by HD HandshoeFounder—Block-O-Nation
I did a short piece on this exact topic back a couple months ago, but with the season now complete for the Buckeyes, I thought the stats, and general similarities of each players' sophomore seasons, were worth a second look.The comparisons between the two were inevitable—but physical attributes and sick, almost freakish athletic ability aside—I believe that Terrelle Pryor and Vince Young could both go down as two of the best quarterbacks that college football has ever seen.
Of course, Young is already in that club. Pryor's reservation is pending, and whether or not he ever ascends to that level of greatness remains to be seen for now.
Young's 2005 season was statistically outstanding, and capping it off by nearly single-handedly beating USC to win the BCS Championship secured Young's place in history as a college football legend, and certainly one of the best to ever play.
While Pryor is not a legend as of yet, he could very well be on his way to achieving such status. He didn't hurt his chances any on 1/1/2010 by leading the Buckeyes to the 2010 Rose Bowl Championship over high-powered and then-No. 7 Oregon.
If you disagree with the comparison, or aren't sure one way or the other, perhaps a closer look at the two will help you with your conundrum.
Young started 25 games for Texas in his second and third years in the program as a redshirt sophomore and junior in 2004 and 2005.
Pryor to date has had 22 career starts at Ohio State—nine as a true freshman in 2008, and 13 in his just completed sophomore season.
Texas went an amazing 24-1 with Young at quarterback, including the 13-0 title season of 2005. Pryor is 19-3 as a starter for the Buckeyes.
I get the feeling that not everyone believes that Pryor's stats measure up to Young's. I'm not sure if it's just bias against Pryor or Ohio State, or if they are just forming their opinion without the facts.
Fact finding can be a time-consuming, and sometimes bothersome chore, so allow me to do the work and make it simple for you.
Vince Young
Year Comp/Att/% Pass Yards/TD/INT Rating Rush Yards/TD's
==== ============ ================= ====== ===============
2004 148/250/59.2 1,849/12/11 128.4 1079/14
Terrelle Pryor
Year Comp/Att/% Pass Yards/TD/INT Rating Rush Yards/TD's
==== ============ ================= ====== ===============
2009 167/295/56.6 2,094/18/11 128.9 779/7
Here's what Vince then did statistically the following season as a junior:
Year Comp/Att/% Pass Yards/TD/INT Rating Rush Yards/TD's
==== ============ ================= ====== ===============
2005 212/325/65.2 3,036/26/10 163.9 1050/12
In addition to the stats, Young was second in the Heisman voting in 2005, and as I mentioned above, he single-handedly led Texas to the BCS Championship in the Rose Bowl over heavily-favored USC.
I'm not saying, suggesting, or guaranteeing that Terrelle Pryor will be at or near the top of the 2010 Heisman voting, or that he will put up numbers that are close to, or exceed those of Youngs'. Nor am I predicting the Buckeyes will win the 2010 BCS Championship—but I am saying that, depending on how the 2010 recruiting class shakes out between now and signing day, and what we see in the Spring game, all of those things could happen.
Believe it!
Is it September yet?
Nation Front Page
OSU LINKS
Everything came together for Terrelle this game but it took a long time, this kid has 23 starts under his belt. I wish him well but he's still a one read QB for as many starts he's had and that won't take him far. Perhaps next year he'll be more comfortable throwing out of the pocket, maybe then we'll all be a bit more comfortable. This was certainly his best game so credit is deserved but by no means does it merit the mention of Heisman or a Vince Young comparison. TP still looks confused stumbling around in the pocket far too many times and how many yards did he give up by indecision not optioning out to Saine when it was the obvious progression on a sweep. I'll believe it when I see it, until then it is what it is.
ReplyDeleteFrank,
ReplyDeletePryor's passing numbers this season are BETTER than Youngs from his sophomore season.
How can you say the comparison is unwarranted given their similar playing style, and physical attributes?
Pryor is a better passer now than VY was then, prior to 2005, so the comparison is valid, and if you do not believe Pryor will be in the 2010 Heisman discussion heading into the 2010 season, I personally believe that you're kidding yourself.
Thanks for the read and comment!
It will be great to watch Ohio State Buckeyes,i have bought tickets from http://ticketfront.com/event/Ohio_State_Buckeyes-tickets looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI recently came across your post and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that it caught my interest and you've provided informative points. I will visit this blog often.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Business Cash Advance