Just curious. Has anyone changed their mind on who they want to see as the starter? Last season, whenever people were saying Rettig was a lock to start, I'd think about Laviano, that he was a fairly high ranked recruit, too, and that I'd like to see him as the starter. But then somehow in the last few months, my mind has changed and I'm wanting to see Rettig start now. Has anyone else changed their opinion on this?
Have you flip-flopped on Laviano/Rettig?
- Thread starter JQRU91
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No. Still think Rettig should start. But hope Laviano proves all his critics wrong.
I watched the entire game, and I didn't see anything about either kid that left me saying, "that one is absolutely better than the other."
Absent anything like that -- and even then -- I've got a difficult time substituting my judgment for a football professional's (several of them, in fact).
Laviano's got my unwavering support through every attempt, every touchdown, and every interception, until Flood sits him down and asks Rettig to step in and help out his teammate. Rettig has my support through every second-team rep, every gameday prep, and every play he's not the starting signal caller -- and I hope there's never a reason to call him into the huddle, unless we're up by three touchdown's late in the fourth.
Whether or not I have a conflicting opinion on the matter, I'll keep it to myself until we're drinking beers in the parking lot after the game. As long as Flood's got Laviano out on the field, I won't say a word that could be interpreted not to be in support of him. If Flood is still keeping him as the starter the following week, it'll be nothing but, "get out there and get it done" until kickoff.
Absent anything like that -- and even then -- I've got a difficult time substituting my judgment for a football professional's (several of them, in fact).
Laviano's got my unwavering support through every attempt, every touchdown, and every interception, until Flood sits him down and asks Rettig to step in and help out his teammate. Rettig has my support through every second-team rep, every gameday prep, and every play he's not the starting signal caller -- and I hope there's never a reason to call him into the huddle, unless we're up by three touchdown's late in the fourth.
Whether or not I have a conflicting opinion on the matter, I'll keep it to myself until we're drinking beers in the parking lot after the game. As long as Flood's got Laviano out on the field, I won't say a word that could be interpreted not to be in support of him. If Flood is still keeping him as the starter the following week, it'll be nothing but, "get out there and get it done" until kickoff.
Absolutely. After the spring game I thought Laviano was solidly ahead. After the first game I am a Rettig believer. I think both are good enough to lead the team bowling. Before the year is out, I believe both will have big moments. I do not have a problem with the decision, a good case can be made for either.
I just can't stand to see people booing and flipping a shit if we have two bad series.... for either QB. I am shocked that people are so married to one or the other based on the small sample size. Coaches def know best on this one and I will let it play out.
Everyone says Rettig's arm is incredible. For that reason, and Rettig's game vs Norfolk, I think my original opinion stands.. Rettig should start. Can any Laviano fan out there tell me why Laviano beat out Rettig?
I only hope both QBs get significant time. And I'd love to know what the practice snap distribution is for the two QBs. Is Rettig getting any 1st team snaps? Last week, did they split 1st-team practice snaps despite Retting getting the start?
I only hope both QBs get significant time. And I'd love to know what the practice snap distribution is for the two QBs. Is Rettig getting any 1st team snaps? Last week, did they split 1st-team practice snaps despite Retting getting the start?
I thought Laviano would be the starter just because of his experience and Rettig laying off for 2 years. After seeing them both, it is very clear that Rettig has more upside, as has been reported. He played very well for his first live action in 2 years. Would like to see what he can do with Carroo as another option.
I was hoping to see Rettig start the 2nd half but you can't argue with Flood's decision really. He sees them in practice everyday, he sees how the team responds to each of them. He is the head coach, whose job security is based on wins and losses, so you have to assume he is going to pick the guy he feels is going to give them the best chance at winning. Maybe Rettig pouting on the sidelines was the reason he didn't get the start, maybe he felt that wasn't showing a team first attitude. Hopefully we get to see Rettig for at least a quarter Saturday with Caroo, but maybe not, if Flood doesn't want a QB controversy.
Nope, I've thought Laviano should start all along.
Yes. I thought last season that Rettig was the heir apparent. I kind of forgot a out Chris.
Then the spring game happened, and I also saw a certain swagger and leadership from Chris. So I thought he should be the guy.
Throughout camp, even though we heard from mostly one or two sources that Rettig was playing very well, I still liked what I heard about laviano's zip on the ball and how he moved the offense decisivly.
At the 1st half of the NSU game, I became a solid Rettig supporter again. Good throws, running with moxy, looking the part...
