Yesterday, with the social equivalent of pitchforks at his door, Pack coach Dave Doeren announced that sophomore M.J. Morris would take over at quarterback for the Wolfpack. The plan had been to redshirt Morris so he could learn a new offense behind graduate transfer Brennan Armstrong, but that approach quickly became untenable based on the state of the State offense, especially during a senseless loss to Louisville.
Continuing to trot Armstrong out there with "M-J-Mor-ris" chants ringing across Carter-Finley Stadium and one of the country's best defenses on the same sideline didn't feel like an option. Finally, Doeren & Co. agreed.
Armstrong has a dismal completion percentage (58.8) and five touchdowns against six interceptions. Unfortunately, he's also NC State's leading rusher, with 286 yards and three scores on the ground.
Like Armstrong, Morris brings a mobility factor -- a key variable behind one of the conference's worst offensive lines -- but has a stronger arm and more confidence in taking downfield shots. As a true freshman a season ago, he saw action in five games, accounting for eight touchdowns against a single interception.
I would have preferred that Morris saw action before the fifth week of the season, but that's a coaching mistake that can't be fixed right now. Obviously, there are a host of other offensive concerns -- a borderline disastrous offensive line, young and unrefined receivers, no proven running backs, and mind-boggling playcalling -- but M.J. Morris at least offers hope, which is a precious commodity around Wolfpack Nation at the minute.
No comments:
Post a Comment