August 21, 2006
Three Day Shuffle - Keller wins QB job, then loses it, now may leave ASU
It’s been quite the pre-season saga for the Arizona State, who are in search of a starting QB before the season begins.
On Friday, Head Coach Dirk Koetter announced that senior Sam Keller would be the starter for ASU's first game against Northern Arizona.
Keller told reporters he was 'humbled' to win the job and it was his 'dream' to play as a senior.
But then Koetter slept on it, woke up and pulled a fast one on all involved, flip flopping his choice of signal callers to sophomore Rudy Carpenter on Sunday.
"It's simple. I made a mistake on the quarterback situation and I'm changing my mind.”
. . .
"I talked to so many people about this. This has been weighing heavy on my mind for a long, long time and I'm the one that screwed it up. I have to live with it. I'm also the one who has to fix it."
Koetter said he met with some player, the athletic director and some coaches about the decision, before deciding to go in another direction.
But according to the East Valley Tribune, a group of players met with Koetter and told him of their belief that Carpenter should be the starter over Keller.
Earlier in the spring, Koetter floated the idea to both QBs of sharing the starting position, a move that both were against.
All of this, the coaching flip flops and fellow player back stabbing, points towards Sam Keller exiting stage left before the first hiked ball of 2006. And Keller was not present Sunday at practice, with Koetter saying he gave Keller an excused day off to weigh his future options.
Comments:
bama51 said:
posted on August 21, 2006 11:55 AM — 157.185.6.132 — link — abuse?
Amen! What jerk would tell you that you were the starter, then pull it, without any change of injury status or any other major factor. Come on, at least let the guy start the first game, and if he doesn't impress, pull him. That would be better than the way it was handled.
posted on August 21, 2006 12:09 PM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue said:
Props for Koetter for doing the right thing. Carpenter is an outstanding QB who represents ASU's best chance now & into the future.
Sometimes you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet.
scott said:
posted on August 21, 2006 2:52 PM — 67.161.24.41 — link — abuse?
Fire the coach immediately. Keller fired 250+ yards and 2 TD's on Friday against the first team defense. Carpenter put up big numbers against the 2nd team D. Obviously, Rudy's roommate made a palace coup and the captain went along with the mutiny throwing an All American under-the-bus. Keller is now long gone. Keller didn't redshirt, is Rival.com #1 PAC-10 QB, and loses his senior year to Carpenter. Fire the skipper today for ASU is now the laughing stock of the league.
T-Mac said:
posted on August 21, 2006 5:20 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
I'm sure the head coach has the teams best interest in mind.It is a shame that it all went down like that though.It makes you feel bad for the guy.There is no way I would hang around if I was him.If he has the talent than he should transfer.I agree with Diggs and the Oklahoma idea.PEACE
devil said:
posted on August 21, 2006 5:38 PM — 143.182.124.3 — link — abuse?
I think it is funny how people are calling Dirk a jerk. Think about this for a sec. You have two high profile QB's that both want to run the show. Both of them have NFL potential and are willing to do anything to better their college careers. There is no doubt in my mind that whoever Dirk picked, the other one was going to consider transferring to start at another program. Now, thinking about the future of the program...would you rather have Keller for one year and then have to start a redshirt freshman next year, or would you rather have Rudy for 3 years and build the team around him? I feel bad for Sam too, but the coach "always" has to do what's best for the team. This isn't pee wee football anymore where peoples feelings get hurt and parents get mad. It's a nationally ranked program that is trying to win football games. There isn't a coach in the country who wouldn't rather have a 3 year player vs a 1 year player, expecially since both of them are so equal in talent.
VOLPIMP said:
posted on August 21, 2006 7:03 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
Crappiest luck I've ever seen had to be Jerry Colquitt, Vols QB. This guy waited behind Heath Shuler patiently, Shuler left for the NFL and Colquitt finally was the man. Season opener at UCLA he blows his knee out in the first series I believe, done for the season, no redshirt. Unbelieveable. Did pave the way for Peyton to start later that year, but damn what luck, and he was talented too. We went through every QB on the roster that year seemed like, Todd Helton, Branndon Stewart, Manning, Coach finally made the right choice. Gotta admit though, at the time I thought Stewart was the more talented QB, dude could fly and had a strong arm. Hated to see him transfer to A&M.
