Grant Stucker did well to start the season, throwing for 576 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions, all while leading the Rams to a perfect 3-0 start. Included in that winning streak was a massive victory against rival CU, as it was the first time CSU had won in Boulder since 1986—Stucker and the Rams were high on the mountain top.
But since then, Colorado State (3-6 Overall) hasn’t won a game, and Stucker has struggled. In the last six games, the Rams senior quarterback has only passed for eight touchdowns (four were in a loss against Idaho) and nine interceptions.
And while Stucker has struggled, CSU has as well. Now I’m not saying that the only reason the Rams have lost just because of their quarterback—injuries have depleted the defense, and caused Leonard Mason to miss almost two games, and the special teams unit has been mediocre at best all season—but in football when the team stumbles, the QB takes the most heat.
And let’s face it, the CSU must win-out, which may not be as difficult as it seems as their opponents, UNLV (3-6), New Mexico (0-8) and Wyoming (4-4), only have a .280 winning percentage. But with the Rams on the verge of having their third one year and done quarterback (Billy Farris in ’08, Stucker in ’09, Jon Eastman in ’10), head coach Steve Fairchild should consider making the QB switch to Eastman now.
Basically, Stucker would have to play almost perfectly, along with the rest of the fatigued and injury-ridden team, for the Rams to make a bowl game. So, pull the plug on Stucker since he won’t be around next year, and give Jon Eastman his chance to better learn the offense now to prepare for the 2010 season.
Eastman has already had some playing time in two of the last three contests, going 5-14 with 91 yards, but making him a starter now would prepare him for the full season next year. In last week’s game versus Air Force Eastman showed he has a rocket of an arm, although his accuracy needs work, as he occasionally overthrew some CSU receivers. And, if Eastman were to somehow lead CSU to a bowl game, he would set himself up for a starring role in 2010—as Ram fans hope Colorado State can further improve on Fairchild’s first two seasons.
So, while it may be a bit much to expect the Rams to turn around their season with a switch to Eastman, Fairchild should give him a chance to learn the offense now and, with a little magic, be the savior of CSU’s year.
But, as reported by The Denver Post on Tuesday, Fairchild said he will stick with Stucker for the rest of 2009. Although Fairchild left the door open on Eastman getting playing time saying, “I would anticipate Grant being our starter. But again, guys have to go out and guys have to produce."
So, if Stucker does not have a great week of practice, look for Eastman to get his chance at quarterback this Saturday versus UNLV at 8:00 p.m. MT on The MTN.
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