1976]

Clearly Shaw is over thinking. Nottingham was better in the public scrimmages by all accounts. Players say Nottingham was better in closed practices. But no, David has to be a smarty pants.

[readarmy1976]

Clearly Shaw is over thinking. Nottingham was better in the public scrimmages by all accounts. Players say Nottingham was better in closed practices. But no, David has to be a smarty pants.

[FarmBoy]

The cynic in me wonders if Shaw (and coaches in general) allowed the battle to extend this long to cut the risk of the "loser" (or more accurately, the non-winner) jumping ship. If he had come out in Spring and said Nunes is the guy, then you can bet BN would spend the later part of Spring and Summer weighing options. As it is, it would probably be hard to figure out a school that fits his skills where there's a clear path to playing next year after sitting out 2011.

The fact that only one QB gets meaningful snaps is just the nature of the beast. These are competitive guys, so you certainly can't fault one of them for deciding to try his luck elsewhere. But I hope for the program that he sticks around. You never know how things will play out over the course of the season. Nobody expected Brady to replace Bledsoe when he did. All it takes is an injury to let BN show he can perform.

[FarmBoy]

The cynic in me wonders if Shaw (and coaches in general) allowed the battle to extend this long to cut the risk of the "loser" (or more accurately, the non-winner) jumping ship. If he had come out in Spring and said Nunes is the guy, then you can bet BN would spend the later part of Spring and Summer weighing options. As it is, it would probably be hard to figure out a school that fits his skills where there's a clear path to playing next year after sitting out 2011.

The fact that only one QB gets meaningful snaps is just the nature of the beast. These are competitive guys, so you certainly can't fault one of them for deciding to try his luck elsewhere. But I hope for the program that he sticks around. You never know how things will play out over the course of the season. Nobody expected Brady to replace Bledsoe when he did. All it takes is an injury to let BN show he can perform.

[Renaissance Man]

An interesting, if unimportant observation--the marketing department seems to have anticipated Nottingham being the QB by ordering #7 jerseys (rather than the much more logical #33) to sell in the campus and stadium stores, as well as online.  Hopefully, their initial order was small and they can put pictures of Elway and Toby above the rack.

[Renaissance Man]

An interesting, if unimportant observation--the marketing department seems to have anticipated Nottingham being the QB by ordering #7 jerseys (rather than the much more logical #33) to sell in the campus and stadium stores, as well as online.  Hopefully, their initial order was small and they can put pictures of Elway and Toby above the rack.

[97fan]

My initial concern about the Nunes choice wasn't that it signaled that Shaw is too conservative as a coach. It was that Shaw was setting himself up for an ongoing QB controversy, which is exactly what he wants to avoid.

If Nottingham had won the job, it would signal that Nunes was never going to be the starter, at least barring injuries. He would have had a choice between transferring and play somewhere else for a year or holding the clipboard and finishing his Stanford degree.

I think the situation is thornier now. That's partly because Nottingham has one more year of eligibility than Nunes. Since Nottingham is the more physically gifted of the two, and he's been in the program for less time, it's not hard to imagine that he might surpass Nunes over the next year or so. At that point you've got a real QB controversy.

Of course, if Nottingham were to transfer, that would change the dynamics. But given Kevin Hogan's progress, we may be headed toward a QB controversy sometime in the next year, regardless of Nottingham's decision.

[97fan]

My initial concern about the Nunes choice wasn't that it signaled that Shaw is too conservative as a coach. It was that Shaw was setting himself up for an ongoing QB controversy, which is exactly what he wants to avoid.

If Nottingham had won the job, it would signal that Nunes was never going to be the starter, at least barring injuries. He would have had a choice between transferring and play somewhere else for a year or holding the clipboard and finishing his Stanford degree.

I think the situation is thornier now. That's partly because Nottingham has one more year of eligibility than Nunes. Since Nottingham is the more physically gifted of the two, and he's been in the program for less time, it's not hard to imagine that he might surpass Nunes over the next year or so. At that point you've got a real QB controversy.

Of course, if Nottingham were to transfer, that would change the dynamics. But given Kevin Hogan's progress, we may be headed toward a QB controversy sometime in the next year, regardless of Nottingham's decision.

[Renaissance Man]

Am I the only one who finds it strange that the tone (or content) of almost every post seems to assume that Nunes will be a bust?  Maybe everybody has more background information than me--I have seen Nunes in a couple of spring games and one scrimmage.  I have seen Nottingham in a handful of mop-up plays, one spring game and one scrimmage.  I thought Nottingham looked good closing out games last year, but he was obviously throwing against demoralized defenses that were expecting running plays in games that had been decided.  I thought that BN made one great throw in this years spring game, but that JN ran the offense more efficiently.  I certainly wouldn't want to have to choose one over the other based on what I have seen, but, apparently, most observers saw a wide gap between the two.

