The Case for Watson


by - Radio Host -

The Case for Watson

I have concluded that Clemson's best chance to win football games after the Florida State game this season is with Deshaun Watson at quarterback.

First, several things need to be understood.  In my opinion, Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Sr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 231
Dublin, OH

View Full Profile
did not play all that poorly in Athens Saturday night.  There were times where I thought he played well, especially considering it was his first start and it was in a hostile environment.

Stoudt did make some mistakes though.  I thought he threw the ball late a few times.  I also thought he was hesitant at times.  It was a solid start though and he did little to take away from his playing time in the future.

However, Watson did some things to deserve more time in the future.  Watson also made some mistakes but he was more decisive especially in the first half.  He looked calm and poised.  He also showed some athleticism.

At this point I am not sure Watson is better than Stoudt.  I think it is close either way.  So how did I come to the concussion that Watson needs to be the starter after the FSU game?

This one is simple.  Clemson is limited at tailback.  D.J. HowardD.J. Howard
RS Sr. Running Back
#22 6-0, 205
Lincoln, AL

View Full Profile
is limited in athletic ability.  He has a hard time making anyone miss and rarely breaks tackles.  He also lacks vision.

C.J. DavidsonC.J. Davidson
RS Jr. Running Back
#32 5-10, 203
Clemson, SC

View Full Profile
is the best back, and he is a former walk-on that is serviceable but no one you would have to game plan for.

We have not seen enough of Wayne GallmanWayne Gallman
RS Fr. Running Back
#9 6-1, 209
Loganville, GA

View Full Profile
or Adam ChoiceAdam Choice
Fr. Running Back
#26 5-10, 211
Thomasville, GA

View Full Profile
yet but my guess is their inexperience will show at some point.

So it is clear to me that Clemson's running backs are limited.  It is also clear to me that the offensive line is limited in its ability.  Outside of Kalon DavisKalon Davis
RS Sr. Offensive Guard
#67 6-5, 340
Chester, SC

View Full Profile
I am not sure if anyone played well there Saturday night.

Finally, Clemson's wide receivers are inexperienced and will need a running game to help take pressure off of them.

So if you are limited at so many spots what is the answer?  My answer is the zone read.

The gap between Stoudt and Watson is not large enough to say one is better than the other but the style of offense that is needed indicates Watson is the best option.

The zone read offense takes some pressure off of the offensive line.  It gives the backs a chance at bigger plays in the running game.  It allows some play action and gives the wide outs and tight ends more of a chance at big plays.

In a perfect world Stoudt would continue to be the starter and excel while Watson took time to develop.  However, I think the offense needs an identity and this personnel needs the zone read game.

I would let Stoudt have had chance this weekend and at Florida State.  He deserves that.  However, if the Tigers fall to 1-2 overall, 0-1 in the division and the offense looks like it did last Saturday, a change would do the program some good.  Watson would provide hope.  He would give the Tigers new energy and enthusiasm.  It could work like it did in 1985 when Rodney Williams took over for Randy AndersonRandy Anderson
Quarterback (1984 - 1987)
#1 6-5, 210
Cowpens, SC

View Full Profile
and the offense changed in one week.  Williams went on to become the winningest quarterback in Clemson history.  Maybe Watson gives the Tigers a new lease on the season.

The future looks bright.  Artavis ScottArtavis Scott
Fr. Wide Receiver
#3 5-11, 190
Oldsmar, FL

View Full Profile
and Demarre KittDemarre Kitt
Fr. Wide Receiver
#8 6-1, 183
Tyrone, GA

View Full Profile
looked good Saturday.  Next season Cain and McCloud bring more talent.  The future at tight end looks bright and the next class of offensive linemen is perhaps the best the staff has ever signed.  But when will the future at quarterback take over?  Is the future now?  Is the future in three games?

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

src="https://2cic.b-cdn.net/t/ads/plyler/allstate_logo.gif" border=0>

border=0>

Prayer List

We have started a prayer list on the blog.  Here are the guidelines:

If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance.  The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.

If you would like to add someone to the list please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com

*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list.