T-Mac said:
posted on August 21, 2006 7:40 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
VOLPIMP,I remember that with Colquitt at the QB spot.Was that back in the Jay Graham days at running back or was that before?I also seem to remember Todd Helton.Didn't he wind up having a pro baseball career?I can't recall who he played for though.I might be wrong on that.Not sure.PEACE BRO!
VOLPIMP said:
posted on August 21, 2006 9:39 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
Yeah Graham was the next year, James Stewart was the back that year though, another god back, just fumbled like hell. You're right about Helton, plays for the Rockies still, he was a better baseball player than QB anyway, he got banged up a little and I think was afraid of losing his baseball career. Can't blame him there, he never would have done in football what he's done on the diamond. Jay Graham was a monster though, had a hell of a run against Bama when we finally beat them that year. He showed up Eddie George pretty good in the Citrus Bowl that year too. Graham was on the UT staff at one time. Dude rushed for almost 1500 yards in 95, he was a stud. Glad you reminded me of him.
T-Mac said:
posted on August 21, 2006 10:33 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
Yeah VOLPIMP,I brought Jay Graham up because I always loved his running style.Yeah,he was a bull!Speaking of Tailbacks I really think that Arian Foster is gonna be the next great Vol back.What I have seen of this guy he runs with a passion.He runs for the touchdown and not just the 1st down!Know what I mean?I could be jumping the gun a little here,but look for him to have a stellar year if he gets the rock enough!I look for him to be the next NFL back out of Big Orange Country.He runs with excellent instincts!You know what I mean.The type of things that you can't coach.You either have it or you don't.Plain & Simple!PEACE T-Mac
VOLPIMP said:
posted on August 21, 2006 11:19 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
I agree about Foster, I saw on another blog a dude hating on him because his yardage came against ND, Memphis, Vandy, Carolina and Kentucky. Well ND and Memphis were 34 and 27th against the run last year, which is pretty respectable. ANY Freshman that gets over 900 yds and doesn't get the start till the 7th game of the year is a 5 star guy in my book. Granted he did play some in every game,only 84 of those yards came before Riggs went down. If we have ANY kind of passing attack Foster should have a big year.
Drew said:
posted on August 21, 2006 11:39 PM — 71.202.173.252 — link — abuse?
The coach should feel like an idiot right now. Not only is Keller the undisputed leader of this team, but he is the face of this football program and the school. So what if Carpenter finnished the year off well, he did it against a bunch of cupcake defenses that cant compare anywhere close to the teams that keller dominated as the starter last season. Plus, Keller was forced to wait his sophmore year behind Andrew Walter. Carpenter should wait his turn behind Keller who has sacrificed so much for this team and still gets no respect for it!
T-Mac said:
posted on August 21, 2006 11:41 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
VOLPIMP,well said bro!You are absolutely on-point.He was just a freshman last year.I didn't even realize it for the longest time into the season.I guarantee you VOLPIMP that the dude hatin on him secretly wished HIS team had Foster in their backfield!Holla if ya hear me on that!!!I'm not gonna sit here and act like I'm a total expert,but when it comes to talent I know it when I see it.Especially since I play that position.So I think I have some knowledge to speak on it.Foster looks to be the next great Vol back!What other blog were you on where this trick was bustin on him?I'll light that dude up like the 4th of July!PEACE T-Mac
mooka said:
posted on August 22, 2006 12:47 AM — 68.107.102.29 — link — abuse?
I'm no coach or anything, but it seems to me that in order to be in that leadership type of position you would have to have skills in decisiveness, for one; trust, for two. I don't think Koetter displayed any of those and it was a dumb move. Fire him for the Assistant Coach!!
As for the QB, you have to have your teams' trust and confidence in order to be successfull at this position. If there is any sort of back stabbing Keller needs to figure it out and move on. If he finds another home, I'll be routing for him.
Tommie Trojan said:
posted on August 22, 2006 8:31 AM — 206.135.38.195 — link — abuse?
What a shame! In all ways. The coach is a loser. And, now that Keller has decided to leave, he has shown his true colors also.
