CLOSING ARGUMENTS: Who should be Texas' quarterback?(Chris Simms or Major Applewhite)(Brief Article)

Chris Simms

By Tom Dienhart

This is the Rasputin of debates--it just won't die, and it should.

Chris Simms' bashers can't seem to get over the fact one guy can be blessed with so much. It's not Simms' fault he's a 6-5, 222-pound rocket-armed lefty with Hollywood looks and talent. And forget any notion that Simms' famous name has anything to do with why he's Texas' starting quarterback. A well-known surname might get you behind the velvet rope at a cocktail party, but it won't win games.

Simms starts for the Longhorns because he's better than Major Applewhite. Period. Applewhite is a good guy who has been productive, but he comes with limitations. Namely, he has a weak arm, is slow and has the creakiest knees in college football. Conversely, the sky's the limit for Simms. His strong arm is best suited to take advantage of one of the nation's best groups of receivers, led by Roy Williams. Despite his size, Simms is nimble enough to avoid pressure and buy time in the pocket. And he is a leader who is well-liked by his teammates because of his work ethic.

Yes, Simms has endured some uneven efforts to start the season, but he has shown signs of maturity. Namely, he's not locking on receivers or forcing passes. With each step of success, Simms' confidence grows. And a confident quarterback is a good quarterback. Take Simms out of the lineup, and coaches face the prospect of undoing the confidence-building that already has taken place. Texas should stick with Simms; the best is yet to come.

Major Applewhite