Oregon Football: Why Ty Thompson winning QB battle would be a good thing

In case you haven’t already heard, Ty Thompson impressed Mario Cristobal the most in Oregon football’s first fall scrimmage last weekend.

Some fans took that as a positive but there were others that were worried that him being the most impressive of the quarterbacks was not only a bad thing but was a sign that the position was going to be in major trouble for the upcoming season. It was essentially enough for these fans to make the assumption that Oregon’s offense was doomed.

Social media usually brings out the worst in fans so there were a ton of overreactions to the news that Thompson was impressive, but I’m here to talk those pessimistic Duck fans off the ledge.

Thompson being the most impressive quarterback in the initial scrimmage is a good thing. There, I said it. And I’m not taking it back.

When you look at the teams that have won national titles over the past handful of years, they haven’t been afraid to play the best quarterback even if he wasn’t experienced. Joe Burrow might be an exception, but he was also just a second-year starter for LSU and had a relatively pedestrian first year as QB1 the year prior.

Alabama had Jalen Hurts but went with Tua Tagovailoa when it mattered and it paid off and Clemson handed the keys to Trevor Lawrence as a true freshman. Gone are the days of “well he’s more experienced so he should start under center” and Cristobal knows that.

Let’s take a look at why Thompson winning the quarterback battle would be a good thing:

• It would give Oregon a 3-4 year starter.
• Thompson is the most naturally talented quarterback on the roster so he’d be the best man for the job, regardless of class.
• It could give the Ducks the next Tua or Lawrence-type player (not the same level maybe but similar instant impacts).
• This shows that Thompson has made tremendous strides since spring ball.
• Cristobal trusts Thompson to win big games in year one which shows how much potential he truly has.
• Thompson raises the ceiling of this offense with an elite arm and solid running ability.

Simply put, if Thompson does end up winning the job, it’s not because Anthony Brown, Robby Ashford, or Jay Butterfield aren’t good enough, but rather it’s because he’s earned it and has improved tenfold since spring ball.

Oregon can’t go wrong at quarterback this fall with 3-4 capable starters, and Thompson is right there in the thick of it for good reason.