With the proliferation of the various forms of the spread offense, the pro-style passers' prevalence has decreased dramatically in the last five years.
The increase in influence of dual threat, spread option, and shotgun spread systems have only served to make the dropback, pro-style passer an endangered species in college football.
Of the Athlon Preseason Top 25, only eight schools (Ohio St., USC, UGA, Wisc., ASU, Tenn., Va. Tech and Rutgers) run legitimate pro-style offenses. With Terrelle Pryor poised to take the OSU reins as a dual threat in 2009, it would appear another pro scheme will temporarily bite the dust.
Todd Boeckman, Matthew Stafford, and Mark Sanchez headline this year's crop of pro-style passers in college football. Each of them has a BCS title within reach.
Sanchez is the least experienced of the group, although USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has high hopes for him:
"I’m anxious to watch Mark become the guy...I’m anxious to see him to do that because he’s very, very talented."
Sanchez is not yet on the level of Boeckman and Stafford, the two elite talents heading into the 2008 season. The two players are night and day in their on-field personas, and the contrast is what makes choosing between the two truly difficult.
Todd Boeckman (6'5", 243 lbs)
In his first year as a starter, Boeckman was faced with the challenge of replacing a Heisman trophy winner who led the Buckeyes to a BCS title game appearance. He not only accepted the challenge but outperformed all the expectations that were heaped upon him.
Throwing for 2,379 yards, 25 TDs, and a passer rating of 148.95 will get you into the good graces of Columbus quite quickly.
As the 2008 season approaches, the expectations have increased for the senior, and Boeckman appears ready to face the challenges.
He returns his leading receivers, Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie, as well as his leading rusher in Chris "Beanie" Wells as the Buckeyes look poised to make the leap from pretender to contender.
Fundamentally, Boeckman is as solid as they come. He has quality footwork in his dropbacks while his release and arm angle are textbook form.
In running the pro-style offense under Tressell, Todd Boeckman has proven himself to be not only an extremely efficient passer, completing almost 64 percent of his passes, but also a calm, even-tempered quarterback.
Although Boeckman can make all the throws required of him, the senior appears to be the most comfortable in play action sets. He carries out fakes well, gets good depth after the fake, and is able to quickly diagnose the coverage situation and deliver the football accurately.
For all that Boeckman does correctly, there is a glaring flaw within his game that could cause problems in Columbus this season.
It is his inability to truly win a game. Although Boeckman will never lose the game for you, he will also never win the game. He's a role player, albeit a significant one, in Jim Tressell's system.
Tressell's inability to rely on his quarterback reared its head first in the loss to Illinois, as Boeckman struggled to the tune of three interceptions and an 87.41 QB rating.
The following week in the Michigan game, after a first half consisting of an interception and two fumbles, Tressell limited Boeckman to two pass attempts in the second half and rode Beanie Wells for 39 carries.
Boeckman has to prove he can be a quarterback who wins games, not a guy who has to get out of his team's way for it to be successful. This season Boeckman has some added pressure to succeed with Terrelle Pryor waiting on the Buckeye sidelines.
Matthew Stafford (6'3", 237 lbs)
Stafford, the Dallas, Texas native, grew up a lot after his mediocre freshman season. That maturity manifested itself in his 2,523 yards, 19 TDs and 128.92 QB rating for the 2007 season.
He has grown from a gunslinging, me against the world guy into a D-I quarterback. Though still a risk taker, Stafford makes better decisions and gets better results (19 TDs to ten INTs).
The junior possesses pro-style quarterback physique, talent, and most importantly, a bazooka of an arm. Stafford's arm, easily his best physical asset, is put on display with the big-time throws he makes down the field in games and the X's he puts on his receivers' chests in practice.
While not as polished technically, Stafford is a solid pro-style quarterback who can pick apart a defense and make teams pay for putting eight in the box. He has the tools to truly get the job done on the big stage.
Unlike Boeckman, Stafford is a guy who wants the ball late in games. He is without a doubt the fiery emotional leader of the Georgia Bulldogs who relishes the role.
One look at Georgia's overtime win at Alabama shows you this. The big throw, and the tremendous celebration that ensued, showcases Stafford's ability to be the Lead Dawg in Athens.
