Man.
Georgia
The candidates: Jake Fromm, Justin Fields
Returning starter: Fromm
What to watch: The good news is that Fromm knows the drill. He was in Fields’ position a year ago, hoping to beat out a returning starter (Eason). The difference is that Fromm helped Georgia win the SEC and reach the national title game, showing incredible maturity with efficient passing (he was rated ninth nationally) and limited mistakes (seven interceptions in 291 attempts). He has to hold off Fields, a possible once-in-a-decade prospect who enrolled early and will compete this spring. Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a Nick Saban disciple, won’t hesitate to make a change, so Fromm must continue to develop.
And I thought we were supposed to wait at least until the G-Day QBR numbers rolled in.
Get The Picture 
We just played for the NC. Everything is more urgent now, even made up or premature controversy.
LikeLike
Any controversy would be made up. Fromm is the man. He proved it all season, especially the SECCG and playoffs. I can’t think of another QB in the nation I would rather have than Fromm. No way Fields can beat him out. Looking good in practice and the G day game is a lot different from being effective against SEC defenses. No disrespect to Fields, glad we have him as a backup, but he’s sitting for 3 years.
LikeLike
He proved he could get UGA to the title. Agree.
He didn’t prove he could win it. Fromm is aware the door is never closed, and if Fields is as amazing as everyone says (I’m skeptical he’s ready, but you never know) Fromm is going to be pushed.
LikeLike
“He didn’t prove he could win it.”
From a guy who thought we would be an also-ran in the East, that’s priceless.
LikeLike
Excuse me? I had UGA winning 9 games this year back in AUG. Hardly an “also-ran.” I think you confused me with someone else.
LikeLike
You didn’t even have them winning the East as I recall. I believe you had Florida winning the East. If I missed that, I apologize.
LikeLike
Oh I missed on UF big time. I had both UGA and UF 9-3. I just assumed UF would win in Jax as they tend to do that. Again… not an also-ran. But I did whiff on UF.
I had UGA losing to ND, AUB, and UF back in August.
LikeLike
Going into 2017, UGA had a bunch of questions, a bunch of opportunities to answer those questions, and had earned zero benefit of the doubt. (Nicholls.) I thought 10 wins and an SECCG flameout was the absolute ceiling.
LikeLike
Feels good to be wrong, doesn’t it? 2017 was the best season of my (admittedly short) fandom. The ending was… brutal. So brutal, actually. But the season as a whole was great. Now let’s climb that last rung.
LikeLike
He didn’t prove he could win it.?
He wasnt in the secondary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He ain’t sitting for 3 years. He will get snaps in game 1 and continue to work in throughout the year.
LikeLike
My assumption as well. I think our “Wild Dawg” package just got multiple.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, Fields will see the, uh, playing surface.
And I like Mecole in the Wild Dawg as well. Just throw it once every blue moon.
LikeLike
We definitely need to throw some from that formation to do a better job of keeping the defense honest.
LikeLike
By “sitting” I meant he won’t be the starting QB. He’ll get plenty of garbage time snaps and can be effective in special situations like Tebow was in his first year. I have never seen a true freshman QB mature the way Fromm has.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fromm didn’t get us to a national title. We had quality, experienced players at positions all over the field. As it played out, we only had 5 games we could lose all year (ND, Auburn twice, OU and Bama) and we lost 2 of those. I’m not hating on Fromm – he played very well, especially for a true Frosh. That said, Fields brings a different level of athleticism for sure and may prove to be the better QB. If Saban just assumed Hurts was his QB no matter what because they made the title game with him before, we’d be national champs right now. Fields will get plenty of time on the field next year. You don’t bring in a guy like him to sit, no matter who else you have at the position. Kind of like Swift at RB this year. Look at the contributions he made despite us being loaded at RB. Some guys are too talented to be kept off the field. Eason only got in for mop up duty because he didn’t bring anything to the table different from Fromm skill set wise. Different deal
with Fields. If you are hoping that Fields is going to sit for 2-3 years until
Fromm leaves, you are going to be
disappointed. They will compete in
practice and games. May the best
man win. It may or may not be Fromm.
LikeLike
Not even close to reality.
//repeatedly bangs head on table
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he’s got a cannon for an arm, but he’s a pocket passer. A pocket passer with less mobility than Fromm. Even with Fromm, he’s going to usually throw it away if a play breaks down. Deshaun Watson absolutely torched Bama’s D two years in a row because he could break contain and improvise. Fields could be that type of player. Fromm can not and Eason even less so. You can talk about height, arm strength, NFL potential as differences between Fromm and Eason, but it’s not like one is a drop back passer and one is a dual threat. The game plan is going to be pretty much the same no matter which one is in the
game.
