I wrote this article on my Blog; hope it helps
Analizing College Football Quarterback Play
In this article I will convey to you my personal thoughts and practices on how I analize the college football Quarterback. The Quarterback is the most important single factor in determining the outcome of a game. The QB is the engineer that keeps the train moving and on track. The QB's ability [ or lack of ] determines the overall success or failure of the team. This ability ranges from just not doing anything "stupid" to disrupt the flow of the game to singlehandly move the team forward when the "Onus" is on his shoulders alone.
Winning QB's Primary Characteristics:
1. Leadership
2. QB coaching and player experience and talent.
3. Ability to read defenses.
4. An offensive line that can give the QB the crucial three seconds needed to put into motion the forward movement of the ball.
5. Synchronization with teammates...Playing together
6. Check-down Wide Receiver progression.
7. QB and WR timing.
8. Arm strength and Triger Pull.
9. Mobility....Escape-ability.
10. Durability and Courage.
I could list several other things I look for in a QB but this will give you a solid base.
The QB should have a completion percentage of 57% or higher with a touchdown to interception ratio of two to one [ 2/1 ] or better. As the QB's interceptions increase his pass efficiency decreases; the better the number the better the "Field General" as a general rule.
You will come across QBs with completion percentages less than 57% but still possess a 2/1 td/int ratio. These I still regard as solid QBs but will try to find out why their completion percentage isn't higher. Sometimes it's because of average receivers, drops , the type of offense the team is running or the possibility of QB limited talent. Make no mistake about it a QB with a completion rate of only 55% with a td/int ratio of 2/1 and he rushes for positive yards each game is a headache for defensive coordinators ; and when you add increased mobility and "escape" ability the headache turns into a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Types of Quarterbacks
1. Pocket passer
2. Mobile
3. Dual threat
4. Running
Pocket Passer: Usually very limited in mobility and escape-ability. Has a cannon for an arm and is very accurate when given the crucial three seconds. Has minus rushing yards but may have a rush TD or two. Usually throws interceptions, incompletions, sack with a occasional strip [ dependent upon experience and talent ] when pressure is applied.
Example: Chase Holbrook Sr. New Mexico St. 2008: 309-457-14, 68% 3361 yds 25 TDs. "Minus 196 yds rush" with two rush TDs. Pass Efficiency rating 141.3
Mobile: Has some mobility and escape-ability. Rarely takes a sack. has positive rushing yards [ usually less than two hundred a year ] Can move outside the pocket tackles and make the throw on the run or throw the ball out of bounds. Some rush TDs.
Example: Riley Skinner Sr. Wake Forest 2008: 232-363-7 64% 2347 yds 13 TDs, 144 yds rush with one rush TD. Pass efficiency rating 126.18
Dual Threat: Can throw from the pocket or on the run. Rush yards greater than 200 yds/yr. One of the top rushers on the team with several rush TDs. Increased escape-ability; almost never takes a sack. Good passing percentage with acceptable td/int ratio. When you add in additional QB qualities that are listed above you turn this QB into a defense's worst nightmare.
Running: Usually the number one or two rusher on the team; may or may not have an acceptable completion percentage; does not have 2/1 td/int ratio. Throws interceptions as he tries to force the ball or misreads the defense. Is capable of a strong passing game against an inexperienced secondary or may have a "hot" game. Usually from a rush oriented offense. These QBs are successful against weak and mediocre teams that have poor defensive line play and/or a weak secondary. When these QBs have a "hot" day they resemble dual threat QBs. These QBs are hard to trust. The triple option QBs are a little bit different as the run is always paramount. The QB is always the top one or two rushers on the team and his passing percentage is usually poor along with very few pass attempts. The Triple Option team uses misdirection and deception. Some teams incorporate some aspects of the option [ Wake Forest ] and it is growing again in popularity thanks to Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Do not confuse the Spread Option Offense with the Triple Option offense as each has it's own identity.
Example: Tyrod Taylor Jr. Virginia Tech 2008: 99-173-7 57% 1036 yds 2/7 ratio,738 yds rush, 7 rush TDs. Pass efficiency: 103.3.
Example: Chip Bowden Jr. Army 2008: 31-72-3 43% 282 yds 2/3 ratio, 572 yds rush, 1 rush TD. Pass eficiency: 76.8.
Remember these are not numbers carved in stone so don't get married to last years numbers. Most QBs improve in one or several areas; some do not. We are looking for traits and style of play. Ask yourself this questions: If I were the defensive coordinator what type of QB am I facing? What must my defensive units do to stop their offense? Do I have the personell to be successful?
Random thoughts and practices
I like to see a pass efficiency rating at 125 and above.
If a QB displays a tendency or habit under pressure expect that to surface again in the future under similar circumstances.
College coaching means alot.
If a QB has a off year is it the QB, the WRs, the Offensive line, New coaching, Injuries. You get the picture; do your homework.
Is the QB the right fit for the system. This usually occurs when there is a coaching change.
Don't listen to the hype make your own evaluation; you will improve with practice.
Is there something going on within the team that is causing distractions?
Does my team have the QB advantage?
Can my defense nullify my opponents QB advantage?
If the QB is also the top rusher you could suddenly have serious problems .
How good is my number two QB? And how much experience does he have?
Does the opposing defense have the ability to take away my running game and force my QB to execute the passing game?
Will my offense control the line of scrimmage?
Will my defense control the line of scrimmage
Beware of young QBs making their first road start or first big game as it will probably lead to increased mistakes.
Can my defense put pressure on the opposing QB and force him out of his comfort zone?
Can my defense play tight man coverage?
If the defense can play tight man coverage and put pressure on the QB even the best QBs will struggle in the passing game.
If I have a dual threat or mobile QB the pass rush pressure will be less intense.
As the season progresses the strong get stronger and the average get weaker.....depth issue.
I will end this with on last thought. "If you do not have the QB advantage or if your defense cannot nullify your opponents QB advantage pass the game".
I hope this helps you look at a game from a better point of view.
I am looking forward to the upcoming season and I am excited.
Best Wishes
Semper FI
Mac
What is a Poochie?
