When Will the Fans Turn?

Regardless of which quarterback gets the starting nod, at what point do the fans begin to demand a change under center? All four of our opening games are "loseable" in that sub-stellar QB play could cripple us against UW, FSU, AFA, and even UNR.



So the question is (again, regardless of whether Heaps or Nelson starts) at what point do the fans begin to clamor that the other guy needs to get a chance, if at all. This is a question about the majority of fans, not the buddy-buddy fans who will be calling for the other guy halfway through the first quarter of the UW game no matter what.

So you're saying Bronco is little brother? Not in OUR universe...

That is a good question. given that we have so many good qbs fighting for the position right now no matter who plays if they don't play well is going to hear it from the fans after just one loss. the exception would be if he played really well and it clearly just wasn't his fault we lost. for example, a tulsa like game where we put up amazing numbers on offense but our d couldn't stop them from scoring.

Since I heard fans yelling for Bronco to replace Hall with Nelson late last season, I assume that the fickleness of fans will start up the moment the opposing team scores. Of course that's the 60% of fans who are stupid.



The more patient, thoughtful fans will likely give the QB 2 losses.

I really think it depends on who starts at QB. Although it isn't fair, I think fans will give Jake more time than Riley. If Riley starts against Washington and he is ineffective in a loss, the murmuring will start. Like someone said above it the QB plays well and we lose than that is different. But I really believe that all else being equal, we could probably go 0-3 with Jake before fans would turn and maybe 0-2 but more likely 0-1 with Riley before fans turn. Again I think this prediction depends on both QB's being ineffective in the losses.

Hmm ...... I agree w/ J. Lingo. It depends how we lose. Fans are not blind (can be stupid & have knee jerk reactions). But, if we lose - and the QB plays well - they will be understanding.



However, if we lose - & it's bad decisions & bad play by the QB! They'll be calling for a change after 1 game. It really depends on the performance of the QB during the game.

Ddawg wrote:
Hmm ...... I agree w/ J. Lingo. It depends how we lose. Fans are not blind (can be stupid & have knee jerk reactions). But, if we lose - and the QB plays well - they will be understanding.



However, if we lose - & it's bad decisions & bad play by the QB! They'll be calling for a change after 1 game. It really depends on the performance of the QB during the game.

I agree with this 100%. It is not just the losing, but how we lose.



I like our chances to be 2-2 and perhaps 3-1. I think fans will understand this being a transition year. But if we do go 1-3, I think it will be directly related to poor QB play. The Crowton era supports this, too, because poor QB play killed us. Then the tinkering, then lack of player confidence. I think Bronco stays the course, though, and we go 2-2 at worst, and I will be ok with it.

This is so much like Utah's situation last year.



Cain was servicable at best but Utah kept winning. He never made "wow" plays but he made few mistakes.



Still it was frustrating to watch such a lethargic, one dimensional offense week after week.



What to you guys do if Nelson starts and wins most of his games but you're winning 17-14 against the likes of Utah State and Wyoming.



Is the winning enough or do you still start pining for more offense and want to see what Heaps can do?

MTM wrote:
This is so much like Utah's situation last year.



Cain was servicable at best but Utah kept winning. He never made "wow" plays but he made few mistakes.



Still it was frustrating to watch such a lethargic, one dimensional offense week after week.



What to you guys do if Nelson starts and wins most of his games but you're winning 17-14 against the likes of Utah State and Wyoming.



Is the winning enough or do you still start pining for more offense and want to see what Heaps can do?

The difference is that we start with 4 tougher games, and Utah had 1 tough game and 3 pushovers. If we had the Utah football schedule from 2009, I'd be confident of a 3-1 start, just like Utah had and he conversation is way different because at least we'd have a shot at some momentum. Other than that, sure, it is similar.

Lawboy wrote:

This is so much like Utah's situation last year.



Cain was servicable at best but Utah kept winning. He never made "wow" plays but he made few mistakes.



Still it was frustrating to watch such a lethargic, one dimensional offense week after week.



What to you guys do if Nelson starts and wins most of his games but you're winning 17-14 against the likes of Utah State and Wyoming.



Is the winning enough or do you still start pining for more offense and want to see what Heaps can do?

The difference is that we start with 4 tougher games, and Utah had 1 tough game and 3 pushovers. If we had the Utah football schedule from 2009, I'd be confident of a 3-1 start, just like Utah had and he conversation is way different because at least we'd have a shot at some momentum. Other than that, sure, it is similar.

Still would you be happy if Nelson goes 3-1 but the offense can't put up more than 20 points a game and there is an overwhelming sense that eventually you are going to lose a game you should win? That's how a lot of Utah fans felt last year.



My question is would you be happy "winning ugly" every week or will guys start getting antsy to see if Heaps could inject some energy into the offense?

I'd take 3-1 any way we could get it. I expect the defense to carry us at times and expect some QB issues throughout the season. we lack experience in that area. Winning is what matters most, not style. Just ask Alabama. I;d take 10-3 with ugly winning and be thrilled.

Lawboy wrote:
I'd take 3-1 any way we could get it. I expect the defense to carry us at times and expect some QB issues throughout the season. we lack experience in that area. Winning is what matters most, not style. Just ask Alabama. I;d take 10-3 with ugly winning and be thrilled.

I think you guys will get a 3-1 start. FSU in Tallahassee is probably a tough one but the others shouldn't be.

I don't see BYU losing more than 3 games. TCU is another tough one and Utah is a coin flip in my opinion.

Despite a lack of experience at some positions I think another double digit win season is likely.

MTM wrote:

I

I think you guys will get a 3-1 start. FSU in Tallahassee is probably a tough one but the others shouldn't be.

I don't see BYU losing more than 3 games. TCU is another tough one and Utah is a coin flip in my opinion.

Despite a lack of experience at some positions I think another double digit win season is likely.

I'd take it, but the UW game is a real wild card. UW just got picked to finish 2nd in the PAC-10 by the coaches/media and Locker is a Heisman candidate and a projected top 5 NFL pick. Plus, they are FAST, and improving across the board. In another 2 years, they will be the team to beat in the PAC-12. Sark is better than Kiffin.