So the QB decision has made itself.

[Turbine]

At this point I feel that beating Marshall at their place, in a season where they have a signature win, is bigger than beating them in a bowl game last year.

[cajun55]

For those saying Ben "wasn't" great...

I'd like to know what game you were watching.. Was it the one with the Oline being kicked around the entire game? Was it the game where Ben's team couldn't run the football for 3.5 quarters? The game where the opposing team Blitzed on 60% of snaps and he was running for his life? The game where the officials were hell bent on calling BS on the Cajuns offense?

Even with only 3 points and 120 yards, that was the best QB play we've seen this year. Take away the ridiculous OPI, that first drive looks totally different. Then Marshall takes away the only receiver that consistently creates separation.

I thought Ben played his ass off. The offensive line continues to be putrid. In particular this game, Gillie and Harrington looked terrible. Sorry to name names, but my god, at some point, you have to block some damn body.

Even with all that, Ben threw some DIMES. That ball to Fleming in the back of the end zone was beautiful. The ball over the middle to Jefferson early in the 1st qtr was perfect. Ball to Stephens late was a pro throw. (And great catch by Stephens - Welcome back).

On point, add to those great throws his scrambling and leadership made the difference. He earned it yesterday!

[ExecutiveCajun]

Tonight, with all due respect to those who make hundreds of thousands a year to do certain jobs, I think each & everyone of us saw something that should cement in our collective minds that now the experimental phase of this two QB system which has been used the first 4 games of the season for the Cajuns needs to be properly placed in file 13 for safe keeping & future reference. I had no issue with Mike giving himself a proper look at both of his QBs until it started costing us games. But when it became obvious by the ULM game that he was either going to have to poop, or get off the freaking pot, it began to wear on my nerves that he didn't think he had enough information to make an educated decision of who the better QB was to run his team. Either that, or he was too worried about hurting someone's feelings to do what was best for the overall psyche of his team.

Well Mike, in case the Almighty who blessed you with yet another rain delay hasn't shown you the light. And in case the film hasn't convinced you by now. Please allow this one loud mouthed somewhat vulgar very obnoxious fan to break the news to you. If you try to bring back that 2 QB platooning crap again this season, you need to have your skull examined for PTSD because you would have obviously been struck one too many times in the coconut while playing ball. I'm most sorry I have to be the one to inform you, but if you find it too hard to break the news to Chandler that you have made the decision to go with Ben, then just send him to Ragin Pagin & tell him to read this thread so I can explain it to him myself.

Mike, I don't have anything against Chandler, but the fact is Ben is a bigger stronger guy with a big old arm & is tough as a two dollar steak. He has more nerve in the pocket & can get rid of the ball better & runs a hell of a lot better when he needs to skeedaddle than Chandler can. In short, one is a great FCS type QB & the other is a borderline P-5 starter. Ben also has the spark to light up his whole team & is a better extension of what you want on the football field. If you don't see that, then I highly recommend a visit with an eye specialist & a CAT scan for your head. In fact Ben has the potential to be good enough to even make you look good. You better watch it, or people might start calling you an offensive guru or some such silliness. Nice win, now do the right thing for your team & make the obvious call.

your call on the podcast postgame last night had me banging on the table

[Rougarou]

I have been a fan of Chandler since the start of the season because with his arm he has the capability to make more throws than Ben and I think his ceiling is higher overall at the QB position as a passer. But, you have to ride the hot hand. It is clear that this team needs to have an offense to compliment the defense who will be winning the games we win this year. Ben and the rest of the offense did that last night. Ben allows us to have some semblance of a running game. Although if he continues to run as he does he likely will not make it through the season.

[cajun55]

This. Been saying this since week one. The OL can’t run block. I will say towards the end of the game we did get a few more holes opened up. I think they have improved slightly.

Edit to add: If we can add even a sliver of a run game, this team becomes very good again. We are one dimensional right now; but add something else for them to think about and we become very dangerous.

I thought Ben’s scrambling last night made us less one dimensional and went a long way towards changing and winning the game for us. Does Chandler make those runs?

[cajun55]

But did he actually win it? Or did he inherit it? Like I said, I'm not mad at Chandler. But if he were really Mike's number one guy all along, don't you think Mike would have made the decision to go with Chandler from the start & we wouldn't have even seen Ben until last week? I have to believe that is what Mike's thinking was from the beginning, or he wouldn't have let this very counterproductive situation continue. And there is no doubt it has been counter productive to the point it has cost us games this season.

I would also like to add, something I said on the podcast which is true & most fans don't think about. Mike can lie to himself. He can lie to us. The fact is ALL coaches lie to the fans. But he can't lie to his team. And the whole team knows who the better QB is. And that defense plays better with Ben in the game. They played better against USA & they played lights out last night. And I think having one guy who I'm guessing is their guy has something to do with that. It's just the way it is.

100% agree and add to that the lack of drops last night. Knowing what kind of ball is coming all week and during the game may help the receivers? No?

[Turbine]

Knowing what kind of ball is coming all week and during the game may help the receivers? No?

Absolutely

[Cajunsmike]

If we had last year's line, Chandler. With this year's line, Ben.

Very simple analysis here but one I agree with. We struggle to run the ball and having a QB who can contribute in that area is sorely needed at this stage. The QB draws are something Ben provides that I am not sure as effective with Chandler. He may not have as talented an arm as Chandler but the difference is slight and does not make up for the contribution to the running game Ben provides.

[KajunKrazy]

I have been a fan of Chandler since the start of the season because with his arm he has the capability to make more throws than Ben and I think his ceiling is higher overall at the QB position as a passer. But, you have to ride the hot hand. It is clear that this team needs to have an offense to compliment the defense who will be winning the games we win this year. Ben and the rest of the offense did that last night. Ben allows us to have some semblance of a running game. Although if he continues to run as he does he likely will not make it through the season.

I cannot see Des demoting Chandler when healthy. I agree on riding the hot hand but don't forget Chandler got pulled after scoring 2 touchdowns on consecutive drives. You want to talk about hot hands. If he doesn't pull him he may have scored the next 2 drives also. But we will never know.

I for one am not ready to crown Ben until you have given Chandler the same opportunity to be the man getting all the reps in practice and all the snaps in a game knowing he's going all the way and he has not had that chance yet.

[KajunKrazy]

100% agree and add to that the lack of drops last night. Knowing what kind of ball is coming all week and during the game may help the receivers? No?

There is absolutely no doubt that the abundant amount of drops this year is a direct result of playing musical chairs with the QBs.

[CajunVic]

It’s a game of chances . . . and then you have a Chandler . . .

[Rougarou]

I cannot see Des demoting Chandler when healthy. I agree on riding the hot hand but don't forget Chandler got pulled after scoring 2 touchdowns on consecutive drives. You want to talk about hot hands. If he doesn't pull him he may have scored the next 2 drives also. But we will never know.

I for one am not ready to crown Ben until you have given Chandler the same opportunity to be the man getting all the reps in practice and all the snaps in a game knowing he's going all the way and he has not had that chance yet.

I see where you are coming from. I think it was a mistake to pull Chandler at ULM too. But the cycle of not sticking with the hot hand has to end somewhere. I think now is the time after we had the biggest win of the season.