[Renaissance Man]

Am I the only one who finds it strange that the tone (or content) of almost every post seems to assume that Nunes will be a bust?  Maybe everybody has more background information than me--I have seen Nunes in a couple of spring games and one scrimmage.  I have seen Nottingham in a handful of mop-up plays, one spring game and one scrimmage.  I thought Nottingham looked good closing out games last year, but he was obviously throwing against demoralized defenses that were expecting running plays in games that had been decided.  I thought that BN made one great throw in this years spring game, but that JN ran the offense more efficiently.  I certainly wouldn't want to have to choose one over the other based on what I have seen, but, apparently, most observers saw a wide gap between the two.

[washingtonismoney]

I certainly wouldn't want to have to choose one over the other based on what I have seen, but, apparently, most observers saw a wide gap between the two.

I think a lot of people were smitten after they heard "strong arm" for Nottingham and "game manager" for Nunes. Now that the stereotypes have been assigned, it's a short leap to fulminating about Shaw's conservatism based on a stereotype based on a couple of offhand remarks taken out of context.

I suspect that if you could take a reasonably fair description of both quarterbacks, and port it over to, we'll say, Texas or ND or something, it'd be an even battle at best. Personally I'd favor Nunes. "You mean he makes better decisions? Gets the offense in the right play? Isn't that the point of a quarterback?"

[washingtonismoney]

I certainly wouldn't want to have to choose one over the other based on what I have seen, but, apparently, most observers saw a wide gap between the two.

I think a lot of people were smitten after they heard "strong arm" for Nottingham and "game manager" for Nunes. Now that the stereotypes have been assigned, it's a short leap to fulminating about Shaw's conservatism based on a stereotype based on a couple of offhand remarks taken out of context.

I suspect that if you could take a reasonably fair description of both quarterbacks, and port it over to, we'll say, Texas or ND or something, it'd be an even battle at best. Personally I'd favor Nunes. "You mean he makes better decisions? Gets the offense in the right play? Isn't that the point of a quarterback?"

[george]

Historically Stanford has had its share of quarterback controversies, no?  I seem to remember some some Randy Fasani / Chris Lewis debates having to do w/ grasp of the playbook vs. potential.  Same thing a year later with Chris Lewis vs Trent Edwards.  Didn't Teyo Johnson weigh in rather inappropriately as well?  Having two able QBs helped us in the Seattle Bowl year (which was actually a very good one for us despite the last game and post-season fallout.)  But the Chris Lewis/Trent Edwards one was painful.  That may have had something to do with the coaching.

I'm fascinated that I was inextricably in the Nottingham camp despite knowing that the coach's are far more equipped to make the proper decision.  Maybe it's because he's got a better nickname (didn't "the sheriff" used to be W.illingham's nickname around these parts?) whereas I still find myself wanting to call Josh "Nooons".

I share the concerns about Shaw being overly conservative.  I worry that he's going to call the same play on first and second downs all year.  I'm curious how he will fare against all the new coaching talent in the conference.  But based on everything that's been said, I'm pretty sure that Jim Harbaugh would've made the same decision of Nunes over Nottingham.  Taking care of the football was always stressed as job #1 in the Harbaugh regime. 

[george]

Historically Stanford has had its share of quarterback controversies, no?  I seem to remember some some Randy Fasani / Chris Lewis debates having to do w/ grasp of the playbook vs. potential.  Same thing a year later with Chris Lewis vs Trent Edwards.  Didn't Teyo Johnson weigh in rather inappropriately as well?  Having two able QBs helped us in the Seattle Bowl year (which was actually a very good one for us despite the last game and post-season fallout.)  But the Chris Lewis/Trent Edwards one was painful.  That may have had something to do with the coaching.

I'm fascinated that I was inextricably in the Nottingham camp despite knowing that the coach's are far more equipped to make the proper decision.  Maybe it's because he's got a better nickname (didn't "the sheriff" used to be W.illingham's nickname around these parts?) whereas I still find myself wanting to call Josh "Nooons".

I share the concerns about Shaw being overly conservative.  I worry that he's going to call the same play on first and second downs all year.  I'm curious how he will fare against all the new coaching talent in the conference.  But based on everything that's been said, I'm pretty sure that Jim Harbaugh would've made the same decision of Nunes over Nottingham.  Taking care of the football was always stressed as job #1 in the Harbaugh regime. 