LikeLike
That’s not my point, even though you’re wrong about their skill sets.
Eason sat because they were winning with Fromm and the coaches didn’t want to disrupt team chemistry. It ain’t rocket science, unless you’ve got an agenda.
LikeLike
This is horseshit and you know it. Fromm played because he was better. Admit it, unless you have an agenda.
LikeLike
Are you taking what I wrote as a crack at Fromm? Jesus, some of you people.
Maybe you should take the trouble to read my posts about Fromm. I thought he had a great season.
As far as who’s better, the only ones who know the answer to that are the coaches. So unless you’ve heard from them, all you’ve got is an uninformed opinion, which you’re certainly welcome to.
LikeLike
“Eason sat because the were winning with Fromm.” Yeah, my reading comprehension must suck.
LikeLike
You don’t think Fromm’s performance was a large part of why UGA was winning? I do.
Your reading comprehension does suck, now that you mention it.
Again, please feel free to find any posts where I wrote it was a mistake to leave Fromm as the starter because I thought Eason was better.
LikeLike
I remember a similiar argument. Bledsloe sat because they were winning with Brady.
LikeLike
Maybe you can explain why the coaches named Eason the starter if Fromm was clearly better.
This is a really stupid argument you’re trying to pick here.
LikeLike
So, going with Eason at the beginning of the year, for 3 series, when Fromm had never taken a live snap in a college game, means that Eason was better? Got it. Your argument is dumb if you are still out here, on the street, trying to say that Eason was judged to be better, but he did not get to play because of dumb luck of injury; and since his team was rolling, he had to sit out the year. Sorry, I don’t buy it. Fromm was pushing him in the spring, as told to the press by Smart (although disregarded), and then, when the Fromm had a chance, he showed that he was talented and able to win big games. You were at the Notre Dame game. You think Eason wins that one? I don’t. Sorry. FROMM GOT BETTER QUICKLY AND WAS BETTER THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. We can disagree forever as far as I am concerned. Fromm was the missing spice that this team needed to go the distance and damn near won it, and he did it as a true freshman. No Fromm, no SEC title or Rose bowl win.
LikeLike
Why am I supposed to care who’s better?
I was thrilled with the job Fromm did this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is horseshit and you know it. Eason started the first game because he was better. Admit it, unless you have an agenda.
LikeLike
You’rebothwrong
Eason started the first game because Fromm had not proven yet that he was better. However the coaches felt they owed Eason the nod, because Eason had a decent freshman year, and they wanted to see what he could do with that experience, and another spring practice under his belt. Too bad for Eason that he got hurt early. With a little experience, Fromm showed what he could do, and UGA never looked back.
LikeLike
I continue to be impressed with my readers who have such intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the program. Can any of you tell me who Kirby is hiring as the tenth assistant coach? THANKS.
LikeLike
I’m not “hoping” Fields sits. If he wins the job, great for him. I just think he has zero chance of winning the job. That’s just my opinion, I cannot foretell the future. You can have 4 or 5 running backs who all contribute. You can have only one starting QB. Like I said, Fields can be effective is certain special situations, but he ain’t gonna be starting. Also Fromm ain’t Jalen Hurts.
LikeLike
Never say never.
LikeLike
I love Jake Fromm, but, Justin Fields will be the starter by his 2nd year. Maybe sooner.
LikeLike
I agree. But sadly for him, another 5-star recruit will earn the job away from Fields by 2021. Bank on it.
LikeLike
Jaboo has a point. It will be interesting to see how the coaches handle Fields. I’d love to see a red shirt. We will also never know if Fromm would have won the job had Eason not been injured to give him the stage. How could you pull Fromm after ND?
LikeLike
“We will also never know if Fromm would have won the job had Eason not been injured to give him the stage”
I’ve wondered about this. What does that say about our coaches’ ability to evaluate practice time? Why does a player have to get hurt before we realize the guy behind him is better? It makes you wonder if we have any other positions were the better player is waiting to get his shot.
LikeLike
I don’t see any questions with the coaching staff. Eason had a solid year and was expected to improve. Fromm threw 1 fewer INT than Eason behind a much improved OL. QB especially you never know how a kid will play when the game is real and if the kids are following someone, individual stats mean less than what the team does as a whole.
Fromm won the game and the team in South Bend and after that it was Fromm’s job to give away. Eason was on the sidelines on crutches. We can second guess everything just as with anything in life. Who knows what Eason would achieve in Athens if he never injured that knee and had the stage at South Bend. I do think we will get to see his potential at Washington.