But THEN I saw Laviano play the second half, and I saw the team respond, and I saw that offense run, and that he can sling it. And I am a solid believer in Laviano. It's his job. Be has been the better player, by a hair at times, for most the off season and he was last game. I don't care about ceilings and stars and whatever. I care who the better QB is now, and based on what I've seen I truly think it's Chris. So do the coaches. I also think he has something u can't teach - a gritty work ethic, a chip on his shoulder, and something to prove.
I'm sure he got motivated when Rettig transferred in and all forgot about him. I'm sure he was motivated after sitting the first half, and I'm sure if he hears any of the fan nonsense doubting him, hell come out swinging again. And I like that.
Then the spring game happened, and I also saw a certain swagger and leadership from Chris. So I thought he should be the guy.
Throughout camp, even though we heard from mostly one or two sources that Rettig was playing very well, I still liked what I heard about laviano's zip on the ball and how he moved the offense decisivly.
At the 1st half of the NSU game, I became a solid Rettig supporter again. Good throws, running with moxy, looking the part...
But THEN I saw Laviano play the second half, and I saw the team respond, and I saw that offense run, and that he can sling it. And I am a solid believer in Laviano. It's his job. Be has been the better player, by a hair at times, for most the off season and he was last game. I don't care about ceilings and stars and whatever. I care who the better QB is now, and based on what I've seen I truly think it's Chris. So do the coaches. I also think he has something u can't teach - a gritty work ethic, a chip on his shoulder, and something to prove.
I'm sure he got motivated when Rettig transferred in and all forgot about him. I'm sure he was motivated after sitting the first half, and I'm sure if he hears any of the fan nonsense doubting him, hell come out swinging again. And I like that.
I've always pulled for Rettig to be the guy mostly because he was anointed future savior when he first transferred here. Observers of the RU practices have verified that the guy has star potential which we need to make a huge progression to the next level. I never heard anyone say similar about Laviano. I don't see Rettig getting the experience he needs to continue to develop while sitting on the bench and I don't believe Flood has changed when it comes to managing QBs. So far he has shown the same MO in handling the QBs this year as he has in the past. I lost a great deal of respect for his coaching ability during the Kent State game and he has done nothing to redeem himself since. I cringe at the thought of Rettig wasting away on the bench for the next 3 years. But I'm a Rutgers fan through and through and I always pull for our coach and whoever the QB is to do well.
How can I flip flop ? Based on what? I have seen exactly one half of football for each of them against a pretty bad team. I also did see the Spring game for what its worth. I can base my decision that one of them was a four star so of course he is better than the other one, it sounds better.
I really look forward to the first incomplete pass or god forbid interception so everyone who wants HR can pat themselves on the back.
I really look forward to the first incomplete pass or god forbid interception so everyone who wants HR can pat themselves on the back.
No..i haven't really been overly drawn to either one. I'm not a hype guy at all, more of a show me guy. So I assume that the coaches ...who know these people and their abilities much better than I could possibly know...are going to put the top guy out on the field. Of course mistakes can be made in the evaluation and in this case it seems very close. I would not be surprised if both play significant time this year. When things get rough in October...and they will...there will be pressure to do something different.
Im not a laviano fan, Im a Rutgers football fan. But the reason he is starting is because he allows us to use a deeper playbook, he can throw the ball, he can move the pocket, he can throw on the run and he takes care of the football. Is there anything else you would like from your QB?
*I know some of the mods have said Rettig looked really good throwing the ball around in shorts with no pass rush.. But please lets not take that information as meaning anything. The mods know exactly what about QB play? *
Hayden can play, Chris can play. Chris allows us to do more on offense. Thats huge for an OC.
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I am rooting for whoever is playing QB but I do feel bad for Rettig. I wish he had Carroo to throw to against Norfolk St. Laviano threw only 4 passes and 3 were to Carroo for td's. I hope he throws to our other receivers too and doesn't just lock into Carroo. I want to see the ball thrown around to keep the defense guarding all of our receivers. I hope Rettig does get opportunities too. When things are going bad like Nova did with 5 interceptions vs. Penn State I would hope that Flood would give Rettig a chance long before 5 interceptions. Both guys looked good but I just felt Rettig has the stronger arm and throws the ball better down field. Hopefully both remain loyal to the team and work hard competing all of the time. The backup is only one injury from getting into a game. Hopefully neither has a major injury but I think we will need both of them.