This guy Koetter ought to be fired. There is nothing wrong with Keller. I assure you that prior to Vince Young, nobody scared me as a Trojan backer, more than Sam Keller. This guy could light it up for 450 yards - no problem! Carpenter is also a great young QB - but, he has to wait his turn. Great programs are built by guys who have to wait their turn. Especially at QB. This was the most ridiculous decision I have ever seen by a head coach. Sam Keller did nothing to lose his place. Carpenter stepped in and did a nice job. But, Arizona State wasn't any better or worse for it. I think they were 4-2 under Keller and 3-2 under Carpenter. The coach should have told the team to "shut up and play". Now, they have zero depth at QB. How pathetically stupid.
We had Matt Cassel sit behind both Palmer and Leinart here at USC. He never got on the field. He was even beaten out by Booty, when Booty was a true freshman and Cassel was a junior, for the backup job. Cassel hung in and now is a very fine backup to Tom Brady at New England. Talk about a guy who might have wanted to bail out on his situation? But, this guy never did. That's leadership and that is why Bilechick drafted him in the second round. Now, Keller is wrong for bailing on his team. He should show more than that. He would have been a high draft pick no matter what. Now, he has shown a true lack of leadership. I think this will cost him in the draft. Had he stuck it out - it would have improved his status.
My hat is off to Xavier Lee at Florida State who is hanging in during a difficult period for him. But, unlike some of these players, he seems as if he is a true Seminole. That's leadership. And, when his number is called - he'll be ready to lead. This is just a shame that this head coach is such a nitwit. USC has the same situation today. Maybe Sanchez has more potential than Booty does. He is three inches taller. But, Booty gets the call because he has paid his dues. And, until the team starts to lose games - the job is gonna be his. Same thing for Sanchez when he does take over. The job will be his to lose. Sam Keller never lost that job. He was injured, and prior to that, was one of the great QB's in college football. This decision will cost Arizona State greatly now and well into the future - especially if Carpenter goes down with an injury.Tommie T
TrojanHorse said:
posted on August 22, 2006 9:08 AM — 208.20.220.72 — link — abuse?
Gotta love it, thanks Dirk, your season is already starting in turmoil and as a P10 contender at least by some so called experts, your chances or finishing in the top 3 have just been diminished (I didn't say finished). Maybe by the time ASU arrives in the Colesium the Sun Devil Season won't be trashed.
sadseasonticketman said:
posted on August 22, 2006 12:06 PM — 65.103.195.97 — link — abuse?
It's sad when a bunch of semitalented athletes think that their world is real. After watching all the interviews it is apparent that the coach doesn't have the metal to stand up to his team. He is also wrong when he stated that his reasoning doesn't matter. Maybe he forgot that he works at ASU not a private college. He is paid by our taxes. He owes us all a real explanation. Number 17 doesn't have much to show us other than when he makes it to the real world another semi literate former wannabe will be serving our burgers at the local fast food.
VOLPIMP said:
posted on August 22, 2006 5:29 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
I got the link off of Voluminous' blog, it was under the Tennessee/Cal game heading. He seemed pretty biased to the Pac 10, which makes sense since Foster is a Cali boy. Smells like sour grapes a little. Dude had some good points but he was way off base on Foster.
NDAFArly said:
posted on August 22, 2006 6:24 PM — 74.132.144.25 — link — abuse?
You have to watch the INTERVIEW of the coach to get the story. He was totally CONFUSED. He couldn'r answer any qustions, he seemed lost. He knew he made a HUGE mistake. If youy want the inside story, you have to read the local papers that cover ASU. Local papers always have an inside source. Rumor down there is that some of the players who did not want Keller to leave told sources anom. that numerous players loyal to Carpenter threatened to leave if he didn't start, and the Coach buckled. Evidently there are players there still loyal to Keller who are ratting out the coach and all the other players. I don't care about ASU or Keller, but how does an ALL-American Senior lose the benefit of the doubt? Sounds like some players bullying a cowardly coach to me?
So Cal USMC said:
posted on August 22, 2006 8:28 PM — 204.62.68.23 — link — abuse?
As far as talent, productivity, Keller and Carpenter were probably a coin-flip. But it says a lot about Carpenter's leadership/intangibles that a group of players would speak to the Coach on his behalf. The problem was that Koetter didnt have a good feel of the team's mentality when he made the decision.
