The South Carolina Gamecocks will be facing off against the Minutemen of the University of Massachusetts this weekend. There are some rumblings that there may be significant playing time for the freshman quarterback. Most would think this is the former Pennsylvania State Gatorade Player of the Year Brandon McIlwain, but the freshman QB discussed here is Jake Bentley, son of running backs coach Bobby Bentley.
South Carolina Gamecocks QB Debate: Jake Bentley
Throughout the summer there was much talk about McIlwain and when he would take over the starting job. As quickly as he had won it, the job was lost almost just as fast. After being practically non-existent in our last two games, there may be a different freshman quarterback behind the helm. The Gamecocks offense, or lack thereof, ranks dead last in the NCAA in scoring. Not near the bottom, but at the very bottom. A change is needed, if nothing else but to save the mentality of the much improved defense.
Insert Jake Bentley
After his dad took the position in Columbia as the running backs coach, he was left with a tough decision. Have the family separated by staying in Opelika, AL, finishing out his senior year of high school and football, or graduate early. At this point in time, Bentley should be preparing for his high school homecoming game, not college. Other than the few comments from coaches, there isn’t much information for any fan as far as what to expect.
So let’s look at some of his stats from high school. With him leaving after his junior season of high school, his stats are limited. Bentley took over the starting role in his junior year; during his last season of high school, he threw for 2834 yards, 28 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Bentley also added 340 yards on the ground with an additional four scores, also added a receiving touchdown as well.
Jake Bentley appears to be more of a polished passing quarterback than Brandon McIlwain, as well as having the more prototypical quarterback frame. At 6’3″ and 233 pounds, he has the build to hold up to the beating a SEC quarterback will face. But why stop the comparisons at their physical attributes?
In Comparison
Let’s take a look at Brandon McIlwain’s junior season of high school for a direct comparison. McIlwain threw for 2018 yards, 17 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. There is obviously a big change here as far as a passer goes. Furthermore, Brandon McIlwain is a dual threat. Brandon rushed for 1027 yards and added 18 touchdowns while averaging over 100 yards on the ground per game.
Looking Forward
The Gamecocks should decide on their offensive identity and begin to move forward with one of these young quarterbacks. Do they want to have a quarterback like Bentley that can sit back and pick apart defenses with the young, talented receivers? Or do they want to continue to develop McIlwain as a passer and live with the growing pains to be able to run the multiple offense that he allows? The plan will start to unfold beginning this Saturday.
Gamecock Nation should expect to see at least two quarterbacks play in this Saturday’s game at a minimum. Could head coach Will Muschamp have something else up his sleeve? Could he cancel the red-shirt talk on Lorenzo Nunez?
I’d love to hear your feedback. Contact me via Twitter, @tealroosterlwos, or via email, [email protected]. #SpursUp
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