It should be known - throwing TDs to carroo is not what won Laviano the job. And why feel bad for any of the players? There are a few other position battles going on that have even closer competition and one of the guys will have to sit. Thats what makes teams better. Not people feeling bad for a GUY on full ride who didnt win.
More angst...just trust the coach on this one...but things could change. I expected Laviano to get the job and I am surprised how people just assumed Rettig would automatically get the job
In just glad there's a real, bona fide, option at QB this year! As much as Rettig impressed me I can't forget Laviano stayed the course when others did not. He did well in his limited time in the scrimmage with NFSU but let's see how he does this weekend. Hopefully we shall see HCKF's reasoning play out!
This +1. We saw the passes Rettig could make, including the strike to Grant that was called back for holding. I wish we saw more than 4 passes from Laviano to develop a more informed opinion. Flood certainly has to be open to making a switch if the starter throws a few early picks, a la recent Kent State and PSU games. The question might well be choosing between a QB that knows 99% of the offense but can only make 70% of the throws versus the other who knows 70% of the offense but has the arm to make 99% of the throws. Guess we'll find out.
I like both QBs but overall I lean towards Rettig if it was my call.
But I also like Laviano and of course will root for both of them to succeed whoever is behind center.
But I also like Laviano and of course will root for both of them to succeed whoever is behind center.
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I was and still am more of a Rettig guy, but I have taken up the argument for Laviano, I see too many "stupid decision" posts despite the fact that Laviano has been excellent through both camps and into the first game.
I've def come to respect Laviano's game more, last year I was not impressed, thus far this year, how could you not be.
I've def come to respect Laviano's game more, last year I was not impressed, thus far this year, how could you not be.
I think this states it very succinctly.
I will support the team. I do not like the time line or the process that the coaching staff referred. If the competition was this close continue to use two QBs until one differentiates. I do not think that the body of work from the first game would have me choose laviano over Rettig
* reserves judgement until we play a half decent team with a good D... but readily admit I wasn't thrilled with the way this went down ...hopefully Flood did the right thing here *
Doubt Rettig will stay to sit behind Laviano. A kid with that skill set will leave to play somewhere, even if he has to drop down a level to play immediately. He isn't a back up QB.
Fair statement that Laviano knows the playbook better. However, keep in mind he also had a head start. At the start of camp, he was clearly ahead simply because of that fact. But as the year went on, Rettig rapidly progressed to the point where it became a competition. That should already tell you something.
So, while the statement is true that Laviano CURRENTLY allows us more plays, it should be noted that it may also be only potentially temporary. First Rettig's knowledge of the playbook is rapidly getting better. Second, and more importantly, once opponents figure out the limitations with Chris' arm strength, they will take away the underneath and dare him to throw it deep. When that happens, our playbook will actually shrink, which defeats the original argument.
How is throwing short passes to Carroo and watching him beast a tired team indicative of knowing the playbook better now?
No but I've warmed up to the idea that Laviano is as good as, better than, or at least not obviously worse than Rettig. Rettig is the SoCal kid with the older brother who played big-time college football. Laviano is a Long Islander with no pedigree and undoubtedly the recipient of worse coaching up until college. Is it any wonder Rettig was the higher-rated recruit? LSU is recruiting all the SoCal bluechippers, so obviously they saw Rettig more than Laviano.
Now, my reasoning for thinking Rettig should be starting is because we're basically talking about the QB for the next three seasons, and from what I've seen, Rettig has the higher ceiling. Giving him time against Norfolk State, Washington State, and Kansas was the perfect opportunity for him to get his toes wet and pick up the playbook and gel with WRs. I think for this year there may not be a big difference, but Rettig had/has the chance to elevate the QB play to a place never really seen at this program. Whereas Laviano's upside is... what? A less-mistake-prone Gary Nova? That's still really good! But not quite where Rettig could be IMO. Again this is just based off of what I've seen so far.
Now, my reasoning for thinking Rettig should be starting is because we're basically talking about the QB for the next three seasons, and from what I've seen, Rettig has the higher ceiling. Giving him time against Norfolk State, Washington State, and Kansas was the perfect opportunity for him to get his toes wet and pick up the playbook and gel with WRs. I think for this year there may not be a big difference, but Rettig had/has the chance to elevate the QB play to a place never really seen at this program. Whereas Laviano's upside is... what? A less-mistake-prone Gary Nova? That's still really good! But not quite where Rettig could be IMO. Again this is just based off of what I've seen so far.