Stafford's low completion rate of 55.7 percent is troubling as he needs to be more accurate heading into his junior campaign. The errant passes are the biggest issues surrounding the Georgia quarterback, and rightfully so, as he should definitely be at least a top 25 passer.
The Verdict
Boeckman or Stafford? Calm and reserved or passionate and aggressive?
Boeckman has all the tools to be a quality quarterback that can help lead his Buckeyes into the national title game. The same can be said for Matthew Stafford and his Georgia Bulldogs.
Both are quality quarterbacks with tons of talent who have the skill players around them to make defenses suffer on the ground and through the air.
Taking everything into account, Matthew Stafford has to be the top pick for the 2008 season.
Boeckman is a really nice player who has the tangible tools to be a successful quarterback. However, he doesn't seem to have the mental fire needed to drive the BCS-bound Mack Truck that is Ohio State.
His big game performance shook his own coach's confidence. Unless Boeckman develops into a strong leader over the summer, Buckeye fans may be in for a roller-coaster season with Todd at the helm.
Stafford has the tools both physically and mentally to lead Georgia through their hellacious schedule to the BCS title game. Although critics will argue that his QB rating and completion percentage are low, here are two very telling stats.
In the two most critical games down the stretch last year, the sophomore had a 206.27 QB rating, three TDs and one interception against Florida, and a 186.89 QB rating, two TDs and one interception against Auburn.
The young man shows up huge in big games, and there is no denying that he has the moxie needed to captain a BCS title team. With Stafford leading the way, plenty of opponents will feel the Bulldog bite.
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4 months ago
To be honest, Michael, I don't think Boeckman will be much of a pro QB, let alone college. He's just another Craig Krenzel, in my mind.
from 4 months ago
i agree, boeckmans physical skills are very limited. He plays in a pro system at OSU, but thats it. Stafford is obviously a stud who also plays in a pro system, it also helps that he has the strongest arm in college football. I would replace Boeckman with Mark Sanchez
4 months ago
Ben,
Boeckman has way more intangibles than Krenzel ever did. He has way better size, and is way more accurate (He lead the Big Ten in passing efficiency. I think Stafford is a better overall QB, but don't compare Krenzel and Boeckman.
4 months ago
it's interesting that these two average-at-best college quarterbacks are being called the "premier pro style qbs"
4 months ago
I still don't understand all the love for Stafford.
Just what has he accomplished to get all this hype? Has the guy even thrown a 300 yard game yet?
Has the NFL Draft become the new NBA draft, picking on potential?
4 months ago
it's interesting that these two average-at-best college quarterbacks are being called the "premier pro style qbs"
4 months ago
As a die-hard Ohio State fan and student I have suffered through having Boeckman at QB after having Heisman worthy Troy Smith. Trust me, even though I think Todd is a good guy and have nothing against him, he is going nowhere.
4 months ago
Todd may have good footwork, but by no means does he have good throwing form. His balls always float in the air, and Robiskie and Hartline have to slow down to catch them. This is the reason we lost the Illinois game (and a bogus no-call fumble in the first half). Late in the game Todd needed to throw deep and he got picked.
4 months ago
Only because I have watched Mark Sanchez since High School I think he is going to be better than these two, and of course only 2008 will tell, but I have to say I am right there with USC Offensive coach Sarks
""Sanchez is the least experienced of the group, although USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has high hopes for him:
"I’m anxious to watch Mark become the guy...I’m anxious to see him do that because he’s very, very talented.""
Fight On!!
4 months ago
James, the idea that Boeckman and Stafford are average at best is a complete fallacy. While their efficiency numbers aren't as high as some shotgun and spread option styled quarterbacks their offensive style is predicated on play action passing and throwing the ball downfield not the short safe passes of higher rated quarterbacks. The truly telling sign of your comment is the fact that their are so few pro styled quarterbacks to choose from, it seems all of college football is getting sucked into the trendy offenses.
I'll admit Boeckman's balls do sail on him at times and after watching some more film of the type of tosses you're referencing I see do things. On the shorter throws that sail high he doesn't follow through or come down on the ball causing it to stay up on him. The longer throws, that cause Hartline and Robiskie to slow down occur most frequently off of play action. Two things I see are that he doesn't always step into his throws and the plays are slow developing and his receivers have out ran his arm.
