When you talk about the Missouri Tigers football program right now you're probably talking about QB Blaine Gabbert as the 2011 NFL draft looms. But they are getting back to football at Mizzou and, even though we're not talking about Blaine, we're talking about a Gabbert -- Tyler Gabbert.
The younger Gabbert is in a competition with QB James Franklin and QB Ashton Glaser for the starting QB job for the Tigers. At this point, the race is too close to call but, as they say, competition makes everyone better.
The Tigers held a scrimmage over the weekend and there are various reactions to how each quarterback did, and the race in general.
Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune:
By my count, Gabbert and Franklin led roughly the same amount of possessions with the Nos. 1 and 2 offenses. Gabbert, though, took more snaps against the No. 1 defense, five possessions to Franklin's three, again, according to my count. Franklin also had at least two series against the No. 3 defense, or at least a combo of the 2s and 3s. the level of competition across the line of scrimmage will be duly noted in the coaches' evaluation of each quarterback.
Glaser, a redshirt junior next fall, hit 15 of 24 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw two interceptions and it was his failure to fall on a terrible center snap that led to Malbrough's recovery and long scamper for a defensive touchdown.
Vahe Gregorian of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
James Franklin has nice upside and got the experience last season, but Gabbert used his redshirt season well and was dynamite in December practices as MU opened competition. He has a bigger arm and is a more polished passer than Franklin but is plenty mobile too. Don't know if MU will see fit to do it this way, but I think the Tigers could benefit from using Franklin as a change of pace even if Gabbert becomes the clear No. 1.
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