No way I'd do that for the Western Michigan game on Senior Night, his last game at Peden Stadium. For all he's done for the program, he deserves to play all the remaining games, but next week's for sure, at a minimum. Can't bench the guy on Senior Night.

Come on Billy. Never did I say the younger Rourke did not practice. If the season is over and we are out of the championship picture as most believe on here, then it is time for the next man up to get some game experience which is different than practice. I will however concede that Nathan deserves the start on senior night as indicated above. Why wouldn’t you want all the game experience possible now for the new guy? How much game experience do we have at qb other than Nathan? Practically none or none.

As the #1 guy. The starter.

I don't get this. Because Rourke had one subpar game, our coaching staff should now bench him? Prepare for next year? To hell with this kid's development over the remainder of his senior year?

Thank God you'all didn't coach my kid.

The NCAA rule is less than or equal to 4 games, and the true Freshman retains his eligibility as a RS Freshman the following year. It's definitely not a ridiculous idea to build for future. There is a tactful way to make it happen, and still continue to build for the future. As it stands right now, one Freshman has played 1 snap this season. Based on that fact, I think with 3 (maybe 4 games) remaining there would not be an issue burning a year for one of the Freshman. One perspective could be that if it is not done (especially at QB), you are 100% hamstringing the team for the future.

Another note, when looking at 'participation' across the MAC East, no team has played less than 13 of their true Freshman (scholarship and/or walk-on) - as a note, Miami has played 20+ out of 33 true Freshman. Obviously, everyone school's situation is different, but one argument would be that programs that don't help develop their Freshman or RS Freshman don't have their eye on the future. Thoughts?

+1 Spot ON!!!!!

In other threads, multiple posters talk about how Rourke had no time, was running for his life, then over here the answer to this is to change QB's.

As for a subpar game, I am not sure what people expect, but that game statistically was basically the production you see every game.

On the game v. Season v. Career

Completion % 55% v. 58% v. 57.8%

YPG - 133 v. 208 - downturn here v. 186

TD's passing - 1 v. 1.2 v. 1.4

Rushing:

YPG - 89 v. 85 v. 69

YPC - 5.6 v. 5.5 v. 6.2 (team rushing average is down, this is on the new OL)

TD's - 2 v. 1.1 v. 1.3

Rourke has had a great career, he's a great guy and plays hard. But not sure what people expect. The game he produced on Wednesday evening is on par with his season and career averages. His presence will be missed, and I plan on enjoying his final games as a Bobcat and believe he will have a great shot of playing in Canada.

Right on. I have absolutely nothing against Nathan! I love him and what he has done on the field for our team. But, we can’t get all the stars aligned. When we have a great offense our defense isn’t good enough. When we have a great defense our offense isn’t good enough. When we didn’t have a great QB, it wasn’t good enough. We have got to align the pieces. Next year we will have a more veteran offense and defense, but our QB may have taken one game snap entering the season! It will take him some time to get in the groove most likely. Get him some game experience now. It will not ruin his redshirt at this point and i’m Not for taking the redshirt away. How many thought Nathan would lead us to at least a Mac east title before he was done. He has been a great QB, but we couldn’t really get anywhere with him. Time to align the stars if we ever hope to get to the promised land. Some are calling him the best QB in the league. Is he? I will not be surprised he doesn’t make 1st team all Mac. You’ve seen those selections every year. The QB on the most successful team usually gets the nod. If Miami does win it, don’t be surprised if their freshman QB beats him out. The only thing against him is he is a freshman. If that happens the collective heads on this board will explode. Time will tell. By the way, I am rooting for Nathan as much or more than any bobcat fan! Otherwise, Gabbert beat the team picked to win it all on the road and most likely will win at least the east title. Nathan has not gotten us to any of that. Sadly! And yes, if Joe Burrow was in the same scenario, I would think the same. Get those guys meaningful reps.

How many snaps did that Miami QB who led them to victory Wednesday take as a Redhawk last season?

I think Frank will insert the back up QB's if we are either winning substantially or losing by a lot over these last 3 games unless Nathan needs some stat to cement him in the record books.
This thought could also apply to other freshman as well, both on O or D.

TO ALL; Please keep in mind we want to play our BEST that gives us the BEST chance to WIN THE GAME.





GO BOBCATS