OWH article about Phillip Bates

**CycloneWanderer** · 08-09-2010, 11:54 PM

I always liked him. Sat next to him in a class and he was cool. You could tell he took it hard when he left the team - it was not an easy thing for him to do.

**Frak** · 08-10-2010, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by leg4cy

How about that article stating that Bates was the de facto starter two years ago? I seem to recall that the position was open at the beginning of the season, and Arnaud proved to be the most reliable option and starter by the time Bates left.

Yeah, Bates was never the starter. Arnaud had some experience as a backup the prior year while Bates was playing WR. Bates was never equal with Arnaud. IMO one of Chizik's biggest mistakes was not making a QB choice. They were still talking like it was an open competition right up to when Bates left. The right way to do it was to declare AA the starter, but put a "package" together for Bates similar to a wildcat where he gets a couple of series at QB and the rest at WR/KR.

Funny thing is that Chizik is doing the same exact QB dance this fall. Nothing kills a team quicker than a QB/leadership controversy. That's why I'm hoping that CPR declares a starter after spring ball at the latest this year.

**ItsCyence** · 08-10-2010, 10:45 AM

I hope he has success at Ohio. He could play QB in college and get drafted to play WR or safety. How many college QBs have made the transition? Lots.

**Al_4_State** · 08-10-2010, 10:49 AM

I feel like he's clearly wasting his talent by insisting to play QB. If the NFL is his goal (and it clearly is) he should have changed positions years ago.

It was obvious that Arnaud was the better QB, but Bates was so talented that there were a multitude of uses for him. It's too bad that he was so obsessed with the QB position to see that, but I guess it's his loss.

**Stormin** · 08-10-2010, 11:29 AM

Bates NEVER started out the 2008 season as the "top" signal caller under Chizik. That just isn't true. Bates had lots of chances and Arnaud out-performed him. Bates couldn't handle the fact that AA beat him out.

**Knownothing** · 08-10-2010, 12:02 PM

I hear the biggest problem with Bates is he won't except any position except QB. He won't play safety.

**weR138** · 08-10-2010, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by cyclone13

If I'm not mistaken, his dad believes that he'll be a pro as a QB.

Well, if his dad says so it must be true. Best of luck to Phil I hope he starts at QB at Ohio and does well.

**Senolcyc** · 08-10-2010, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by Stormin

Bates NEVER started out the 2008 season as the "top" signal caller under Chizik. That just isn't true. Bates had lots of chances and Arnaud out-performed him. Bates couldn't handle the fact that AA beat him out.

Bates couldn't handle being lied to and jerked around. Big difference. Bates had no issues with Arnaud being the starter. He did have an issue with being given a plan for how he would play in a game, preparing all week, and then having Chizik wet himself on game day and forget everything they'd worked on all week.

**heitclone** · 08-10-2010, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Al_4_State

I feel like he's clearly wasting his talent by insisting to play QB. If the NFL is his goal (and it clearly is) he should have changed positions years ago.

It was obvious that Arnaud was the better QB, but Bates was so talented that there were a multitude of uses for him. It's too bad that he was so obsessed with the QB position to see that, but I guess it's his loss.

I agree, he's an NFL caliber athlete, he just needs better advice. I think he got a really raw deal at ISU with the way Chiz handled him but that doesn't really excuse quiting on your team. I don't have any hard feelings for the kid and wish him the best. I think ISU fans need to let this kid be, I mean atleast he gave us one memory and had one of the biggest plays in the history of the Cy-Hawk game.

**Omaha Cy** · 08-10-2010, 12:34 PM

Its not as cut and dried as the writer made it sound.....

Bates got thrown a curveball last fall when the senior QB at Ohio got injured early in the season and was able to redshirt in 2009(like Parker did).

What I've read on the situation makes me think Bates will obviously see the field and play some QB this year, but he's no lock to start the season under center.

He may have to play WR and run in wildcat formations this fall more than what was implied. With the transfer year, bates has 2 years of eligibility left, and should be the #1 guy next fall without a doubt...not certain he's getting that role this year.

**cyrocksmypants** · 08-10-2010, 12:37 PM

I wish him the best. What he did was cowardly, but ultimately, the decision was from a kid that was jutt listening to his dad. I blame his dad more than I blame Phillip. It's unfortunate that he is going to end up a bit like Eric Crouch, a great talent that will be the cause of his own demise by being unwilling to change. Kind of the Anti-Austin Flynn, who, not coincidentally, is still my all-time favorite Cyclone because he would do whatever was asked if it helped the team.

**weR138** · 08-10-2010, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by cyrocksmypants

I wish him the best. What he did was cowardly, but ultimately, the decision was from a kid that was jutt listening to his dad. I blame his dad more than I blame Phillip. It's unfortunate that he is going to end up a bit like Eric Crouch, a great talent that will be the cause of his own demise by being unwilling to change. Kind of the Anti-Austin Flynn, who, not coincidentally, is still my all-time favorite Cyclone because he would do whatever was asked if it helped the team.

This seems kind of harsh. I can't blame kids that left due to problems with Chiz. Like someone said I just wish Phil could've been around to play under CPR.

**Omaha Cy** · 08-10-2010, 12:44 PM

Early in the 2008 season, I was actually really excited about the QB battle in camp that would have emerged in 09. Then the whole Bates and Chizik leaving deal got in the way.

Bates might have been better suited to play under Herman than McFarland.

**cyhiphopp** · 08-10-2010, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by FD Cyclone

Early in the 2008 season, I was actually really excited about the QB battle in camp that would have emerged in 09. Then the whole Bates and Chizik leaving deal got in the way.

Bates might have been better suited to play under Herman than McFarland.

I think everyone is better suited to play under Herman than McFarland.

McFarland was a good O-Line coach, and the offense may have suffered primarily because Chizik was calling the plays. I honestly don't know. I just know that I vastly prefer our offensive system and the improvement in play calling after just one year in the Herman system. I am psyched to see what can happen this year with the offense fully implemented and veterans executing the offense.

Oh and on the original topic of Bates under Herman, yes he would have done much better in this system and I think he would have recieved better coaching as a QB. I think AA would still have started but Bates would be much more productive and better able to utilize his talents running the read option.

**Senolcyc** · 08-10-2010, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by cyhiphopp

I think everyone is better suited to play under Herman than McFarland.

McFarland was a good O-Line coach, and the offense may have suffered primarily because Chizik was calling the plays. I honestly don't know. I just know that I vastly prefer our offensive system and the improvement in play calling after just one year in the Herman system. I am psyched to see what can happen this year with the offense fully implemented and veterans executing the offense.

Chizik was an anchor around McFarland's neck in the deep end of the pool. McFarland knew his stuff.