If Rettig was as good as some people seem to think he is, he would have beaten Laviano. The coaches want to win more than any fan. Even if you don't trust Flood, Friedgen and McDaniels certainly were a big part of the decision. So if you are inclined to think Rettig was better, the most you can reasonably take away from this is that they were nearly even and the coaches chose the other guy.
I can't see how any fan can second guess the staff in that circumstance, or how anyone would have a basis to claim the other guy should have been chosen. If they are so close it is a coin-flip, why not just support the decision made by the professional coaches?
For me, if it is true that they can run more plays with Laviano then Rettig, I would think that is a huge factor. The decision also fits the standard way of handling these things across college football, which is that in a toss up situation, whoever was with the program longer gets the nod.
I can't see how any fan can second guess the staff in that circumstance, or how anyone would have a basis to claim the other guy should have been chosen. If they are so close it is a coin-flip, why not just support the decision made by the professional coaches?
For me, if it is true that they can run more plays with Laviano then Rettig, I would think that is a huge factor. The decision also fits the standard way of handling these things across college football, which is that in a toss up situation, whoever was with the program longer gets the nod.
Part of being a fan is second guessing the coach. I don't have a problem with that. It is the conspiracy theories and the fact that people won't admit that they have less information than the coaches.
I was very excited about Rettig and hoped he would win the competition but most of all, I want to win. And if Laviano is the man the coaches think will help us win more, then I'm behind him. Hopefully Flood will have a better handle game by game than last year. It's still hard to think about Nova being kept in the PSU game. Maybe having a backup like Rettig will help
You have no idea how Friedgen and McDaniels advised Flood. For all we know one of them or both may have preferred Rettig or considered it a toss-up. Flood is the head coach. He made the call.
But it has been indicated many times regarding Rettig's knowledge of the playbook and that he did not have the command of the book the way he needed to.
There may be enough times that there may be checks at the line of scrimmage, that he is missing or not checking correctly and that is not acceptable.
We can see his arm...that is obvious....we know he can learn from mistakes during plays....but if we are running the wrong play we wont know....the staff will...the team will....but we wont
If I remember correctly ....it was suggested by Bobby and Shawn that the team preferred Chris over Hayden is a sign that the team became frustrated at times with Hayden's control of the playbook. Nothing is more frustrating than breaking out of the huddle as the teams tries to get in a rhythm and Hayden makes a mistake in check with mes and the staff stops the action to start again.
As the season goes on and the staff gets a better feel that Hayden "Knows" the book you will see more of him.
I really didn't have a position on one over the other. Like many here, I thought both played well.
The QB controversies that we have seen over the years with both Schiano and Flood have been due to us not really having a serious backup. We had highly rated Savage who would just not be able to deliver in some games and then Nova who was also inconsistent. Although Dodd had his time under center and did his best, he was not the guy who could just replace the starter.
I think Rettig came into the situation from a big program and that gave him immediate credibility. Laviano was only used in mop up situations and never given the chance to see if he could save us from a loss.
I feel both are skilled enough to win. I look forward to seeing both of them do their thing this season and like the fact that we appear to finally have a real backup whoever he may be.
The QB controversies that we have seen over the years with both Schiano and Flood have been due to us not really having a serious backup. We had highly rated Savage who would just not be able to deliver in some games and then Nova who was also inconsistent. Although Dodd had his time under center and did his best, he was not the guy who could just replace the starter.
I think Rettig came into the situation from a big program and that gave him immediate credibility. Laviano was only used in mop up situations and never given the chance to see if he could save us from a loss.
I feel both are skilled enough to win. I look forward to seeing both of them do their thing this season and like the fact that we appear to finally have a real backup whoever he may be.
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Rettig seemed to have caught up because going from zero knowledge of the playbook to partial knowledge is a quick process. It's the next step where you go from knowing something to mastering it that many qb's can't do.
BUT
Man it's good to have two guys who can play qb. And even Gio got a lot better over the summer. It's a great thing and a new time for RUFB.
Competition is the foundation for any great program.
Rettig seemed to have caught up because going from zero knowledge of the playbook to partial knowledge is a quick process. It's the next step where you go from knowing something to mastering it that many qb's can't do.
BUT
Man it's good to have two guys who can play qb. And even Gio got a lot better over the summer. It's a great thing and a new time for RUFB.
Competition is the foundation for any great program.
Flood left Nova to die on the field against Kent and V. Tech. Of course he means well. His QB handling is questionable.
Flood's prior handling of QBs is a big reason why I'm not sold that he knows what he is doing. And yes, I've always been a a Flood hater so that he chose Laviano doesn't surprise me at all.
