[OutsiderFan]

Phillips' block was a big turning point in terms of the team seeming more energized.  This is where I think a lot of the criticism of the coaching staff misses the reality that the real spark for a team over the course of a season comes from the players on the field.  Great players make great plays and help to elevate the play of those around them.  Plus/minus stats in basketball are the best measure I've seen of this. 

As for Shaw's quarterback change inertia, I absolutely support our coach being reluctant to change quarterbacks after every poor performance.  If Shaw changed quarterbacks as much as some fans wanted, our quarterbacks would be looking over their shoulders and worrying about making mistakes.  That is not a recipe for success.  I do agree that Shaw should make some changes that allow younger players to get into the system sooner so that they have a better opportunity to win the starting job.  Based on Shaw's postgame comments, I think that no matter what, we will see Costello on the field a good portion of next week's game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

This is just a total misreading of the situation, at least as far as my paradigm.  I don't think I've seen anyone call for different QBs the minute they make a mistake.  That's kind of hyperbole IMO. 

After seeing Burns and Chryst in 2016, it was clear to me they weren't championship QB caliber.  I really didn't feel good about either one.  After seeing Costello in Spring, I wanted him to be the QB to start this season because I felt he was the best QB among the three.  There was no "replace this guy if he screws up, then bring in a new guy if he does too."  If Costello came in and stunk up the joint against UCLA, I'd still be more inclined to play him because he has a higher upside than either of the other two QBs.  Of course, he played pretty well.  He was demonstrably better than Chryst or Burns.  Sure it's one game, but you can see Costello just has more talent and needs an opportunity to get the reps needed to develop into a clear #1 starting QB.

It's just a mischaracterization to claim fans want to change QBs like socks.  I want one.  And I want Costello in 2017, period.  That said, I want to see Mills and Costello battle it out in Spring and Summer next year, and I want whoever wins that competition to be the QB in 2018. 

[OutsiderFan]

Phillips' block was a big turning point in terms of the team seeming more energized.  This is where I think a lot of the criticism of the coaching staff misses the reality that the real spark for a team over the course of a season comes from the players on the field.  Great players make great plays and help to elevate the play of those around them.  Plus/minus stats in basketball are the best measure I've seen of this. 

As for Shaw's quarterback change inertia, I absolutely support our coach being reluctant to change quarterbacks after every poor performance.  If Shaw changed quarterbacks as much as some fans wanted, our quarterbacks would be looking over their shoulders and worrying about making mistakes.  That is not a recipe for success.  I do agree that Shaw should make some changes that allow younger players to get into the system sooner so that they have a better opportunity to win the starting job.  Based on Shaw's postgame comments, I think that no matter what, we will see Costello on the field a good portion of next week's game. 

Cheers,
Pete F.

This is just a total misreading of the situation, at least as far as my paradigm.  I don't think I've seen anyone call for different QBs the minute they make a mistake.  That's kind of hyperbole IMO. 

After seeing Burns and Chryst in 2016, it was clear to me they weren't championship QB caliber.  I really didn't feel good about either one.  After seeing Costello in Spring, I wanted him to be the QB to start this season because I felt he was the best QB among the three.  There was no "replace this guy if he screws up, then bring in a new guy if he does too."  If Costello came in and stunk up the joint against UCLA, I'd still be more inclined to play him because he has a higher upside than either of the other two QBs.  Of course, he played pretty well.  He was demonstrably better than Chryst or Burns.  Sure it's one game, but you can see Costello just has more talent and needs an opportunity to get the reps needed to develop into a clear #1 starting QB.

It's just a mischaracterization to claim fans want to change QBs like socks.  I want one.  And I want Costello in 2017, period.  That said, I want to see Mills and Costello battle it out in Spring and Summer next year, and I want whoever wins that competition to be the QB in 2018.