[OutsiderFan]

Everyone seems to be looking at the fact BN and JN were so close in the competition is a negative, that nobody separated himself too much, so the QB situation isn't good.  But what if Andrew Luck level is say 100 and both BN and JN were at about 80 or so?  That wouldn't be too bad.  If they are only performing at a 50 level, and nobody separated, then yes, be concerned.

Bottom line is you just have to wait and see Nunes play in games before concluding Shaw somehow made a mistake.  He may have, but it just seems silly to be hand-wringing right now.

[OutsiderFan]

Everyone seems to be looking at the fact BN and JN were so close in the competition is a negative, that nobody separated himself too much, so the QB situation isn't good.  But what if Andrew Luck level is say 100 and both BN and JN were at about 80 or so?  That wouldn't be too bad.  If they are only performing at a 50 level, and nobody separated, then yes, be concerned.

Bottom line is you just have to wait and see Nunes play in games before concluding Shaw somehow made a mistake.  He may have, but it just seems silly to be hand-wringing right now.

[yvonne]

I share the concerns about Shaw being overly conservative.  I worry that he's going to call the same play on first and second downs all year. 

I remember a reverse was the first play from scrimmage in the Washington game.

[yvonne]

I share the concerns about Shaw being overly conservative.  I worry that he's going to call the same play on first and second downs all year. 

I remember a reverse was the first play from scrimmage in the Washington game.

[terry]

An interesting, if unimportant observation--the marketing department seems to have anticipated Nottingham being the QB by ordering #7 jerseys (rather than the much more logical #33) to sell in the campus and stadium stores, as well as online.  Hopefully, their initial order was small and they can put pictures of Elway and Toby above the rack.

Do you think those # 7 jerseys might be left over from Toby Gerhart's days? Maybe they sold out of # 12, so they pulled out # 7.

[terry]

An interesting, if unimportant observation--the marketing department seems to have anticipated Nottingham being the QB by ordering #7 jerseys (rather than the much more logical #33) to sell in the campus and stadium stores, as well as online.  Hopefully, their initial order was small and they can put pictures of Elway and Toby above the rack.

Do you think those # 7 jerseys might be left over from Toby Gerhart's days? Maybe they sold out of # 12, so they pulled out # 7.

[stan01]

Everyone seems to be looking at the fact BN and JN were so close in the competition is a negative, that nobody separated himself too much, so the QB situation isn't good. 

Many programs around the country are going through a prolonged quarterback battle.  Texas finally named its QB starter the same day that Josh Nunes got the nod.  Competition is a good thing. 

[stan01]

Everyone seems to be looking at the fact BN and JN were so close in the competition is a negative, that nobody separated himself too much, so the QB situation isn't good. 

Many programs around the country are going through a prolonged quarterback battle.  Texas finally named its QB starter the same day that Josh Nunes got the nod.  Competition is a good thing. 

[CowboyIndian]

(cue repetitious drum-beating)....This is why we need a Ring of Honor (sporting a different title, perhaps) around the stadium with names and numbers of past Stanford greats. Looking into the future, I'd like to think there'll be a long list of outstanding #7s.

[CowboyIndian]

(cue repetitious drum-beating)....This is why we need a Ring of Honor (sporting a different title, perhaps) around the stadium with names and numbers of past Stanford greats. Looking into the future, I'd like to think there'll be a long list of outstanding #7s.

[fullmetal]

Many programs around the country are going through a prolonged quarterback battle.  Texas finally named its QB starter the same day that Josh Nunes got the nod.  Competition is a good thing.

Competition means nothing if your options are mediocre or unproven (ahem, Texas)...sigh.

[fullmetal]

Many programs around the country are going through a prolonged quarterback battle.  Texas finally named its QB starter the same day that Josh Nunes got the nod.  Competition is a good thing.

Competition means nothing if your options are mediocre or unproven (ahem, Texas)...sigh.

[yvonne]

We're arguing over which of two four-star quarterbacks should get the nod. Many teams' fans would love to have this argument.

[yvonne]

We're arguing over which of two four-star quarterbacks should get the nod. Many teams' fans would love to have this argument.

[FarmBoy]

We're arguing over which of two four-star quarterbacks should get the nod. Many teams' fans would love to have this argument.

Look no further than across the Bay to see a case study of a wealth in QB recruiting riches failing to deliver on-field performance. Having multiple players who were highly rated in high school competing for the starting job does not guarantee that one will emerge and deliver wins. On paper, C.al has been stacked with great QB talent for years.

