College quarterbacks to watch this weekend:
1. Chris Turner, Maryland. A cynic could suggest that it’s convenient how Jordan Steffy has a thumb injury causing him to miss the next three weeks. Not sure we’re quite there yet. Still, this would allow Steffy to gracefully take a seat and Turner to win the job. Turner long has been known to observers as weak in practice, but strong in games compared to the opposite for Steffy. Turner gives the offense a chance at bigger plays; with wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey, that’s a good thing. A day earlier, Ralph Friedgen passionately defended Steffy, who was booed Saturday (in truth, we’re guessing some were directed at the coach).
2. Robert Marve, Miami. Kid, you’re making your first collegiate start this week! At Florida. OK, then. Marve has a tough task, but it was made tougher when he had to sit out last weekend vs. Charleston Southern because of one-game suspension. A win over a cupcake would have helped.
3. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame. Really, how much can we learn from him this weekend? After all, the Irish host San Diego State, which lost to I-AA Cal Poly last weekend. But if the Irish have any hope of winning more games than they lose, Clausen must come out strong. Besides, what would it say about the Irish chances this season if he doesn’t? Not to mention Charlie Weis’ job security.