Those who need our prayers include: Finn Brookover, Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got Igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S., Daniel Rosborough, the Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L., Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Perrin Seigler, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, the Nicolopulos family, "the Jacksonville, FL guys," Kim Sims, the Coyle family, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, the Thomas V. family, Emary Claire Young, Kitty Bowers, Julie Locke, the Scheider family, Lauren Kittles' family, Frank Gentry, Joyce Bussey, Stacey McKeown, Dale Childs, Larry Lentz, Jr., Carl Sharperson, Scott Hannon, William Perry, Tyler Swaney, Lillian, Mark Feit, David Frame, Chad Berry, the family of Matthew M. Watson, the Dowis family, Alan Putnam, the Olivers, Lee Tate, Ronnie Abrams, Eddie Greene, the Jackson family, Bill Vader, Jim Taylor, Tina DeWitt, Rock Horne, Bobby Wayne Thomas, Emma and Danielle Carothers, Robert Ditty, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith, Dot Cartee, Ayden Mills, Millie Heatley, Lynn Martin and family, Michael Pinson, Jake David family, Angie Crowley, Ira, Mike Tolson, Poly Wells, Dr. Muriel Bishop, Jack Cunningham, Emily Jefford Meister, Zachary Stoller, Aaron Clackum, Pat James, Cortney Moore, William Moore, Angelia and Savannah Anderson, William Ross, Scott Johns, Frank Carroll, Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson
Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA

View Full Profile
, Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Clay Childers, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders,  Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Amanda Peake, Danny Hammond, Chip Turner, Nick Collins, Allen Steen, the Sturkey family, the Lance family, Nick Chrisley's family, Allison Williams, Lt. Kyle Walker, Summer and Joel Johnson, Nicole O'Donnell, James O. Johnson, Joy Pruett and family, Bill Schmidt, Jack Bailey, Gardner Family, Charles Turner, Kathy Bartholomew, Ray Sanders, David and Robin Blocker, J.R. Ray, Kenneth Kowe, Lauren Sielicki, Jenna Phipps, Mark Lawrence, Harlan Sullins, Peter Laboy, Kat and Carlisle Jones, Elizabeth Galloway and family, Anita McDonald, Willard Harryman, Liz Surratt, Molly Senn, Jackie Shearer, Richard Sellers, Tim Drisdelle, Edward Easterling, Dawson Bourne, Susan and Mike Brown, Julie Goodman Marshall, Willard and Dorothy Harryman, Justin Jernigan, Jack  Cunningham,  Mia Daughtery, Tee Senn, Jim Lanier, Bob Garrett, Skylar, Joseph Thomas, Mrs. Nelis, Jeanne Thompson, Sean Rowell, George Parker, Levon KirklandLevon Kirkland
Linebacker
# 0, 0
,

View Full Profile
and family, Catherine Sewell, Randy Davenport, Patrick DeStefanoPatrick DeStefano
Offensive Line (2012 - 2013)
#71 6-5, 275
Spartanburg, SC

View Full Profile
, David Vaughn, Keith Dalton, B.T., Bill Hilbig, Rita Elrod Hammond and family, Jim McKeller, Tony Alewine, Sharon Storck, Dick Baird, Richard Bagnal, Tavaris BarnesTavaris Barnes
RS Sr. Defensive End
#9 6-4, 273
Jacksonville, FL

View Full Profile
and family, Dustin and Brittany Peurifoy, Jan Allan, Josh Cox, Tommy "Red" Harper, Gregg and Sylvia Lewis, Travis Hamrick, Kaki Harmon, Brandy Stephens and our great country and the men and women in uniform that protect and serve it every day, plus their families.

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Mickey Plyler: Email | Comment
FIRST LOOK: Clemson Basketball Dancing in March Bobblehead unveiled
FIRST LOOK: Clemson Basketball Dancing in March Bobblehead unveiled
4-star lineman picks up Clemson offer on visit
4-star lineman picks up Clemson offer on visit
WATCH: Clemson coordinators talk spring progress, break down latest scrimmage
WATCH: Clemson coordinators talk spring progress, break down latest scrimmage
No. 2 Tigers take on Hurricanes
No. 2 Tigers take on Hurricanes
Post your comments!