The saying goes something like this: If you have two quarterbacks and can't decide on one, you really have zero quarterbacks.
Welcome to Ball State University's current situation.
In the past two games, both senior Joey Lynch and freshman Nate Davis have received substantial playing time with mixed results.
Never in the history of the world has a two-quarterback system worked.
Steve Spurrier probably cost himself a championship or two because he couldn't settle on Doug Johnson, Jesse Palmer or Noah Brindise.
The University of Tennessee has tried it the past two seasons.
In 2004, it was Brent Schaefer and Erik Ainge, and again in 2005 with Ainge and Rick Claussen. Neither season turned out as expected because of the inconsistency at quarterback.
Ball State coach Brady Hoke also has a history of doing this. In 2003, Andy Roesch and Talmadge Hill shared the position, and Lynch and Cole Stinson took turns quarterbacking the team in 2004.
After Davis' blistering performance in the opener against Eastern Michigan University, fans were ready to anoint him as the offense's leader. Which, of course, led to the inevitable creation of the "Nate Davis for Heisman" Facebook group, currently at 89 members and still growing.
But in the Indiana University game, we were quickly reminded that he is still a freshman. The numbers weren't too bad (6-9, 43 yards), but the difference was he didn't lead the team down the field like he did against Eastern Michigan University.
Save for one long pass, all the other completions were short, and he didn't look as comfortable out there. A very key element in the game was the 2nd-and-5 play where Davis was going to pass it but decided to run at the last minute. He could've easily tucked it away and ran for a first down because he had open field. Unfortunately, he fumbled the ball because of indecision, which led to a third down play that wasn't converted.
Lynch, on the other hand, played a fantastic first half - one of the best halves he has ever played. He threw for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns. Hoosier coach Terry Hoeppner also said it was one of the best halves he has seen a quarterback have.
Of course, the roles were reversed the week before against Eastern Michigan, so Hoke has an interesting dilemma.
In Monday's press conference, Hoke said he's happy to have two quarterbacks as talented as they are and has no problem playing both.
When playing two quarterbacks, you're supposed to keep the one in with the hot hand. Against Eastern Michigan, that was Davis. Against Indiana, that was Lynch.
The problem is that the quarterback position is most important in terms of rhythm. You can't alternate quarterbacks and expect both to keep their rhythm.
Unfortunately, Davis played back-to-back series in the third quarter, and it appeared to take some of the rhythm out of Lynch's game.
If the coaches are going to keep with the two-quarterback system (and it appears they are), hopefully the quarterback playing the best at the present time will stay in the game. If one is struggling, there's no problem with alternating. But if one is playing great, then why take him out of the game?
There's no problem playing Davis. The issue is that the Cardinals already have a more-than-capable quarterback in Lynch, who is a fifth-year senior and knows this team better than anyone else.
Let Lynch see what he can do. If he becomes inconsistent at times like last year, then playing Davis a series or two is OK.
There is also no arguing Davis's talent level. But he's only a freshman and will make mistakes. He is the future of the team.
But let the future be next year and not this year.
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