If it’s close, Auburn should give the reins to Burns

By Robert Rousseau  |   Monday, March 31, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Auburn Tigers
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Is there a quarterback controversy in Auburn? Not yet. But a battle is certainly brewing between multi talented sophomore quarterback Kodi Burns and transfer Chris Todd. Fortunately for the team, both quarterbacks stepped up to play well at Auburn’s annual A-Day game this past Saturday.

Of course, as good as that sounds, it doesn’t make new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and head coach Tommy Tuberville’s jobs any easier when it comes to naming a starting quarterback for the club.

Even more specifically, Chris Todd completed 18-of-27 passes on the day for 190 yards and a touchdown, while Burns was 14-of-21 for 142 yards and a score.

Afterwards, Tony Franklin said, “they were both good, and they were both bad. The things that I liked were that they (both) moved the team. They got the ball in the end zone a few times. Not as many as I would like.” On the other hand, Franklin also noted that Todd was much better in the second half, as in the first “he had nothing on the ball.”

Of course, Todd’s coming back from an injury so some inconsistency in regard to his throwing, as he rehabs, is to be expected.

So, let’s say that these two keep playing right at the same level. In other words, what if it all stays close? What should the team do then?

Give the team to Kodi Burns, that’s what.

Of course, you hope that someone separates themselves. If that happens, then the job is much easier. But if not, there are two reasons to give Burns the job.

Running ability and upside.

The first is obvious. Kodi Burns is not as accurate a passer as Chris Todd is. But he can make plays—as he did last season when Brandon Cox was benched—out of nothing with his legs. In a conference such as the SEC where the defenses are so fast, that means something.

Not to mention, the spread offense does well with someone that can run.

The other reason that Burns should get the nod if it’s close is that Todd has had more time to learn the offense, having worked in it and with Franklin before. Burns, on the other hand, hasn’t had the luxury. And there’s something to be said for the fact that if he can keep things close without as much time with the offense, imagine what might happen once Burns really starts to understand things.

Regardless, the competition here is healthy and good for the team. Further, it’s usually the case that one of the quarterbacks in a battle such as this one will obviously separate themselves.

But if not, give it to Kodi. The last time the Tigers had a starter with wheels, the team went undefeated. You’ve just got to like that.






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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or...
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