LikeLike
“I’d love to see a red shirt.”
Not me. If he can play, get him in there in whatever way we can. Redshirts are a thing of the past for guys who can contribute right away.
LikeLike
I agree except for the QB position. You can rotate WR, RB, DB, LB, etc. plus other positions with much less impact on chemistry. Rotating QB’s just doesn’t work well for either QB or the offense in general. I think both feel they have limited opportunities and that creates less patience because they feel like they need to make a play instead of taking what is there and not forcing the ball into the places they shouldn’t under the game conditions.
LikeLike
Exactly, Moreno showed healthy RBs should rarely be red shirted.
I would love to have Shockley back for 1 more and he did throw some costly INTs when he was rotating into the game.
David Green also benefited from a red shirt.
I would also say red shirting should not be a set in stone decision. I would take my chances with Joe Cox over JoeT3 in the WLOCP when Shock was injured. If UGA won out who is to say where that team would finish.
Positions vary in cost/benefit of a redshirt. OL and QB are more likely to benefit. RBs least likely.
LikeLike
#3 begins USC and Texas
LikeLike
Our defense won that Notre Dame game. The O scored only 20 and netted only 13 considered Notre Dame’s only TD came due to a Fromm turnover deep in our own territory.
There are at least a handful of guys you think of before Davin Bellamy on this team, but he made two enormous plays that allowed this season to be as special as it was. If he doesn’t make the strip sack against ND, they are only 25-30 yards from being in position to kick the winning FG. If that had happened, we would have been focusing on all of the stupid penalties in that game (like the previous season) and how Fromm played pretty well for a Freshman, but not good enough.
LikeLike
QB is a magnified position. A W can often make a QB look better than he is and L worse than he is.
LikeLike
I can’t see how Fields would not get a few snaps in the opener and some other blowouts IF they occur. The difference here is that lots of fans were unimpressed with Eason and sure that Fromm was great even before he proved it. Fromm has lots more capital with fans and coaches than Eason did but I don’t see Fields redshirting.
LikeLike
I can see Fields staying off the field to gain a year of separation. If we assume Fromm stays 4 years, it would give Fields 2 as a starter. Bennett who played Mayfield on the scout team would get cleanup snaps. I see Fromm much like Murray, a great college QB but he doesn’t have the height to make NFL scouts drool.
LikeLike
I guess that’s why he (Fromm) is projected in some circles to be the number one pick in the NFL draft if he continues to progress.
LikeLike
The redshirt question with Fields is interesting. Lack of numbers at the position may necessitate it if Fromm gets dinged up but I would think the hope is to get through the season without Fields playing so he can redshirt. That would give Fields two seasons to start after Fromm graduates.
I can also see where they would want to get Fields game experience or have packages for to take advantage of his skill set but is that worth burning a year of eligibility for? I sure wish they would institute the new rule allowing them to play in four games and still have it count as a redshirt year.
LikeLike
A little spring game QBR pregame debate never hurt anybody.
LikeLike
It’s certainly how we separate the trolls from the boys.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Come to think of it, the post-spring game commentary is kinda your annual tag a troll week. I will do my best to avoid that label, however I really think Mettenburger will push Murray this year and should start about mid season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The guy who, long after he transferred, would say UGA was screwed because it never made Christian LeMay the starter will never be topped IMO. “Murray couldn’t compete with Mr. Clutch LeMay” or whatever.
LikeLike
I see 2018 being very similar to how Corch utilized Tebow in 2006 behind Leak…he’s just too talented to keep off the field. Fromm is obviously a very special cognitive talent which is likely the only way he held off Eason and did what he did this year. Fields will be LETHAL in 3rd and short situations with the stress his running and throwing ability will put the defense under. I see no way Fields overcomes the lead Fromm has this year, however he will definitely see the field a lot. 2019 could be interesting if he closes the mental gap that will come with experience and learning the playbook since his physical talents are superior to Fromm. They both seem like great kids and hopefully it all works out for both and we get plenty of W’s. It’s a great situation to be in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m more inclined to see a David Greene & D.J. Shockley situation. CMR’s insistence on using all QBs as prototypical dropback passers, no matter the skillset, denied us a lot of opportunities to use Shockley’s scrambling and elusiveness. I think that situation underscores how difficult it is to have two very talented QBs with different skillsets, but also use them to greatest effect.
LikeLike
That’s Better than the QB controversy at Bama.
LikeLike
There’s not one at Bama. Tua is the guy.
LikeLike
I’m guessing Hurts moves to the slot or RB.
