Arnaud or Bates?

[ISUFan22]

When 2008 comes around, who will be the starting QB for the Cyclones?

The local kid, Arnaud? Or the Nebraska native turned Cyclone - Bates?

Sure, it's early - but there's not much else to discuss these days.

Vote and debate - should be interesting...

[Clones85']

Tough to say now until Bates gets here, but I am going w/ Arnaud. He's got the build already and a rocket for an arm. Let's not forget it was a top dual threat QB in the country according to rivals when we signed him. Either way I think we are looking good at QB for the next 4 years

[clonefan_80]

I also think Arnaud. I think Bates is a better athlete that could help out elsewhere if needed, while Arnaud is the better passer.

[ISUFan22]

I haven't seen much of Bates, so it's not completely fair to him...but...

I'm betting it will be Arnaud. Not only is he a year ahead of Bates - he's very fundamentally sound. Watching him in practice and the scrimmage you can see that. IMO, his biggest area of improvement is decision making and the deep ball. We know he does have the arm though, just needs to improve on accuracy which will come.

I must admit I am pulling for Arnaud because he's an Ames kid. Whoever wins the job, I'm sure the other will be on the field in some capacity. They're both too good of athletes to have one on the sidelines.

If in fact Bates is better - well - wow. I'll be even more excited for the next chapter for ISU - because I think Arnaud is the real deal. To have a guy better than he is - would just be awesome.

[crash_zone]

I think it also depends on Meyer staying healthy this year. If Arnaud ends up taking some snaps, I see him getting the nod. It also hurts Bates a little that he could be used in other areas (would the coaches really be looking at him just in the aspect of QB or moving him to another position that is weak)? Granted, Arnaud could be moved too, but you don't hear people talking about that.

[flander1649]

Won't really know much until Bates gets to school and starts running against college players. I think either way ISU will have a good QB and then someone who can go and play another position.

[wartknight]

I don't know how well Arnaud would play another position. I know he is a big strong runner, but he's not that fast is he? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[dinger]

pretty tough to say considering we havent seen either of them play in a collegiate game...

[pulse]

I would think Arnaud. He is big, strong, older, and a great player. Sage Rosenfels who is in the NFL didn't start until he was a Junior. I think Arnaud will start in '08 and Bates will redshirt this year much like Austen did his freshman year, barring a rash of injuries.

[dinger]

houston jones...you heard it here first

[Whitey]

If we're not looking bowl eligible midway through the season, Arnaud might be our starter yet this year.

[cys_av8r]

If you listen to Marty, Arnaud will be starting this year

[ISUonthemove]

I don't think it will even be a competition next year. Arnaud, hands down. He will see some playing time this year. He won't start, but we'll see him in there.

I really think he will be better in his first two years, than Meyer was in his best two years. I'm not knocking Meyer, I just think this kid is going to be a stud.

He is more agile, throws a better ball, has a stronger arm and with a little experience this year, he will undoubtely be are guy next year.

[wheels686]

hopefully arnaud. i just have a feeling bates will be moving to safety. he seems to be a good fit for that position.

[Drive4cy]

I think we are lucky to have both, but Arnaud will have 2 years experience, plus some game time in 07 under his belt. It will be his job to lose. Either way, get your popcorns ready.