UNLV 70
RENO 21...
Reno is a mess across all 3 aspects of their game. Qb play isn't good, they don't know who the starter should be. Defense can't stop the run..
Jet gets 4TDs, DOUG throws 3, Dejesus runs one back, Defense gets a pick 6...
I fixed it for you.
I jest, but not really.
I think that Doug more than likely starts against Reno.
First Odom said that he still was our QB1 and he will play when healthy enough at their last press conference.
Now coach could be being deceptive. Arroyo loved to play games with deception in the media, but I'm not sure Coach Odom is the same. He seems to not be a bullshtter. He is careful what he says, ( he seemingly almost complained about the Rebel Turnout last game), and I don't think he would straight up lie about that.
Second, it's not like Maiava has been tearing it up. He has been solid, no question. But we have been a one dimensional offense the past 2 weeks. You could say that was the plan all along. We had 2 weak defenses and we knew we could win the game with the ground game. However, in both press conferences Coach O talked about not having the vertical passing game as a concern. It was the first thing he said in the last one. He also has been a bit critical with some of the mistakes that JM has done. He has made some bad decisions. Also some misreads according to coach. We also seem to have more presnap penalties with him FWIW.
If he has been throwing it all over the field, getting big plays off play action, then I don't think we necessarily see Doug again.
But Doug dressed out last game though coach said he wasn't quite game ready. Though I think he would have come in as a back up as needed. He has the bye weak to heal up. I think he starts next game.
Also if we stay the same offense, why not use the QB who is the better runner if you aren't stretching the field? Also the QB that has been more careful with protecting the ball this year.
If Doug doesn't start next week, then I think he is officially the back up and will only get the keys if Maiava gets hurt or really effs up.
But that would mean Odom is purposely trying to be deceptive with the media. Which is fine btw, but it also means we can't believe what he says in public.
If Doug gets the start, I don't know how we look. I know our offense hasn't been at its full potential the past 2 weeks. It seems like the coaches are a bit frustrated at that.
It is still possible that Doug isn't healthy enough by then. We know it is a rib injury, we know he was cleared to practice medically the Sunday after the Vandy game. So that probably means it is a hairline rib fracture that is stable, and/or bruised ribs. Which can still be extremely painful and definitely limiting. But if he wasn't close, I don't think he dresses last game. Being a month removed from the injury means that he is probably close if not already there.