Thoughts on Goff being named the QB starter
(Written by kencraw)
For those who haven’t heard, Jared Goff has been named the starting quarterback.
This was a moderate surprise to those who have believed the rumor mill dating back to the 2012 season that Zack Kline was the program’s savior, but for those who had been paying attention, it wasn’t that much of a surprise:
- Coach Sonny has long said that the keys to being his QB was consistency, accuracy and quick decision making. Who’s been most consistent since Spring practice? Who’s the only one who can somewhat routinely hit the trash can in their throwing drill (accuracy)? I think the thing that has been hindering Goff has been the decision making, but the word on the street is that he’s improved dramatically since Spring practice and is doing as well if not better than Kline.
- Which QB was recruited by Sonny? I think the tie goes to the guy that the head coach recruited.
- As Dykes said in his comments, Goff isn’t really a “true-freshman”, he’s an early-enrolled freshman. Being here for spring practice, and then having the time between then and now to absorb the system makes a WORLD of difference in regards to freshmen QBs.
- Kline just threw too many interceptions in practice to make his case. He may have one heck of an arm, but the new offense is predicated more on accurate short throws instead of long passes.
And here’s the kicker, the lore around Kline, is just that: lore. Lot’s of people were sick of Maynard last year. Lot’s of people wanted a change. And is the case on every team where the starting quarterback is struggling, the backup QB is the knight in shining armor ready to save the team. But the few times I saw him play in practices I was never really overly impressed. That’s not to say he didn’t have potential. That’s not to say he wouldn’t have been a better choice than Maynard. But it is to say he was no miracle savior.
But the rumor mill/peanut gallery/fanciful dreamer crowd was just too strong in creating a fairy tale that Kline was this semi-mythic recruit destined to save the program once he was given the chance.
News flash: It just wasn’t based on facts.
This if of course not to say that Goff was for sure the right choice. I don’t really know (and unless you’ve been at all the practices, you don’t know either). But what I do know is that this shouldn’t be a shocking surprise. Goff earned being named the starting QB and most showed the characteristics that make a good QB, particularly in Dykes system. I’m looking forward to seeing him perform on 8/31.
GO BEARS!
August 19th, 2013 at 10:02 am
Time for some bold predictions Ken
Will Jared Goff finish the season as the starter? (Performance or Injury)
Over/Under on sacks allowed 35 (we gave up 41 last year)
Over/Under on Bigelow yardage – 1,000
Who will lead the team in receptions this year?
Defense will be better or worse than last year? We’ll measure by PPG
August 19th, 2013 at 10:18 am
This QB debate reminds me a little bit of the Perry Klein/Dave Barr one. Seemed a forgone conclusion that the highly-recruited Klein would be Palawski’s successor, as Snyder would frequently find ways to get him snaps in ’91. Of course, Gilbertson took over and selected Barr– a mjor surprise to everyone. At the time, it seemed like Gilby made the selection as a way to maybe distance himself from the previous leadership and put his personal stamp on the program. I don’t believe Dykes is doing this here (nor am I arguing against the decision), but it is pretty clear that Kline would clearly have been the guy had Tedford stayed. I feel a bit for him, in the sense that he’s been Cal all the way his entire life it seems, and certainly had any number of other suitors. I imagine he’ll wait and see what happens this year, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him transfer in the Spring if Geoff succeeds this year.
August 19th, 2013 at 11:48 am
Chris, I’ll take the under on sacks, the under on Bigelow (too injury prone, too many other backs), Treggs leads receptions, and the defense will give up fewer points per game, if nothing else because the offense won’t be constantly putting them back on the field. As for whether Goff finishes the season as starter, barring injury, I think he does.
Bub, you’re showing your “true blue” chops to bring up that QB competition… but I agree it’s a good analogy. However, I think he stays for the long haul.
August 21st, 2013 at 4:50 pm
One other factor needs to be out in the open. Neither quarterback has one down of NCAA football. I’m not sure that Kline even had much time with the 1’s in practice last year. And, it’s been stated that it was Goff that made the most dramatic improvements on his game from spring to summer. Advantage Goff.
GO BEARS!!! We don’t lose games we’re supposed to win ANY MORE! We win a few games we’re supposed to lose FROM NOW ON!!