Should FSU Bench DJ Uiagalelei for Brock Glenn? An In-Depth Analysis

By Jason Bolton September 09, 2024 04:46

Photo by Don Juan Moore/GettyImages

For the first time since 2022, Florida State University (FSU) will play two straight home games to kick off their season. The team got off to a disappointing start with consecutive losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College, which has shifted focus onto their quarterback position. Meanwhile, highly touted transfer DJ Uiagalelei has failed to meet the grade and fans, but analysts are calling for a change. That name that everyone will be talking about is Brock Glenn, the up-and-coming quarterback on deck. This article asks if FSU should bench Uiagalelei in favor of Glenn, analyzing player health and performance, coaching decisions, public perception surrounding the roster's talent level, and much more.

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Player Performance Analysis

DJ Uiagalelei's Performance

D.J. Uiagalelei came to FSU as a highly touted recruit out of high school and was one of the best in college football during his time at Clemson. Despite that, he has been a shadow of himself this season. Uiagalelei went 30-for-60 in the first two games, with just one touchdown while tossing a pair of interceptions. It was especially noticeable in the Boston College loss when Willis misfired on several open receivers and tossed a key interception.

Uiagalelei has the size and arm strength to be special, but accuracy and decision-making are a problem. Sometimes, as Heisman was nearly a unanimous picked sophomore, he has not been able to develop any continuity throwing the ball, often drawing boos in its home stadium and cries for his removal.

Brock Glenn's Potential

Redshirt freshman Brock Glenn is a ray of hope for some FSU fans. While Glenn lacks collegiate experience, he showed promise in practice and brief appearances last year. A three-star recruit, Glenn quickly established himself as an intelligent football mind.

Glenn saw limited action last season, completing just 19 of 51 passes, but his value comes in other areas through adaptability and the intangible aspects associated with leadership. While it is entirely speculation, fans believe that Glenn could provide a fresh start and possibly suit what FSU needs to do offensively better.

Coaching Perspective

This presents a difficult scenario for FSU's coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Norvell. The latter idea is something Norvell considers part of his coaching philosophy due to the adaptability that can come with a player reaching their ceiling limit or identifying where they still have areas to grow. He's been very cautious about pulling the trigger, as there is the potential for fracturing team dynamics and hindering player development.

Benching a starting quarterback is never an easy decision to make. It's based on more than just performance metrics; it is also based on the player's impact from a morale standpoint if they can execute their game plan that has been established beforehand. Norvell also said as much to the media in response to addressing issues more generally than just quarterbacks, which makes some sense if he sees his quarterback dilemma as part of bigger team problems.

Team Dynamics

The swapping out of the first-string signal caller alone can have sizable effects on group chemistry. Team sources agree that many of Uiagalelei's teammates admire his leadership and experience. However, weeks and months of poor play can ultimately create doubt in the quarterback and his overseers.

Glenn's arrival could serve as a walking good luck charm and new tactical approach. It is also possible that it will disturb the existing, well-established partnerships and rhythm of that team. Head coach Sean Payton and his positional coaches have to consider these things when determining what would be best for both players' development in the long run.

Fan and Media Reactions

That call to bench Uiagalelei and play Glenn has not gone unanswered by the FSU fanbase. New threads are popping up all over forums with everyone clamoring about this QB-related thing or that; there are countless memes on social media making fun of the situation and a million radio debates going from left to right. Some fans think a shake-up is needed to save the season and possibly claw back into contention for an ACC championship.

Media analysts have chimed in some, agreeing that Glenn deserved a shot because Uiagalelei's struggles passing the ball with any consistency wreak havoc on FSU's offense. Still, others preach patience and stability to the franchise and ensure a young quarterback doesn't see action before he's ready.

Ultimately, the coaching staff has the final say in this situation, of course, and they will have to judge whether or not a short-term move such as that benefits them on their quest for improvement both now and down the line. A move would seem necessary if Glenn is found to be healthy and more than capable of moving back in. But if the coaching staff is convinced that Uiagalelei will be able to grow past his current issues, they may elect to let him work through this funk.