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Should Rudolph Start Over Daxx?

The injury to J.W. Walsh likely means Mason Rudolph will no longer redshirt the 2014 season. Assuming Rudolph's redshirt is to be burned this year, should coach Gundy give the highly-recruited youngster meaningful game-time reps ahead of Daxx?

Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State QB of the future
Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State QB of the future
Ronald Martinez

If Sam Mayes is to be believed, J.W. Walsh is out for the next 6-8 weeks with a broken ankle. Such a scenario immediately destroys what was once a tidy depth chart. Remember the QB controversy between Walsh and Garman? Good times.

Forget Rudolph's redshirt. According to sources inside the program – that is, people who know someone, who know someone – Mason Rudolph was running second in the quarterback derby this spring before it was decided a redshirt season would be strategically beneficial to the long-term needs of the program. With Walsh exiting the Missouri State game prematurely on crutches, the thought of redshirting Rudolph suddenly seems laughable. Indeed, Rudolph may be a few good practices – or a few untimely throws against UTSA - from starting the rest of the season.

The euphoria from a closer-than-expected "moral victory" against Florida State has dissipated. In its wake, another quarterback controversy looms. Will the Pokes see another freshman at the helm in 2014? Should Rudolph's redshirt be forfeited with an eye towards 2015?

I, for one, hope to see Rudolph heavily involved in the game-plan against a very solid UTSA squad. If there was ever a rebuilding year, this is it. With all apologies to Jenni Carlson and her knee-jerk reaction, I believe the QB equation changed drastically with Walsh's injury. No longer is Daxx the mythological, golden-hair boy holding the clipboard on the sideline. There is a new backup in town and he deserves playing time.