Matt Johnson and Other Thoughts

[Falconfreak90]

Coach Clawson stated in the press they were going to go to Johnson by the third or fourth series. I thought Matt J looked good running but his passing needs work. I'm one of the ones not ready to throw Matt S to the side. If we have two guys that can play, even better.

I've seen Matt S have some huge games...and I've seen him have some bad ones. I agree with Flipper...we will need Matt S again this year.

[BGGrad01]

I don't think the strategy is much different than last year. If Johnson is the guy going forward, he needs to be a game manager - take a look at the first guy and get it out fast. If he's not there, take off and run it. Live to see another down. This offense/defense/special teams simply needs to put 20ish points on the board because I don't see that defense giving up much. There will be a game or two where the defense will struggle and we will need the offense to put up points. Hopefully Johnson works his way into the guy that can get the ball to Gallon/Joplin/Bayer and win us the game that has always cost us a shot at a division title.

It will be interesting to see how we respond when we fall behind early. The defense will keep us in games. The offense doesn't need to panic and get away from a game plan. Run it, be somewhat effective in the passing game, and avoid turnovers - I think we're playing in the MAC title game.

[BGWriter]

I don't think the strategy is much different than last year. If Johnson is the guy going forward, he needs to be a game manager - take a look at the first guy and get it out fast. If he's not there, take off and run it. Live to see another down. This offense/defense/special teams simply needs to put 20ish points on the board because I don't see that defense giving up much. There will be a game or two where the defense will struggle and we will need the offense to put up points. Hopefully Johnson works his way into the guy that can get the ball to Gallon/Joplin/Bayer and win us the game that has always cost us a shot at a division title.

It will be interesting to see how we respond when we fall behind early. The defense will keep us in games. The offense doesn't need to panic and get away from a game plan. Run it, be somewhat effective in the passing game, and avoid turnovers - I think we're playing in the MAC title game.

This. Johnson probably doesn't need to win games for this team...but he can't lose them. When you have the threat of a running QB, all he has to be is effective enough to force the defense to play him honestly. I think Johnson is at least that good right now. He showed me something on the one play where he rolled to his left and found, I believe, Joplin, for a nice sideline gain. That was a tough throw to make for a right hander, but he made it just fine.

With his mobility, he doesn't have to stay in the pocket if teams try to stack 9 in the box against the run. They can roll him one side or the other and give him the option of running or passing to tight ends that block and release or running backs, if wide receivers can't shake free.

Having a guy who isn't a statue back there gives the offensive coordinator a LOT more options that we haven't seen from this offense since Clawson has been here.

[Globetrotter]

Johnson's mobility and attitude trump his lack of arm strength. I'm not ready to say he is the guy but I would rather see Austin Valdez get a shot then see schilz play again.

[gspointer]

No I have seen it in 35 starts and 2 series that pointed to more of the same.

Did not really see any of that in 2 series. If you look at the tape none of that was really there. Your vision is clouded by the last year- move on.... We are going to struggle against teams with a decent defense and a good offense. We are still a bit undersized at the DE position. The game plan to beat BG is pretty clear now. I love BG but it is pretty clear we need a more aggressive offense. San Jose threw all over the field against us. Kent ran all over us last year. If we face a balanced offense and end up needing to throw we are toast at this point.

[Globetrotter]

No I have seen it in 35 starts and 2 series that pointed to more of the same.

Did not really see any of that in 2 series. If you look at the tape none of that was really there. Your vision is clouded by the last year- move on.... We are going to struggle against teams with a decent defense and a good offense. We are still a bit undersized at the DE position. The game plan to beat BG is pretty clear now. I love BG but it is pretty clear we need a more aggressive offense. San Jose threw all over the field against us. Kent ran all over us last year. If we face a balanced offense and end up needing to throw we are toast at this point.

We played one game. I find if frustating how much patience people had with schilz and how little they have with Johnson. I have no clue if Johnson will be good. He earned the chance to dO it again. Running qbs put butts in seats too. Tons of students will be back next week after that win.

[Rollo83]

No I have seen it in 35 starts and 2 series that pointed to more of the same.

Did not really see any of that in 2 series. If you look at the tape none of that was really there. Your vision is clouded by the last year- move on.... We are going to struggle against teams with a decent defense and a good offense. We are still a bit undersized at the DE position. The game plan to beat BG is pretty clear now. I love BG but it is pretty clear we need a more aggressive offense. San Jose threw all over the field against us. Kent ran all over us last year. If we face a balanced offense and end up needing to throw we are toast at this point.

We played one game. I find if frustating how much patience people had with schilz and how little they have with Johnson. I have no clue if Johnson will be good. He earned the chance to dO it again. Running qbs put butts in seats too. Tons of students will be back next week after that win.

Winning quarterbacks put butts in seats...period.

1. Never was a big Schiltz fan
2. Like energy and change of pace Johnson brought
3. Don't think Johnson is the long term solution for us at QB with his throwing

Just my opinion...

[kdog27]

Running QBs excel in college. If you're going have a drop back passer who can't/won't run then he better be an accurate passer. Schilz has never thrown for a high percentage in any of his 3 seasons. I know I'm not alone in seeing enough of him.

[Flipper]

Schilz has thrown for 400 and 355 the last two times out against KSU, so I wouldn't count him out for this weekend.

[Schadenfreude]

This was a gutsy call by the coaching staff to yank Schilz after two drives. And it was the right one.

Schilz had happy feet. Johnson looked a lot more comfortable out there. He had confidence.

My hope and expectation is that we will stick with Johnson. If he gets hurt or starts to have a very tough time out there as defenses make adjustments, we can put Schilz in and see what he's got. Frankly, barring injury, I don't expect us to go back to Schilz though. Johnson has a lot of room to grow, and I think he will.

This is a tough situation for Schilz, no doubt about it. But, the fact is, he has had plenty of chances -- including two previous years as starter -- to prove he deserves to start this season. Johnson earned that job fair and square. He's the guy right now.

Man, that was such a big win. I really feel like we have a shot at the East. Looking forward to this weekend's game at Kent State.

[manager]

Hey John -- Good to see you're still among the living.

[falconfan1]

Up there in the posts is the statement that Matt Johnson was going to play in the Tulsa game- early. The QBs and offense knew it. The decision was made pre game. Third or fourth series. Johnson came in, the team caught a little something and he finished the game. We beat a pretty good team that will win 8 or 9 games this year. Simple as that. Now you have practice and game plan. Then a starter for first series at Kent. Then you go from there. Matt S. could yet be very important to our success this season. Shoot, Knapke better get ready. Never know.

Beat Kent.

Go Falcons!

[Globetrotter]

Why name a starter in such a fashion if you were going to rotate dudes the entire time as your plan

[Falconfreak90]

It was good that Knapke got some time as well. Heck to have 3 QB's see PT against a team like Tulsa in an opener?

Watching the game again today...gets better every time.

BEAT KENT

[FalconTurf]

Why name a starter in such a fashion if you were going to rotate dudes the entire time as your plan

Because message board fans and the media demand such things. Regardless of how playing time is split it's going to be difficult to bench the returning starter. The more they win the less the issue it is for the Clawson and staff.