Lobo fans shouldn't expect veteran results from a freshman
Posted at: 09/12/2012 9:26 AM
| Updated at: 09/12/2012 5:49 PM
By: J.P. Murrieta, KOB Eyewitness Sports 4
University of New Mexico quarterback Cole Gautsche could make his first collegiate start on Saturday at Texas Tech, but it's obvious the true freshman is a little overwhelmed. Gautsche was called to action last week when BR Holbrook was knocked out of the game. Head coach Bob Davie admitted Gautsche got a little rattled in front of 100,000 fans. "We had three (penalties) that were
the direct result of Cole changing the snap count tempo, where he got a little rattled, and we weren’t as rhythmic as we should’ve been."
Gautsche seems to be the perfect fit for Davie's option-oriented offense. He's big and can run, scoring two rushing touchdowns in week one. The throwing part of the option? That's still a work in progress. Gautsche has only completed one pass in two games.
Remember Lobo fans, this kid's only a freshman. At this time last year he was in high school preparing for Onate, now he's facing an FBS defense that wants to rip his head off.
In high school Gautsche was the best player in the state. He threw for 3,085 yards with 39 touchdowns and just four interceptions and also ran for 1,218 yards and 23 rushing TDs. Now he has trouble throwing a spiral at practice. Why?
Confidence. Gautsche seems to be overwhelmed learning a new offense as well as being chased by guys bigger and stronger.
"When you ask a quarter back to run options, it’s hard to throw the ball," explained Davie. "If he was just doing one thing, just concentrating on throwing every second, that’s one thing – or if he was just doing that in a game. But when you’re an option style, you’re running, you’re this, you’re asking a lot – physically you’re asking him to do a lot. They get fatigued, they get hit, there’s reads. So it’s going to take time."
If Gautsche doesn't learn to become a better passer, the Lobos become one dimensional and easy to defend. Davie says he plans to have offensive coordinator Bob Debesse work with Cole during the off-season to get him more efficient throwing the ball. Much like rebuilding a golf swing, "maybe you just start over."
It's not going to happen overnight, Lobo fans. Be patient.
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