LikeLike
Or he moves on to FAU with the Laner
LikeLike
Imagine the angst if Eason were going to still be here.
LikeLike
I would think if Eason were staying it would be much more clear. Fromm starts, Eason is backup, and Fields takes a redshirt.
LikeLike
Don’t we just wait and start him in the second half of the SECCG against Bama?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shh
LikeLike
No way short of injury does Fields see the…uhh..field. You NEVER bench a QB with just two losses in his career for the other guy with a different skill set. AMIRITE?!
LikeLike
Especially if one of the two losses was in the National Title game. 😉
LikeLike
Please, no one start the silly “red shirt the 5 star QB” discussion again. We went through this last year, we need 2 QBs ready at all times. We have 2 scholarship QBs on the roster, both need snaps and preparation.
The Leak/Tebow point has enough relevancy to our situation that I feel it is a direction for us to adopt. It has the advantage of getting both QBs meaningful reps in game situations, and gives the defense a lot to prepare for. What the split should be will take care of itself, doesn’t have to be contrived, and the percentage may vary against different opponents. Let’s turn this into a positive and not take sides…for a change.
LikeLike
Just because the goal is to red shirt doesn’t mean he isn’t ready should Fromm get injured.
LikeLike
Not taking a live snap doesn’t equate to “being ready” for a team that has their eye on competing for an SEC title, or more, to me. I made this same argument about Fromm last year to those who felt we should let talent sit on the pine. We got lucky because his time came when it wasn’t far removed from the summer competition. (For the record, I don’t think Smart was ever planning to waste a year with Fromm.)
Had Eason gotten hurt before/during a TN, FU, or AU game and Fromm had been weeks/months without practice reps, we would have been screwed because the true backup would have gotten the only non-Eason practice snaps after late August. Would have ruined our special year for certain. Keeping Fields away from running the game day offense would be negligent on Smart’s part. Note that Tua would not have been an option if Saban thought the way you did. Red shirting has more limited uses in today’s game, doing so while having one scholarship QB on the roster could be a terminal offense.
LikeLike
Redshirt doesn’t mean they aren’t getting practice reps. It just means they aren’t playing during the game.
LikeLike
+1
LikeLike
Fields is gonna play, mainly due to your second sentence. And I agree, it is a positive…
LikeLike
This discussion is going to go on for the whole year. G-Day will decide nothing. We have a QB that has been in the arena and has performed 13-2. On the other side we are getting a high school player that, while great in high school, must learn a new system, new receivers, new coaches and college life. Why unless Fromm is injured, like Eason was, would you expect Kirby to want to start his third year at UGA with the third true freshman QB.
At some point in time you can’t just jump to the newest shiny object that the fans are in love with. Kirby needs to have player leadership and Fromm is a known leader. You want to tear up team chemistry real quick mess with the guy that got you to the National Championship in favor of a true freshman hotshot.
LikeLike
Agree 100%.
LikeLike
What about that Bennett kid? I hear he is the real deal and really is the best QB on the roster.
LikeLike
LOL you must be joking.
LikeLike
I’m betting that Fields is coming to be prepared to run the 2nd team offense. If they need him to play meaningful snaps this year due to injury or ineffectiveness, he will. If not, he does everything but play on Saturday. Otherwise, Bennett takes the mop up duty snaps. In this case, you have to get class separation unless you think Fields is going to take the job from Fromm … that ain’t happening without an injury.
I would be very surprised he would come in to play Tebow to Fromm as Leak. Everyone forgets Chris Leak was a senior and Tebow a true freshman. Meyer wanted to use Tebow as that battering ram in run situations. It was the perfect way to get him meaningful game reps in preparation for 2007.
It’s a good problem to have regardless of outcome.
LikeLike
Thank God Malcom Parrish is gone, he caused us the championship
LikeLike
I hate that you went that far. He undoubtedly had a horrible game, which I will put more because of his not being being fully recovered from the prior injury, and because the coaches didn’t pull him when they saw he was struggling the entire night, not just on the final play. There is plenty of blame to go around: terrible use of our offense in the 2nd half, 2-3 really inexplicable, blown calls/whiffs by the officals (at least two of which directly changed the outcome), and failure to call a defensive timeout prior to the 2nd and 26 play that beat us. But while Parrish had a significant role in some plays that went badly, it isn’t all on him, even the last play’s result. And I wish no fan would ever say that again. Put it in the perspective of “one of the reasons” we let this get away,but never attribute it all to one player unless there was a deliberate intent to sabotage the game by them.
Parrish has been a DGD for years, and I am sure he wishes he had been healthy and able to do more his senior season. Shame on you!
LikeLike