It sure looked like to me that Thomas had trouble planting his backfoot and driving the ball. That's why a lot of his passes were high and I think that's why he was pulled, because his knee was still not a 100 percent.
On paper, this should be a no-brainer. Thomas is 17-2 as a started, 61% completion ration, 48 TD/14 INT in that span. He hasn't done anything to "lose" his starting spot. However, our WRs are average at best. Other than D'Anthony, there are no playmakers. A good defense isn't going to get beat by a one dimensional offense (see LSU). It isn't Darron Thomas' fault this his WRs aren't very good. However, Bennett's legs give defenses something else to think about in the spread. While Thomas is a pretty good runner, Bennett is much quicker/faster. That is opening things up for the RBs as well. This is a big advantage reason to consider Bennett over Thomas. The other side of the coin is that Bennett is due for a stinker. All rookie QBs have them. Think about Darron Thomas' game vs. Cal last year. Do we trust Brian Bennett to "manage the game" if we get in a close game/defensive struggle? 3rd and 10 at your own 20 yard line late in the 4th quarter in a tie game. An experienced QB might have to throw the ball out of bounce if nothing is open and punt. Rookie QBs always seem to try and do too much. That's what worries me about Bennett. I think Thomas' experience gives him a huge edge in this department. At the end of the day, I think you have to start Thomas against UW and tell Brian to "stay loose" (we may need him).
The probelm I have with Thomas is when we need him to use legs he doesn't until the game is almost over. It drives me nuts, cause when he takes off great things happen. Now I don't want him to be a run first QB, but DAMN use all your skills we need um!
I think DT was struggling with his knee and as we need him fully healthy for UW, he sat. Simple as that.
