Fact or Fiction: Jeremiah Masoli is the best quarterback in the Pac-10
by dvieira on May 26, 2009 10:00 AM PDT
in Oregon Ducks Football
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Last week's "Fact or Fiction" was such a kick in the pants, the Addicted to Quack editors got together for a Memorial Day Weekend email extravaganza discussing an entirely new topic, one sure to cause saber rattling from all across the Pac-10. A topic so bold, so outside the box, that I shudder even in writing it. We are talking quarterbacks this week. The 2009 season looks to be interesting as several teams will be bringing in new quarterbacks to fill voids left by graduation and the NFL Draft. Oregon has a clearly established number 1 guy but Jeremiah Masoli isn't the only big name coming back as a few other teams will be returning starting signal callers. With all of the set up and pagentry afforded to us by our lush contracts here at ATQ, I give to you this week's question.
Fact or Fiction: Jeremiah Masoli is the best quarterback in the Pac-10.
JConant > FACT
Hmm... There are so many ways to define "best". I'm going to go with who will be the All-Pac-10 QB at the end of the season. So, my answer is FACT, Jeremiah Masoli is the best QB in the Pac-10.
Jake Locker probably should have been, but that's not happening for him at this point. After two seasons of injuries and limited development, Locker can't do it alone. And on that UW team, he's pretty much alone. Kevin Riley (Cal) could pull it off behind a solid line and running game. Whoever QBs OSU could do the same, but only if two guys named Rogers stay healthy all season. Would anyone really be surprised if Aaron Corp is great at USC? Would anyone really be surprised if he isn't great and gets replaced by freshman phenom Matt Barkley?
Stanford - new guy. ASU - new guy. UCLA - new guy. Arizona - new guy. WSU - doesn't matter, they blow.
Masoli wins almost by default, though he's probably good enough to win anyways. I would suggest that the best quarterback Oregon faces all year won't be from the Pac-10.
PaulSF > FACT
Every part of me wants to say FICTION, just to break the cycle, but I simply cannot. This is an absolute FACT, for all the same reasons Jeremy outlined. His only competition will come from a handful of first-year quarterbacks and Locker. I legitimately think Locker is the only guy who could win the award other than Masoli barring something completely unexpected. If Washington wins 5 or 6 games, Locker would definitely be in the running.
But let's be honest: There's no way in hell that is happening.
jtlight > FACT
It would be fun to be contrary, but there is no competition at this point. Masoli will almost definitely be the most productive QB in the Pac-10 this season.
While Jake Locker could be more physically talented, he does not have the consistency even close to necessary to push Masoli. The only player I think have a decent chance to overtaking Masoli is whoever starts for USC, simply because they play for USC. If the USC QB is efficient and productive, he could overtake Masoli simply because scouts don't see much in Masoli because of his accuracy issues and height. This may not be fair, but that's just how things work.
However, at this point, he's the clear frontrunner for 1st team Pac-10 QB.
dvieira > FACT
Tough for me to say fact but the statistics back it up. Masoli was 3rd in the conference last year in total offense, accounting for 205.2 yards per game. The two guys ahead of him, Mark Sanchez and Willie Tuitama, have moved on to try their hands at the NFL. Lyle Moevao from Oregon State was 4th in the list, one spot behind Masoli but he might not even be the starter for the Beavers in the fall. Kevin Craft at #5 won't be the starter for UCLA. Rudy Carpenter is gone to graduation and Tavita Pritchard was more than 50 yards per game behind Masoli on average. The closest competition for Masoli will be whomever starts for Oregon State. Both guys in Moevao and Canfield will be back for their senior years and the offense shouldn't be a question for the Beavs next year. Right now though, Masoli has a clear edge coming back over Moevao because of his injury/job status and Canfield because of consistency.
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He’s definitely the most proven. I can’t say he’ll be the best at the end of the ‘09 season, but he’s already been more productive than Locker ever has been. (Similar running stats, only Masoli has less yards and attempts, but they have very similar YPA.)