Its fugked up for Keller, he should transfer to Arizona or something.
T-Mac said:
posted on August 24, 2006 3:22 AM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
Mooka,it's all good bro!None of us have all the answers!If I had all the answers I would already have by-passed the CFL to the NFL.That's my ultimate goal of course,but I have to bring it in the CFL first.I know I will.Those CFL defensive fronts won't stop me.Not even close Mooka!My momma will get a new house if it's the last thing I do.I also have to take care of my sister and my nephew.I would like to get all them set up so they can take it easy you know?My knee is finally back at 110%.I'm running better now than I was in College Mooka.I HATE my diet right now,but if it gets my family taken care of then it is all good.PEACE Mooka T-Mac
NDAFArly said:
posted on August 24, 2006 5:31 PM — 74.132.144.25 — link — abuse?
Doesn't really matter for the Huskers Chris. Great program (at letting rapist and wife beaters play, ie Lawrence Phillips, but until they get rid of Callaghan, they aren't going anywhere. How does a coach who leads his team to the National Championship game in his second season, after personally being picked by the legend former coach, get fired with a career 90% winning percentage without even consulting Osbourne first?
ANSWER: All people in Nebraska are crazy and too rapped up in the fooball team. This according to my father-in-law, Nebraska graduate, and football player on 1971 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM.Tommie Trojan said:
posted on August 24, 2006 7:33 PM — 206.135.38.195 — link — abuse?
Chris:
I wouldn't get too excited until 2007 rolls around. I'll admit that landing Keller for 2007 will finally put the Huskers back into National Title contention. With Keller, Lucky and Purify all upper classmen, Nebraska should be ready to explode in 2007.
But in 2006 - the Trojans are still gonna whup some Big Red Behind. I was hopin' that USC didn't have to go up against Keller anymore. I think he's shreaded us twice. Quinn is the only guy we've played who was on that level. Now, I think we're gonna have to see Keller again in 2007. That Nebraska-USC game might just be for all the marbles.
Great score, getting Keller, for both Nebraska and coach Callahan. Keller might even come away with the Heisman after this. Wouldn't that be amazing?Tommie T
OU Fan said:
posted on August 25, 2006 7:57 AM — 69.29.100.231 — link — abuse?
I read something how OU showed major interest in Keller after he enrolled at Nebraska, I believe that was it. Well, its a little too late Oklahoma!! OU still has plenty of talent though, its going to be a great season. Go Sooners!!
bob vielledent said:
posted on August 25, 2006 2:48 PM — 168.174.253.221 — link — abuse?
Sam Keller's teamates and Coach Koetter should be ashamed .They threw that kid under the bus.For what? To Carpenters's credit he said he was gone and confronted Coackh Koetter, he called his bluff and won.I will give all you bloggers a hot tip Rudy wanted out after spring ball ; he contacted 2 colleges [one in conference 1 out]. He thinks he is better and that is to his credit.Koetter was able to string them both alondfg until school started .
tek45 said:
posted on August 25, 2006 4:06 PM — 12.108.223.22 — link — abuse?
I would count out the huskers in 2006 either tommie. If all your basing 2007 on is Keller playing, think of how much Taylor has grown in that position. Keller is alot better, but give Taylor some credit. USC will be a favorite to win on the 16th, but they wont run away with it. Possibly even get upset.
Chris said:
posted on August 25, 2006 5:00 PM — 206.222.198.12 — link — abuse?
NDAFarly,
What a ridiculous fountain of venom. You still can't get past Lawrence Phillips? How long ago was that? Nobody in Nebraksa defends that cretan but come on, that's all you got fucknut? Nebraska may or may not be in title contention this year but anyone with any knowledge of NCAA football knows that Nebraska is consistently, year in and year out, decade after decade, one of the classiest programs in the country. Year after year after year they have some of the most academic all americans in Division 1 ball and one of the highest graduation rates, period. Not to mention their reputation for some of the best fans left in the sport who actually demonstrate respect and sportsmanship toward visiting fans and players. If you want to talk about classless programs who are always full of corruption and criminals how about you start with Colorado, Miami, Florida, UCLA, Michigan, Penn State, ASU etc. Hate all you want the Huskers will be for real this year my friend. And next year, well, you'll see pissant!
