I have been grappling with where I stand on this issue for quite some time. In terms of spirit, tenacity, leadership, and ‘likability’ K-Craft is a perfect fit. His specific skill-set, however, is not. As Buck mentioned, we need to open up the running game. Bell has been a shadow of his old self, and the O-line just isn’t getting it done. So where to go? I do not know much about Forcier’s abilities, but if he is anything like the QB from Oregon… things could get interesting. I brought this up earlier – it is tough to pick someone other than Craft simply because we like him so much. His never-give-up attitude and gratefulness to the program are both admirable traits that make him a true Bruin warrior. Its truly is a tough one.

I am still physically sick from the game yesterday. K-Craft and the team imploded and they are not playing like a team, even a young inexperienced team should after 8 games. Just when I thought they might improve and do enough to steal a win, they stink up Strawberry Canyon. I haven’t given up on our boys, but it seems like we keep doing the same things each week that kill us. 16 yards rushing is an embarassment. 4 Interceptions with 2 being Pic-6 is unspeakable for a Div. I college team. That just kills the spirit of the team, especially the defense which has the added burden of defending a short field time after time because our kicking team can’t kick deep and can’t contain the run. I am tired of hearing people defend K-Craft by saying we have no choice and he gives us the best chance of winning. It is simply untrue. Insanity is repeating the same behavior over and over and expecting a different result. I love K-Craft’s toughness and resiliance but he doesn’t have a clue when he has to throw downfield out of the pocket. Actually, Cal’s defense should be ashamed. They really coulda/ shoulda had about 9 easy picks off K-Craft, not just the 4 they recorded. It is time for The Force. He will put added pressure on the defense when he does his Jake Locker thing and he doesn’t look too bad passing either. Any progress reports on Ben Olson? I don’t want to place the blame entirely on K-Craft who has been a warrior despite his and the team’s limitations. By the way, has anyone noticed how Brett Lockett and John Hale seem to be just posers on defense? They look like matadors out there, are they trying out for bullfighting? If I seem angry, it is because I am. And I am too sick of losing in the way we are losing.

From what I’ve seen, Craft is very quick and has appreciable skills as a runner. And his arm seems plenty strong, if not consistently accurate. I am not convinced that Forcier is that much faster or that much better at running that it would compensate for a weaker arm and eight less games of experience. One thing for sure, Craft is a warrior and has proven that he will hang in to the last second and take the hit in order to get off a pass.

I think we have a better chance at this point trying to improve Craft’s vision and judgement rather than starting all over again with Forcier. As for Ben Olson, the poor guy would be a sitting duck behind our porous line. I can’t imagine he’d survive an entire game subjected to that kind punishment. My preference of starter would be Craft, Olson, then Forcier in that order.

If we don’t win this week or next, we might as well try Forcier, since we won’t qualify for a bowl. That way we can see how he handles himself in a game situation. There are a lot of guys that look great in practice and then stink up the field during a game. The opposite is true as well.

For Oregon state though, I think Craft is still the best choice. He knows what he is doing and the offense works well with thim. One big possitive I’ve noticed this year is how few penalties the offense has. I think that has been a great change. I’m not sure that is Craft’s doing but a new QB can add confusion and confusion can bring penalties.