In reality, this is a 2 horse race between Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin. The common assumption is that Clark is the scrambler and Devlin is the strong armed quarterback.

Reports say “[Clark] lacks the speed to be an electrifying homerun threat like a Michael Vick or Steve Slaton. What observers say is Clark’s real strength is his presence in the huddle and command of the team.”

The only quarterback that has seen any meaningful time on the turf is #17 Daryll Clark who played in the Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State and Texas A&M games. His best showing was surprisingly in the loss to Ohio State when he completed 4 of 5 passes, but for only 13 yards. Not exactly eye popping stats.

But it is the lack of any significant play time that has been the sole reason for the brewing quarterback controversy. Had Clark been given the opportunity to throw the ball a lot more last season, there would be no question about his passing ability. Instead we were treated to draws and running plays by the speedster racking up 78 rushing yards on 12 carries all season including 2 touchdowns. In the Alamo Bowl against Texas A&M he ran the ball 6 times for 50 yards including an 11-yard touchdown alongside Morelli in the shotgun.

So great, we know he can run. But can he hit a billboard with a football?

On the other end of the spectrum, we have Pat Devlin who only threw 1 pass all of last season. An incompletion against Florida International. Since that throw, he was relegated to hand off duty when the game was either lost or well in-hand.

While many will curse the quarterback controversy currently unanswered at Penn State, I whole heartedly embrace it. We can either have a quarterback by default like with Zack Mills or Anthony Morelli simply because they are upperclassmen, or we can actually enjoy the competition and the benefits it brings in pushing both quarterbacks to perform better. Without a clear leader under center, both candidates actually have to perform to earn the job. Morelli won it simply by waiting on his hands for 3 years. I much prefer the competition, don’t you?

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