T-Mac said:
posted on August 25, 2006 5:02 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
mark,I'm not even an ASU fan,but I'll throw a few of Keller's stats at you bro!Last season in only 8 games played Keller passed for 2165 yds and 20 TD's.If you divide 2165 passing yds by the 8 games he played you arrive at 270.6 yds per game average!Those are very good numbers my friend!He is not a bench-warmer.He is a starter for sure!BTW-If you project his numbers out to 12 games you get 3247.5 passing yds.Call me crazy,but I think any team in the country would take that kind of production!What do you think bro?
Defensive Minded Nebraskan said:
posted on August 26, 2006 4:46 PM — 216.170.43.211 — link — abuse?
I think my team took that kind of production... he has some talent at WR's coming in for him next year too. He will sit behind Taylor this year even though he cant put the pads on i'm sure he'll be on the sidelines. that along with an improving running game (lets not forget that behind Todd at FB is Lawson who i think will be a better passing target.. or at least faster after the catch; this could be key in matchups for '07) -*Prediction*- a 9-2 (only 1 loss to USC&TU... hopefully none) season with an apperance at the Big 12 championship... who knows from there (bases on other teams recond) maybe playing any one of the teams from texas
Defensive Minded Nebraskan said:
posted on August 28, 2006 7:09 PM — 216.170.43.211 — link — abuse?
Oh i know they will be sorry giving him the boot, he is going to get drafted after having a fine year at nebraska. He will have too many targets to throw the ball to. I know that ALOT of people counted nebraska out when they switched the offense, thats a bad thing to do... with the $50'000'000 sports complex completed that coach said was better than anything he has seen in college or pro we will be infusing great out of state talent with the passion of local products, not a bad mix i would say. I just wish that someone at the university would help the local high school coaches out. Too much talent is wasted right here in state because of the lack of sophistication in HS sports here... and it makes those that do go to UNL a little bit behind on the learning curve. perfect example: Richard Ross went to Lincoln High... was all state, didn't have the academics for nebraska (but how they wanted him) so he went to a DII school in nebraska and broke Jerry rices long standing career reception yards record with little or no real coaching.. btw he was picked up by the texans and is now on his way to tearing it up like he did in HS and DII... but he is raw, i hope they have patience with this talent as he could be something special
Defensive Minded Nebraskan said:
posted on August 28, 2006 8:23 PM — 216.170.43.211 — link — abuse?
Tomcat: i dont think that new has reached the husker defense yet... here let me tell Carriker and Co. that they will lose it to a team that couldn't run the ball on them, or even stop the pass last year against nebraska whom i'm sure u have said had a weak passing attack (they had 400 passing yards on ISU with that weak passing attack) oh yea thats right... it all hasn't happened yet, so to boldly go where few have gone before... try to make that at least seem like a prediction and less a statement, as in my prediction that nebraska will beat USC and Texas... mainly because they wont have time to run the ball, and their Qb's wont have time to get into rythem... but also because the HUGE emphesis on the offensive line.. both in pass protection and run blocking, Mid-west coast offense.... meet the world
T-Mac said:
posted on August 30, 2006 1:56 AM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
Mooka,post 49.Thanks man.I appreciate that.I've been workin my a$$ off all summer bro.My knee is better than ever.I've been running better in the last month than when I was in college.No problem plantin and explodin!Me and my crew watch a lot of the Rocky movies to get jacked.If people out there don't watch the Rocky movies than they aren't American!Me and my crew can tell when one of us might be slackin.We have been doing great this summer.They have said I got the eye back.The eye of the Tiger!That Hunger.That Fire.I'm just gonna lay it all out and leave it all out on the field Mooka.That's all I can do bro.I have to take care of my momma and my sister so they can have a good life Mooka.When I make it to the National Football League I can rest.A little!Until then I gotta come on strong like a bad case of the flu!All the lifting,running tires,50-yard sprints,basic stuff etc.After all that when I make it is the reward.Doing what I love for a living and taking care of my family.Alright Mooka T-Mac
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Ben said:
posted on August 21, 2006 3:30 AM — 72.134.43.207 — link — abuse?Wow... The coach is a total jerk!