How much playing time will Nic Costa get?

[CatEye]

Much has been made of John Mackovic's decision to give Nic Costa more playing time in the next 3 games. At what point do you expect to see Costa in the game?

It should be interesting to see how Mackovic handles this situation. Will it matter if we are in the lead, or playing well, or will it simply be based on a pre-determined point in the game?

I'm expecting to see Costa get atleast one series in the 1st half, and then depending on the score of the game, I expect we will see him a minimum of 1 quarter in the 2nd.

What does everyone else think with regards to Costa's potential playing time?
CatEye

[UAFB]

It would be interesting to maybe put him in at tailback with JJ, two QB options would probably be confusing for the defense (and nic can actually run with the ball... WOW!) I doubt we will see anything like that though...

I expect him to get in if JJ has another rough start (within the first 3-4 series) and stay in if he has the hot hands (which he wont, sorry nic)

[Josh Gershon]

Seriously, that is an awesome idea. Put Costa in at tailback, the defense would be fooled everytime. Unfortunately, its been almost 2 years and I have yet to see Mackovic run one creative play, so I doubt he will start now.

[CatEye]

Although Mackovic is known as an Offensive-minded Coach, I really haven't seen him mix it up very much, or as you say, be creative. That could be a product of talent, or an ineffective Offensive line, but I tend to think he just prefers to play a very straight forward style.

Once, Mackovic gets his own players into the system we should start to see what this Offense is fully capable of, but if it does not start to score points for us, it will prove to be no better than what we had before.

In the meantime, I'm willing to wait and see.
CatEye

[WilmasPimp]

I'd like to see Costa start, for the following reasons.

#1. Forget it, this is not a "big" game, nor are the Cats going to any bowl. The sooner the fans realize and coaches realize this, the sooner we can get a leg up on every other team in the Pac-10 and start preparing for next season.

#2. If Costa gets the starting nod, he can warm up with more purpose and confidence. The staff can script the first dozen or so plays, and Costa and the offense can work on them in practice. He will be 10 times more prepared than if he pops off the bench unexpectedly.

#3. The Arizona offense is always at it's best in the 1st quarter of games. Costa needs a chance to perform when the offensive line is still energized, the receivers are running crisp routes, and the overall energy of the team is still high. Putting him in in the 4th quarter with a debilitated O-line and a bunch of skill players who are worn out and have already given up makes it impossible for him to succeed.

I have no idea if Costa is a future star QB or a total bust, I really don't think anyone does. But we need to find out, and soon. Let's give him the best possible chance to showcase his talents so we can all get a better read on our future at the QB spot. If Mack is planning on giving Costa a few series, why not give him the first 2 or 3?

[UAFB]

I like the way mack calls plays.. I too think we need more screens specifically, however my opinion on trick plays, is that it is only a trick play if you use it say... once or twice a YEAR...

[AZcatsFan]

Originally posted by AZCAT07
Seriously, that is an awesome idea. Put Costa in at tailback, the defense would be fooled everytime. Unfortunately, its been almost 2 years and I have yet to see Mackovic run one creative play, so I doubt he will start now.


We did these things a couple of years ago with OJ and Keith Smith and it worked for a whole play or two. This would be nothing new. It is a tough call though because JJ is a good QB whom I see as a POSSIBLE Pro QB someday because of his Accuracy, but if you take him out of the game, you threaten his future. Putting Nic in makes sense because it gets him experience, however, what happens if he gets really hurt, or just as bad at this point of his young career, frustrated.