I never heard a good explanation of that call. The TV sportscasters didn’t get it either from what I heard. Does anyone know wht the problem with the formation was???

We were on probation from 2002-2006, we felt the effects of it before 2002, and — although we are 6-0 — we are still feeling it today. JPW finished high school in 2004 as a highly touted QB in Alabama, but, as I recall, he didn’t receive as much love outside the state (stars and sh#t). Coach Saban is a great recruiter, but he’s not the only reason we’re beginning to see more highly rated kids back at the Capstone.

most of the great QBs that Bama has had played at the school when running the ball was about all that was done. Passing was almost a necessary evil during some of those times (3rd and long situations, etc.). The only record setting QBs that did not play during times like that (that come to mind immediately, anway) were Zow and Brodie. Brodie would still have just about every record if he’d had an O-line and had stayed healthy. Zow set the records he did just because the great QBs before him handed the ball off so much that they didn’t put up the numbers that West-Coast teams, for example, would have put up. However, had we asked Namath, Stabler, etc. to pass every down, they would undoubtedly have put up numbers that would still be standing today.

Enter JPW – his first three years have been played with a team that didn’t have the ability to put out a strong run. Darby had a terrible year two years ago, and Grant played hurt for a good portion of last year. Also, there were serious problems with the O-line that have just gotten straightened out this year (and even now, we have no depth – we just have an awesome starting 5). All of that put together means pass, pass, pass – and pass he did. Sometimes to the other team, but he’s made a TON of passing attempts – sometimes 35 or so a game. All of that is going to get you some records when you follow QBs who were able to hand the ball off with great success.

Now, in JPW’s defense, you also have to be decently accurate, and have a bit of an arm, to set records like that. He’s not a terrible QB. But, he’s not elite either – the comparisons of his play this year with Jay Barker are good. All in all, I’m not unhappy with him this year, at all. He has done nothing to cause us to lose games, and has had some pretty brilliant moments. Even against KY, his numbers would have been a WHOLE lot better had some of the penalties not been called – and he can’t be faulted for any of those (the formation penalty was a mis-call). Do I look forward to a time when we have an elite QB at Bama? Yep. But if the Tide finishes the year like they started it, or even relatively close, JPW will hear no complaints from me this year.

As far as his records go, if you throw the ball enough times you will have the record for most completions. He has over 900 attempts and as far as the yardage record, if he throws a 5 yard pass to Coffee and he takes it 80 yards to the house, JPW gets the full 80 yards on his stats, even though he actually only completed a 5 yard pass.

Look, I am not saying the kid is the worst QB we have ever had. I am just saying the same thing that Spock stated, why can’t we get a consistent QB. The last consistent QB I remember was Jay Barker and he wasn’t flashy but he always got the job done and lead his team to a W.

Now, having said that I will say that his leadership and decision-making have vastly improved this year. I think if he continues to do the things he has been doing and improving throughout the year he will be a force to be dealt with at the end of the year.