UT End Zone: 10-07
10/7/2010Fair or unfair, the quarterback always takes the blame for his team's failures and gets the lion's share of the glory when it succeeds. At Toledo, sophomore QB Austin Dantin is hearing a lot of criticism after the loss to Wyoming last weekend.
Coach Tim Beckman has opened up a winner-takes-all competition this week in practice between Dantin and redshirt freshman Terrance Owens, who played the final 15:41 against the Cowboys. Tomorrow, a starter will be named for Saturday night's matchup at Boise State.
Beckman pointed out Monday that this is not a referendum on Dantin, that he's still the starting quarterback, and that he'll continue to be the starting quarterback as long as he proves himself by beating out Owens this week.
But hasn't Dantin already proved himself? He was challenged in spring ball and beat out the Rockets' other three QBs. He was challenged in training camp, and again he prevailed. Beckman challenged him a third time before the Purdue game, and again he rose to the challenge. Now, Dantin is being tested a fourth time in a span of six months. How many times does he have to prove himself before the staff starts to have a little faith?
The Rockets are 3-2 with Dantin behind center, and more importantly, 2-0 in the MAC. Beckman loves to promote competition, but it shouldn't take precedence over common sense. It's too soon to hit the reset button. Leave Dantin be.
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