Mark Dantonio’s visit to Kalamazoo Friday morning was without the controversy of a year ago — when he interrupted a University of Michigan assistant mid-presentation — but it wasn’t without a headline.
After giving a speech at the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association clinic, Michigan State’s football coach told reporters Andrew Maxwell is his No. 1 quarterback.
“I will say this: Andrew Maxwell is still our No. 1 quarterback,” Dantonio said. “I think he’s proven over the long haul that, he’s been in our program for four years. I think he understands what to do, he needs to do things better at certain times, but that’s where I stand on that aspect.â€
Other than a less than inspiring endorsement — basically keeping the praise to “he’s been in our program four years” and “understands what to do” — what Dantonio said Friday was far less significant than his decision to pull Maxwell during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl three weeks ago.
What Dantonio said Friday was smart. It’ll help keep Maxwell as The Guy in eyes of his teammates during this offseason and give Maxwell a sense that all is not lost (and it’s not). It’s one thing to say these things to players in private. When it’s done publicly, it has more teeth.
But understand this: When Dantiono chose to go back to Connor Cook in the second half of the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, he declared this spring an open competition. Nothing that’s said before March can change that.
That moment on Dec. 29 was action. Friday was just words. And as we were reminded so often last season, the former is so much more important than the latter.
If Maxwell is the starter come Labor Day weekend, it’ll be because he won the job. But he’ll have to win it.
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Será cuando Gannett duplicar el sueldo de Graham Couch?
Si, donde es la biblioteca
That’s why we have not been to the rose bowl since 1988. Dantonio says his body of work has been enough over the last 4 years to be number 1 QB. the only body of work he has is a 6 an 6 record. Start the freshman Terry next year. Take a chance on a freshman for once. And by the time he’s a junior and senior we might have a shot at the rose bowl.
Graham
What do you think the chances are that Dantonio implements a platoon system like he did in 2010 between Nichols and Cousins during the non conference game between Maxwell and whoever impresses him the most in August?
Absolutely. I think if there is a platoon system it’ll include Damion Terry, because he’s a different sort of athlete. And I also think a platoon system is Maxwell’s best chance to win and hold the job.
Count on Damian to red shirt.
IMO…Maxwell will start come August 31st. Why?- MD is very loyal and knows they beat WMU either way. But expect either Cook or O’Conner to take over during game and remain as starter9s) for rest of season.
Manny Teo get catfished baby !!!
Coach D got QB controversy baby !!!
Paine and Dawsen go MMA baby !!!
Apps get “C” on jersey baby !!!
The Tanner bring the goods baby !!!
Hey Graham, the game was on Dec. 29th, not Dec. 30th…
Thanks. That Arizona-Minneapolis swing is blurring together.
Good points G
Coach D gave respect to a young man who deserves it and the best player for the job will start. Competition brings out the best in all of us.
Remember one thing about Maxwell, we hold onto some balls, we win a few more games and this whole thing looks different. Not to mention a maligned offense line.
Maxwell was awarded the job without competition(didn’t even play in spring game) and his play was just as uninspiring. The offenses poor performance was a product of Maxwells lack of leadership. A strong arm and intellegence doesn’t neccessarily make you a great quarterback, you also need the intangibles: pocket pressence, scrambling, burning desire to win at all cost. I believe that Maxwell lacks the latter.