The Stafford hype is because of his play in big games and the skills that he's exhibited from his first start as a freshman, huge arm. Stafford's got serious arm strength and under Richt's tutelage he's been able to harness his abilities and go from a gunslinger to a first round draft pick level quarterback. It doesn't hurt him that the talent pool for qb's who have shown an ability to play in a prostyle offense has dwindled down to a handful.
Sorry for the long response, my computer is acting up and I can't respond to the individual comments.
from 4 months ago
"The Stafford hype is because of his play in big games..."
Please provide examples, sir...
4 months ago
I'm so pleased that there are folks who have the guts to sit there and try to compare Todd Boeckman to Matthew Stafford when Todd has been there for now this season 5 years playing at Ohio State against Cupcakes in a 1-team way down Big Ten (11) Conference. As seen on the Official NCAA Strength of Schedule of Number 7 toughest in the nation for UGA 2007 and again 2008 promises to be the same, what indeed was the SoS of Ohio State, even being given the opportunity to play Number 1 LSU ? Number 39 SoS Ohio State, that's what it was.
And, what did Todd Boeckman do against the Number 38 SoS ? Well, he beat Wisconsin, the only ranked opponent Ohio State beat. And, what ranked team did Wisconsin beat all season long ? None.
300-yard passing game from Matthew Stafford ? Todd Boeckman did not have a 254-yard game against said Number 38 Cupcake Strength of Schedule.
4 months ago
There is NOT 1 analysis of Todd Boeckman to Matthew Stafford which has Todd Boeckman being drafted by the NFL before Matthew Stafford. Do they draft on potential ? Duh. What an idiot statement that is. Todd Boeckman has no potential compared to Matthew Stafford. He hasn't beat anyone.
It's a one-dimensional attack the entire plodding Big 10 ever features.
In 26 games played, Chris Wells has 7 count them pass completions from Todd Boeckman. 7.
They will put 8 in the box against UGA to stop 1st Team All-America Knowshon Moreno UGA because Matthew Stafford isn't any good ? What total B.S. Tim. Moneyline. You Big 10 fans have a lot of nerve trying to say these things when in 9 bowl games against The SEC ever, Ohio State is 0-9.
Go play some real football teams.
Then, come back in here and tell me one single game Todd Boeckman has ever won in his 5 years now at Ohio State ?
0.
4 months ago
In 5 years, Todd has run for 1 TD total and 77 yards on 60 carries. His speed is worse than an OL at 5.1 in the 40-yard dash. He cannot move his way out of a wet paper bag, and cannot throw the deep ball. His passes float ? He has no arm compared to Matthew Stafford.
While Stafford has beat Number 5 at Auburn, Number 16 Georgia Tech, and Number 14 Virginia Tech his true Freshman season, and at Number 16 Alabama, at Number 10 Florida in Jacksonville, Number 18 Auburn, Number 22 Kentucky, and Number 10 Hawaii in the BCS Sugar Bowl, Todd Boeckman in his 5th year now at Ohio State has beat no one.
"QUOTE by Tim"
"1 day ago I still don't understand all the love for Stafford."
"Just what has he accomplished to get all this hype? Has the guy even thrown a 300 yard game yet?"
"Has the NFL Draft become the new NBA draft, picking on potential?"
END QUOTE by Big 10 fan.
Todd Boeckman is projected in the 5th Round of the NFL. Does that bother you or something compared to Matthew Stafford the Top Number 1 QB Draft Pick. Matthew Stafford may be forced to leave 3 years from his high school days because he has beat the crap out of Top Ranked Football Teams, even though he has only played his true Freshman Year and now finished his Sophomore Year with 8 Wins over Ranked Opponents.
You ain't impressed with Matthew Stafford Tim ? Who in the hell has Todd Boeckman beat ?
Go ahead. I'm waiting.
Youngstown State not Bowl Subdivision opponent, 4-8 Akron, 4-9 Washington, 6-Loss not even bowl eligible Northwestern, 5-Loss Purdue, 3-9 Kent State, 6-Loss Michigan State, Penn State who Lost to Michigan State Lost to Illinois Lost to Michigan and Lost Ohio State with a coach old as a coot, Wisconsin who like Ohio State beat no ranked team all season long and who like Ohio State Lost their Bowl Game against an SEC Team too, Illinois who also is not a ranked football team, and Michigan who Lost to Appalachian State not Bowl Subdivision opponent.