From the CalBears.com site:
Kevin Riley: ranked as the No. 6 "pro-style" quarterback prospect in the country by Rivals and No. 18 in that category according to Scout ... the Rivals postseason Top 100 list had him as the No. 51 overall player in the country ... ranked as the No. 3 prospect at the prestigious EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterback Camp

Brock Mansion: A Prepstar All-American selection ... rated the No. 11 "pro-style" quarterback by Rivals ... selected to the All-Southwest team by SuperPrep ... attended the Elite 11 quarterback camp in 2006

Allan Bridgford: A four-star recruit by Rivals and Scout from one of the top high school football programs in the country ... rated No. 7 by Rivals on its pro-style quarterbacks list ... also rated as the nation's No. 19 quarterback and No. 79 overall player by ESPN

Austin Hinder: A five-star Tom Lemming recruit that the analyst also ranked No. 5 among pro-style quarterbacks nationally and the No. 38 player overall ... received four stars from ESPN ... Prepstar listed him as the No. 10 quarterback in the nation and the No. 39 overall player

[FarmBoy]

We're arguing over which of two four-star quarterbacks should get the nod. Many teams' fans would love to have this argument.

Look no further than across the Bay to see a case study of a wealth in QB recruiting riches failing to deliver on-field performance. Having multiple players who were highly rated in high school competing for the starting job does not guarantee that one will emerge and deliver wins. On paper, C.al has been stacked with great QB talent for years.

From the CalBears.com site:
Kevin Riley: ranked as the No. 6 "pro-style" quarterback prospect in the country by Rivals and No. 18 in that category according to Scout ... the Rivals postseason Top 100 list had him as the No. 51 overall player in the country ... ranked as the No. 3 prospect at the prestigious EA Sports Elite 11 Quarterback Camp

Brock Mansion: A Prepstar All-American selection ... rated the No. 11 "pro-style" quarterback by Rivals ... selected to the All-Southwest team by SuperPrep ... attended the Elite 11 quarterback camp in 2006

Allan Bridgford: A four-star recruit by Rivals and Scout from one of the top high school football programs in the country ... rated No. 7 by Rivals on its pro-style quarterbacks list ... also rated as the nation's No. 19 quarterback and No. 79 overall player by ESPN

Austin Hinder: A five-star Tom Lemming recruit that the analyst also ranked No. 5 among pro-style quarterbacks nationally and the No. 38 player overall ... received four stars from ESPN ... Prepstar listed him as the No. 10 quarterback in the nation and the No. 39 overall player

[Kathy]

I wonder what kind of risk there is that BN would leave the program after this decision.

If Nottingham leaves, he forgoes a Stanford education — and a valuable degree. Stanford's appeal to recruits goes far beyond athletic opportunity.

[Kathy]

I wonder what kind of risk there is that BN would leave the program after this decision.

If Nottingham leaves, he forgoes a Stanford education — and a valuable degree. Stanford's appeal to recruits goes far beyond athletic opportunity.

[oman]

Many programs around the country are going through a prolonged quarterback battle.  Texas finally named its QB starter the same day that Josh Nunes got the nod.  Competition is a good thing.

Kind of fascinating seeing the difference in approaches between Mack and Shaw.  Obviously, the guys that Mack is dealing with have both taken lots of snaps.  Expecations at Texas are pretty low as far as quarterback performance  these days.  But it is interesting how he has already said that McCoy will take some snaps as well. 

If Competition is such a good thing, then why not let it continue into the first game?

[oman]

Many programs around the country are going through a prolonged quarterback battle.  Texas finally named its QB starter the same day that Josh Nunes got the nod.  Competition is a good thing.

Kind of fascinating seeing the difference in approaches between Mack and Shaw.  Obviously, the guys that Mack is dealing with have both taken lots of snaps.  Expecations at Texas are pretty low as far as quarterback performance  these days.  But it is interesting how he has already said that McCoy will take some snaps as well. 

If Competition is such a good thing, then why not let it continue into the first game?

[oman]

If Nottingham leaves, he forgoes a Stanford education — and a valuable degree. Stanford's appeal to recruits goes far beyond athletic opportunity.

To be fair, I think none of us quite knows what it feels like to get a message that might lose their chance to play for a school that has a BCS shot in one of the most storied skill positions in college football.

I dream a lot, but the only things that disappoint me are dreams that are truly, logically, and practically within my reach.

[oman]

If Nottingham leaves, he forgoes a Stanford education — and a valuable degree. Stanford's appeal to recruits goes far beyond athletic opportunity.

To be fair, I think none of us quite knows what it feels like to get a message that might lose their chance to play for a school that has a BCS shot in one of the most storied skill positions in college football.

I dream a lot, but the only things that disappoint me are dreams that are truly, logically, and practically within my reach.