Of course, USC is up in the air, but Mustain has been just as mistake prone and inconsistent as anyone else in the Pac-10 (Including his stint in Arkansas), but he has a lot more experience than the rest at USC. Their situation is very similar to Cal’s situation in ’08
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
Last I heard, the depth chart at U$C was looking like Corp, Barkley, Mustain.
It's spelled "T-A-K-I-M-O-T-S-C-H-M-O-E."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
No surprise there. Do you go with a young guy that has thrown 4 in his collegiate career? A super recruit that has zero? Or an experienced guy that throws just as many INTs as TDs?
Would be nice to get some perspective from a Trojan blogger. **cough**PargonSC/DC Trojan**cough**
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
i just have that feeling that it’s USC and whoever starts will work out great. it’s just sad really…
It's spelled "T-A-K-I-M-O-T-S-C-H-M-O-E."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
Essentially what I’m saying is, while he showed skills that were of the caliber of the nation’s best at the end of the year, he’s also made a lot of mistakes as he was learning the offense. Masoli is currently the best by default, while Sanchez was the best through results.
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
In a really bad year for Pac-10 quarterbacks, yeah, I’d say that Masoli is the best. Does that mean he’s the first-round draft pick, legit Heisman candidate that the Pac-10 is known for producing? No. But is he better than Marshall Loebbestall, Kevin Prince, and Danny Sullivan? Yes. My QB list looks roughly like this:
1. Masoli
2. Jake Locker
3. Aaron Corp
4. Kevin Riley
5. The Moevao/Canfield mediocre machine
6. Danny Sullivan (if there are 5 offensive linemen on the ASU roster this year)
7. Kevin Prince
8. Whatever hack is starting for Stanfurd
9. Whatever hack is starting for Arizona
10. Marshall Loebbestall
It's spelled "T-A-K-I-M-O-T-S-C-H-M-O-E."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
I’m glad that you had Moevao listed as 5. While he’s experienced, the dude is an interception for touchdown machine. The out throw against Oregon was simply terrible. But the alternative is Canfield, who couldn’t even be productive against a rebuilt OSU secondary. It’s not looking that promising. It’ll be the Rodgers show in Corvallis next year.
However, at this point, I’m taking Corp over Locker. Locker just can’t throw the freaking ball. All you have to do is crowd the line, and force him to go deep, which he can’t do consistently. Corp had a spectacular spring with almost no mistakes, and if that’s how he plays over the season, USC will be just fine.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
keep in mind that the terrible out throw against Oregon was a guy with a screwed up throwing shoulder that required surgery in the offseason and I think Canfield did pretty well in their spring game. In fact, most of the reports coming out of spring ball for Oregon State concerned how bad the secondary looked because all of the quarterbacks were torching them.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
And then Canfield threw three interceptions in the spring game. I think this was mostly due to pressure, but still, that’s a bad sign.
And for Moevao, whether or not his shoulder was screwed up, he should know if he can make that throw before he throws it. He stared down the receiver the ENTIRE way, and then let loose a terrible throw. And it not shockingly went for 6 points the other way.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Agree on Corp over Locker.
Even if Locker had a better cast on offensive, the UW defense will keep that team playing from behind in a lot of games. That will force Locker to drop back and throw/run probably more often than Sarkisian would like. That’s probably a disaster waiting to happen on several levels. Locker will always do some things that make our jaw drop, but the overall productivity won’t be there on a 2-10 or 3-9 team. I’d probably even put Canfield/Moevao ahead of Locker simply due to circumstances at UW.
If we were just talking about skill and future prospects for college and NFL productivity, I might argue that Matt Barkley at USC is the “best” QB in the conference.
And while past performance isn’t a strong indicator of this suggestion, I still think there’s a possibility that Cal’s Kevin Riley is the surprise of the conference in 2009.
I'm really tired of it not being football season.