Good Lord Tim.
Who, pray tell did Todd Boeckman beat ?
I'll await that answer.
It’s 8 to nothing Matthew Stafford wins over ranked opponents compared to Todd Boeckman’s.
Like Michael Fielder says here you take exception to Tim, “Taking everything into account, Matthew Stafford has to be the top pick for the 2008 season.”
Why do you take exception to that statement Tim please sir when Todd Boeckman is not NFL caliber by even the Ohio State fans.
from 4 months ago
Thomas, GA beat those teams, not Stafford. They play a harder schedule. Please list Stafford's stats those games. They are largely unimpressive. Let me guess, "it's not about stats; it's about heart." Yeah, heart and Knowshon Moreno.
Read my bio, dude. I hate the Big 10.
4 months ago
Im a huge BUCKS fan, and TB is not all that good. But you need to chill. GA hasnt impressed anyone but themselves. Mind you, OSU was supposed to ha A REBUILIDNG YEAR IN '07! They came into the year ranked #10. And I dont want to hear the schedule crap. We just had Texas for two years, we have VTech in the '09-'10 stretch, and Oklahoma soon after.
4 months ago
I know that 2008 was the target year for OSU and I fully expect them to be 100% in the hunt for the title this year. The USC game in September will most likely be the deciding factor for half of the national title puzzle because the rest of both teams schedules is weak compared to the other top 10 teams.
I'm glad The Ohio State University is scheduling tough non-conference games because until the Big 10 improves its overall talent level OSU won't face the week in and week out tests that prepare a team for the BCS title game.
As far as Georgia goes, it is undeniable that they finished last season as the hottest team in the nation, along with USC. They go into the season with two potential Heisman winners in Moreno and Stafford and the momentum they built in ending last year on a 7 game win streak doesn't hurt them at all. Navigating their tough schedule will be the biggest task, away dates at LSU, ASU, Auburn and the Cocktail Party won't be easy but I think the winner of the Cocktail Party will have the inside shot at the title game.
4 months ago
Tim, sir, this is what you said :
QUOTE Tim :
"I still don't understand all the love for Stafford."
"Just what has he accomplished to get all this hype? Has the guy even thrown a 300 yard game yet?"
"Has the NFL Draft become the new NBA draft, picking on potential?"
END QUOTE Tim.
When the Starting QB for UGA has beat 8 ranked opponents, calling the game and Todd Boeckman has beat only Wisconsin as a ranked opponent (And, Wisconsin including their bowl game beat ZERO (0) ranked opponents all season long), you reply that Todd Boeckman did not beat Wisconsin. Well, in his case that is true.
In Matthew Stafford's case, he called far better games against far better opponents, and against far more far better opponents - as Michael here says you replied to.
Todd's passes float compared to Stafford and Stafford has played very well against 8 top-ranked opponents. UGA won all 8 with only Matthew Stafford playing QB for UGA in all 8 games.
Only 3 of the 8 Wins against Ranked Opponents, were home games for us. While Stafford has beat Number 5 at Auburn, Number 16 Georgia Tech, and at the bowl game against Number 14 Virginia Tech his true Freshman season, and at Number 16 Alabama, at Number 10 Florida in Jacksonville, Number 18 Auburn, Number 22 Kentucky, and at the Sugar Bowl against Number 10 Hawaii in the BCS Sugar Bowl, Todd Boeckman in his 5th year now at Ohio State has beat no one.
What has Matthew Stafford accomplished ?
He sure as hell did not lose to any of these 8 ranked opponents, only 3 of which were home games.
Todd Boeckman has not thrown a 254-yard game against the cupcakes he only has played against.
If Ohio State wants to whine about their Official NCAA Number 38 Strength of Schedule for 2007-2008, please take it up with (1) The NCAA itself who releases the SoS for all of us and (2) Michael with his comments on it here too.
Or, beat Southern California in week 3 after you play Youngstown State and Ohio and before you play Troy.
3 months ago
i figured recently that stafford would have had a 67% completion rate had all the balls which hit the reciever had been caught. would have- could have i know but tony ball at uga has had a terrible time getting the receivers to catch it. stafford throws it harded than he should sometimes but pro receivers will have no problem. come to think of it his high school receivers didn't have a problem catching bullets either.
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