A 'quarterback guru" assesses Stafford

The New York Times has this story in its editions today suggesting that Georgia's rout of Hawaii in Tuesday's Sugar Bowl puts the Bulldogs in a good position to be the top ranked college football team going into the 2008 season. In the story, Hawaii coach June Jones said the speed of Georgia's defense was superior to that of USC during the Matt Leinert-Reggie Bush era. But there is one section in the story that probably is not going to sit well with the folks over in Highland Park, home of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford:

"Jones was liberal in his compliments of Georgia, but he hinted at what would be the biggest obstacle in its competing for the national title. Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford appeared erratic and threw without polish or touch. He finished the game 14 of 23 for 175 yards and a touchdown, but he appeared to make bad reads and not have a good feel for the game. Jones, a quarterback guru, did not criticize Stafford but said that he would be the key to the Bulldogs’ season in 2008. 'They definitely have a chance to contend,' Jones said. 'A lot of it has how fast their quarterback comes along.'"

Having watched a lot of Stafford in his senior season at Highland Park, something tells me he'll come along OK. But then I'm definitely not "a quarterback guru." However, after watching how easily West Virginia dismantled a proud, talented Oklahoma team last night, I wouldn't discard the possibility that the Mountaineers, with most of that talent returning, could also be a viable option for the top spot prior to the start of next college gridiron season.