The problem I have with Riley…is…what has he done? If he was showing flashes of greatness, that’d be one thing, but he just seems to be a very average QB. Masoli showed flashes early on, and became consistent in the final games of 2008. But I just didn’t see much out of Riley. He just never showed the flash that makes you go, he could be the best QB in the conference. I don’t think there’s any reason to think he could pull that together this year.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
He did show flashes
It’s just that he’s inconsistent
Oregon State 07: After a shaky series or two he plays real well, even exploding in the 4th Q, avoiding a safety and driving Cal about 90yds in less than a minute. But then he decided to run.
Air Force (Armed Forces Bowl) 07: He was sensational. True he had Desean, Hawkins, and Jordan and it was against Air Force but he just exploded.
Michigan St 08: He might not have been “brilliant” but he was damn good.
And for the hell of it after his first pick against Oregon in 08 he was looking pretty damn good until you guys knocked him out with a concussion
In other words, Go Bears!
I think Masoli is the best right now
but I’m not sure that he will be at the end of the season.
PADO
Fact
But he’s not a traditional QB of course so it’s hard to compare him.
God, what a turn around he’s had since he had that comeback vs. Stanford…
Proud member of Duck nation!
Wasn’t he brought in as a traditional QB? I thought it was the same sort of deal as Dixon—recruited as a passer, the running is gravy.
Yes
He ended up being better than Dixon (certainly a much better passer)…
Proud member of Duck nation!
Wait.. what?
Wait.. what?It is impossible for me to disagree with this more. It’s an 11 on my disagree-o-meter, and that only goes up to 10.
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
He has a more accurate arm than Dixon
Dixon was not the greatest passer in the world, Masoli is a very good passer who can also run…
Proud member of Duck nation!
No...
Not in any way. Dixon was incredibly accurate, especially on the deep ball. Masoli doesn’t come anywhere near him at this point. Dixon was over 60% his entire career, and up to 67+% his senior year.
There is simply no comparison between Dennis Dixon and Jeremiah Masoli in terms of passing. Dixon was better in just about every respect.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
And I really, really, really disagree with that.
While Dixon ‘05-’06 wasn’t great, ’07, Dixon NAILED his throws.
Dixon hits target in stride vs OU
This pass is about the most accurate toss one can make as Dixon nails Paysinger in the Big House for 85 Yards. Actually, he had a few big bombs that were nailed in that game.
Masoli’s best passing performance, the receivers made great plays – but they generally always had to make a move on someone after they had the ball. I also remember Masoli bringing out the boo-birds against Stanford, and he threw 2-3 passes right at the feet of open receivers, in addition to throwing it a bit high for most of the season.
Dixon was much, much more accurate. His completion rate shows that, as jtlight showed. The reason why Dixon even got drafted was because of his accuracy, especially on out routes. Not his athleticism (He had to show his arm while he was still in recovery for his ACL). The Steelers aren’t anxious to convert him to a slash, because they value him as a passer.
Now Masoli’s running ability… I’ll take that over Dixon’s.
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
Did Dixon celebrate?
I think I saw Dixon celebrating after the OU touchdown. I can’t be sure because I have never seen it before. An interesting sight indeed.
Oh and Dixon is a far superior passer. NFL, done.
Sleeping under an avalanche with Cartman, wake me Sept 3.
funny
Mine too… well, except for that one game against some orange team this year. But Dixon was out of college so it works.
Sleeping under an avalanche with Cartman, wake me Sept 3.
What I also mean
Is that if Dixon would have won the Heisman (and he would have if he hadn’t gotten hurt), Masoli should be able to even easier since I think he has more talent…
Proud member of Duck nation!
That's a bold statement...
Is that if Dixon would have won the Heisman (and he would have if he hadn’t gotten hurt), Masoli should be able to even easier since I think he has more talent…
May we hand you your taints on a silver platter...
Right now it is 83% v 16%.
I’ll be honest, I thought the gap would be bigger; would any one mind explaining their side of the story on why Masoli isn’t the best QB in the Pac-10?
