Obviously, a majority of the fans believe that starting Lock over Mauk would give the team a better chance to win this year. I, for one, am coming around to the idea that Lock should at least be given at least a couple of series in a row to see how he does after getting warmed up. However, would making him the starter be good for his long term development? Would it be good for the program long term? I can see a couple of negative consequences:
1. There are problems with this offense that go beyond the QB position. Last year showed that, with a good defense, Mizzou can do enough offensively to win if they have good ground game and at least one consistent receiver. So far, this year the rushing attack has not been effective due to shuffling of OL and injuries to O Lineman and RBs. Who knows when, or if, guys like RH, Boehm and Crawford will be 100%. And who knows if the OL will ever gel. Moreover, the WR corp lacks a Bud Sasser, much less a Jimmy Hunt. Simply put, the offense doesn't have a lot of weapons this year. So, would making Lock the starter be in his best interests as far as his long term development? Given the supporting cast around him, how likely is it that making Lock the starter would greatly improve the offense? If making him the starter doesn't result in immediate dividends, would the fans continue to support him... or would they turn on him like they did CB in 2012 and Mauk this year and last? Lock has already stated that the fans' booing of Mauk makes him wonder how he will be treated when he takes over the reins. Is it possible that HCGP doesn't want to hurt Lock's confidence and long term development by putting him in a position that may not provide him with a reasonable chance of success?
2. If Lock is named the starter, how does that effect the rest of the QB corp? I know Printz has said he is happy at Mizzou. But in this day and age, it would be unusual for a player in his position not to transfer. The same with Zanders and Mauk if Lock is made QB1. If Lock is named the starter this season, could Mizzou go into next year with a depleted corp of back-up QBs? We have all seen how a lack of a viable back-up can kill a season if the starter goes down with an injury.
Granted, we all want Mizzou to win this season. I just wonder if HCGP has concerns that go beyond this season that might prevent him from starting Lock.
1. There are problems with this offense that go beyond the QB position. Last year showed that, with a good defense, Mizzou can do enough offensively to win if they have good ground game and at least one consistent receiver. So far, this year the rushing attack has not been effective due to shuffling of OL and injuries to O Lineman and RBs. Who knows when, or if, guys like RH, Boehm and Crawford will be 100%. And who knows if the OL will ever gel. Moreover, the WR corp lacks a Bud Sasser, much less a Jimmy Hunt. Simply put, the offense doesn't have a lot of weapons this year. So, would making Lock the starter be in his best interests as far as his long term development? Given the supporting cast around him, how likely is it that making Lock the starter would greatly improve the offense? If making him the starter doesn't result in immediate dividends, would the fans continue to support him... or would they turn on him like they did CB in 2012 and Mauk this year and last? Lock has already stated that the fans' booing of Mauk makes him wonder how he will be treated when he takes over the reins. Is it possible that HCGP doesn't want to hurt Lock's confidence and long term development by putting him in a position that may not provide him with a reasonable chance of success?
2. If Lock is named the starter, how does that effect the rest of the QB corp? I know Printz has said he is happy at Mizzou. But in this day and age, it would be unusual for a player in his position not to transfer. The same with Zanders and Mauk if Lock is made QB1. If Lock is named the starter this season, could Mizzou go into next year with a depleted corp of back-up QBs? We have all seen how a lack of a viable back-up can kill a season if the starter goes down with an injury.
Granted, we all want Mizzou to win this season. I just wonder if HCGP has concerns that go beyond this season that might prevent him from starting Lock.
