Situation--That game in which Bates started against OSU has got to be far, far, far and away the most egregious, embarrasing example of a coach starting a qb who had no business playing qb in the history of football. Sprague had some bad moments tonight but to compare him to Bates is to use no brain cells. Go back and look at the film. (I was at that game. Anyone on this board could have done as well as Bates--that is almost literally true.)
I was at that game too. And I disagree. Sprague against all-world Appalachian State was worse.
OSU went 12-1 including a vacated Sugar Bowl victory the year Phil Bates started against them.
OSU beat Ohio 43-7. But they also beat Marshall 45-7, Michigan 37-7, Eastern Michigan 73-20, and Purdue 49-0.
Appalachian State went 11-2 this year, with wins over OHIO. And that's it.
Yes I am allowed to call JD Spragues 50% passing 2 pick performance worse than Phil Bates 50% passing 2 pick performance.
Thank God we were lucky enough for Sprague to be limited to just 2 picks, despite his best efforts to throw more.
I can understand why you stand up for Sprague though Monroe. If allowed to stay in the game against Miami last year, OHIO would've finished with a losing season. We all know that's the real gift you've been waiting for.