"It’s spelled S-H-U-F-E-L-T-M-E-U-P"
My guess is definitions. He’s not the most physically talented QB in the conference, and he may be looked at as a “system” QB.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Fact
I had to read comments before voting, simply because I wanted to see explanations first. I think this has to go with overall success, as in, individual stats and team production. With that in mind, I think that Masoli will do very well and be at the top if not close to the top in that frame of discussion. I don’t think that his numbers will be all that stellar game in and out (nothing that will make you go WOW, aside for maybe a rushing yardage total), but you may see something like 60% completion, 200 yards, 2 TD, no picks and maybe a fumble. If he keeps cranking out wins with that, I think that is what it will take to be the best in the Conference. I could see him throwing for around 2500-3000 yards, 60-65% completion, 1000 yards rushing, 18 passing TD, 13 rushing TD, 7 or 8 picks and a handful of fumbles. These may seem like pretty low totals, and I hope that I am wrong if they are. Seeing how he ran the offense last year, these seem resonable to me, and I would be comfortable with it so long as we get the wins.
There are too many other variables about the other kids out there that we just don’t know yet. We haven’t seen a lot of the projected starters in games yet. the statement that Masoli is the best may go in his direction, simply by default.
May we hand you your taints on a silver platter...
Not that he couldn't be capable - we just don't pass nearly that much.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Dear Joevan, Develop motor skills. Love, ATQ.
That is what I mean
I think he is capable, but not likely. I think that 2500 might be the ceiling.
May we hand you your taints on a silver platter...
In defense of skywalker9
Although I disagree with just about everything skywalker9 has said, I think I know what he’s driving at. Dixon, up until his last season, did not put up mind-blowing numbers. In his first season as a Duck, Masoli was a better passer than Dixon in 2006 (his junior year) statistically in most measures (completion percentage was really the category Masoli DIDN’T win, but accuracy was ALWAYS Dixon’s M.O.). Of course, let’s not forget Dixon had three different OCs throughout his Oregon career (Ludwig, Crowton and Kelly). Also worth noting: Masoli had a better season as a rusher in 2008 than Dixon’s injury shortened 2007 campaign. He averaged 0.1 more yards per rush, and finished with nearly 150 more rushing yards, as well as 10 TDs to Dixon’s 9. Not bad at all.
But let me be clear: I am in no way saying Masoli is better than Dixon. Dixon had an absolutely fantastic final year…arguably the best season in Oregon history, and had superior natural talent, both as a passer and as a runner. But let’s make sure we remember the 2006 and 2005 Dennis Dixons before we start saying he is “clearly” better than Masoli, at least statistically. It is entirely feasible Masoli has a better season in 2009 than Dixon had in 2007, which will undoubtedly garner Heisman hype, despite Dixon being a lot more fun to watch from an entertainment perspective, which obviously contributed to the national attention.
Hi, I'm Paul Thompson, and I'm a quack-aholic.
There are points to be made there...
But Skywaker said this…
He has a more accurate arm than Dixon
Dixon was not the greatest passer in the world, Masoli is a very good passer who can also run…
This is just flat out incorrect. It really doesn’t matter what stats are. Dixon was a better passer than Masoli in just about every way. His weakness was reading defenses in 2006. But that has nothing to do with accuracy.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
I completely agree.
Dixon was heads and shoulders above Masoli as far as pure passing talent, arm strength, accuracy, etc. But I do have to say you can’t throw statistics out. Dixon’s 2007 season with Kelly as his OC should be the benchmark for Masoli. If Masoli can come anywhere close to matching those numbers, I think you have to back off on saying Dixon was the “far superior” quarterback. But, those are big ifs.
One thing is certain: Masoli is arguably as good a runner as Dixon, and may end up being considered better when all’s said and done. It might not look as flashy or be as entertaining to watch, but Dixon, even with Stewart in the backfield, put up 583 yards on 105 attempts and 9 TDs in 2007, an average of 5.6 yards/rush. Masoli’s line in 2008? 718 yards on 127 carries and 10 TDs, an average of 5.7 yards/rush, with arguably a weaker rushing attack behind him. Make no mistake: Masoli and Dixon are more comparable than we think.
Hi, I'm Paul Thompson, and I'm a quack-aholic.
