The Time is Now: Making the case for Kyler Murray

If not now, when?

If now isn’t the right time for Texas A&M football coach Kevin Sumlin to insert heralded freshman quarterback Kyler Murray into the starting lineup, then when is?

Starter Kyle Allen struggled terribly in consecutive losses to Alabama and Ole Miss. He completed just 32 of 74 passes with four interceptions — three returned for touchdowns — in those games.

There is the fear that he gets rattled in big games. There is speculation that he’s injured. There is the reality that his offensive line is struggling to provide adequate protection.

There is also the possibility that he’s distracted by the presence of Murray and the threat of being replaced.

Sumlin seemed to allude to that at his weekly press conference.

“It’s hard to play that position looking over your shoulder all the time,” Sumlin said. “Without confidence, it’s hard to play quarterback.”

It’s harder from the sidelines.

Put yourselves in Kyler Murray’s cleats. He could have joined any college football program in the country. He chose Texas A&M, presumably, because his father was a star quarterback here and Sumlin’s offense seemed perfect for his skill set.

Of course, he would have to win a competition against Allen, the sophomore incumbent starter who showed tremendous progress after moving into the starting lineup this time last season.

But Allen seems to have regressed. In last week’s loss to Ole Miss Allen endured a stretch in which he completed only two of 22 passes for minus-three yards. A&M managed only three points — and those should be credited to Myles Garrett for an interception that set the Aggies up in field goal range.

You saw that. So did Murray.

He has to be wondering if he cannot start now, then when?

We all know what Murray did at Allen High School. He took over as starting quarterback midway through his sophomore year and the Eagles never lost a game on the way to posting three state championships. He was a dual-threat quarterback who routinely torched defenses with his throwing ability and his running ability.

Yes, that was high school. High school greatness doesn’t necessarily transfer to collegiate greatness. There’s no guarantee that Murray is the next Johnny Manziel.

There’s no guarantee he’s not, either.

Why not give him the chance to show what he can do in a full game — not with a series here and there. Not taking him out of the game if he fails to make a big play.

Some say he has a bad attitude. You’ve heard the story: Murray reportedly cursed at Offensive Coordinator Jake Spavital during the loss to Alabama two weeks ago. Consequently, Murray was suspended and did not play in the painful loss to Ole Miss.

Without giving details, Sumlin acknowledged as much. He also said Murray would compete with Allen and Jake Hubenak throughout practice this week for the right to start against South Carolina on Saturday.

“Kyler has done the things necessary that we’ve asked him to do based on what happened on the sideline,” Sumlin said. “Hopefully, that’s been a learning experience for him.”

Sumlin said this week in practice he’ll be looking for the quarterback that demonstrates consistency, leadership and an acceptable demeanor. That seemed to be a message directed at Murray.

Murray may not be the answer to solve A&M’s offensive issues. Sumlin stressed that A&M’s problems weren’t because of one guy. That’s true.

The offensive line has also struggled. The Aggies are ranked 96th in the nation in rushing. They’re 109th in sacks allowed with 21. Those are the statistics of a woeful offensive line.

But if you can’t run or protect, why not go to a quarterback who is a bona fide rushing threat? In limited action Murray has rushed for 92 yards. He’s also showed the ability to escape pressure, extend plays and complete a pass on the run.

The greatest weapon in college football is a good passer that’s also a dangerous running threat. Manziel proved that. So did Cam Newton, Marcus Mariota, Tim Tebow, Vince Young, J.T. Barrett … well, you get the idea.

South Carolina has problems stopping the run. Murray may be A&M’s best option to exploit that weakness.

If he excels then you may have found a solution to the offensive problems. If he struggles, at least you know he’s not ready.

Equally important, he’ll know he’s not ready.

Then you could go back to Allen or look to Jake Hubenak.

Last year Allen made his first start on Nov. 1 against Louisiana-Monroe, an opponent the Aggies figured to beat even with an inexperienced true freshman at quarterback.

South Carolina fits that mode. So, why not give Murray a chance?

If not now, when?