Weaker rushing attack?
Stewart/Crenshaw was a better attack than Johnson/Blount?
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Dear Joevan, Develop motor skills. Love, ATQ.
If Masoli can come anywhere close to matching those numbers, I think you have to back off on saying Dixon was the "far superior" quarterback. But, those are big ifs.
That’s definitely the key. His biggest hindrance right now is his accuracy issues. He just isn’t consistent enough on the deep ball, something Dixon was always much better at. If he can get that down, he will be lights out. And that’s why I was shocked with the comments. Masoli and Dixon aren’t that far off, but the biggest difference is their accuracy.
I also think that Masoli is better at running the spread option than Dixon. He just seems to have that knack for it. But he doesn’t have the escapability that Dixon had, who was so agile that he could turn huge losses into gains. Masoli can’t do that as well, though I think he has such a crazy fast release that he can get a pass off in most circumstances, such as the pass to Dixon against OSU.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
He definitely cannot evade and escape as well as Dennis.
Though, he seemed to have a better understanding (later in the year) of when to “sell” out of the pocket. He rarely waited too long or got caught in a collapsing pocket, it seemed.
I agree that his knowledge of the option read is, if not better, as good as Dennis’. It helps that he appears to have better acceleration. Many times we’d see Dennis give it off reluctantly as his own lane was open, though he may have not felt he could hit it quick enough. Masoli, conversely, may keep it even when the D-end stays home if he feels he can get the best of him anyway. Gents, we’re awfully lucky to have such a smart, quick learning young man at the helm.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Dear Joevan, Develop motor skills. Love, ATQ.
Also, it cannot be overstated how fragile Dennis looked running the spread compared to Masoli, who is a freaking truck. I am very thankful for that.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
For anyone who was at Michael Franti last night, Jeremiah Masoli was there up front.
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Dear Joevan, Develop motor skills. Love, ATQ.
Without reading all the posts, I'll say Fact UNTIL!
Aaron Corp or Kevin Riley proves they have what it takes. Remember, Masoli is still looking like a RB who can throw. But right now, he is the frontrunner for top Pac-10 QB
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on May 27, 2009 10:16 AM PDT reply actions
I still pretty much disagree with the notion that he isn't a legit passer yet...
Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Dear Joevan, Develop motor skills. Love, ATQ.
by qrsouther on May 27, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, he had a better rating than both Moevao and Riley…
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
not by much over Moevao, 131 to 128 but still better.
http://www.cfbstats.com/2008/leader/905/player/split01/category02/sort02.html
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
True. Masoli shouldn’t have even been close though, with how he started the season, and had terrible games against UCLA and Cal. He was able to make that up with his passing talents.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Are we talking passer, runner or QUARTERBACK?
What we have above is a failure to blog.
Masoli for friggin’ Heisman.
Remember yellow-billed Dudes, where JM was in ‘07, not in Eugene but winning a JC National Championship as a freshman. If you watched him pass during spring practice and then in the spring game and your jaw didn’t just drop to your knee you musta been watchin’ Roper packing his bags. But that’s beside the point. This guy is a/the leader. This guy can/will take us all the way. Forget about the scouts. Forget about the stats comparison with ANY other Pac 10 QB. Look at this:
http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=3646890&SPID=233&SPSID=3383
JM may have some difficulty early in many games cuz the schedule is tuff and defenses ‘KNOW’ “This guy is good” and they’re gonna bring some pressure.
But there is no way any team can keep up with the Duck offense. Nobody plays as fast as we do. Nobody’s got the understanding of current defensive schemes of the spread option like JM does. He knows what to look for and how to beat it and he’s got the tools to do it. Dixon had some tools too but that warn’t the question of this blog, right?
Drop the green and black hammer on them most deservin’ bluebronkies and the rest my friends in total joy, a whole season of joy. Costa may start against the Washington schools just to give ‘The MAN’ a rest. Nate Costa is the second best QB in the PAC 10, ya know?
Rejoice Beaver Busters, its gonna be fun!
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