Quarterback race heats up

Transfer has skills to take starting job

Editor’s note: Sports reporter Alex Altman role plays as Keith Nichol to convince Mark Dantonio why he should be MSU’s quarterback this fall.

Alex Altman

Dear coach Dantonio,

Look, coach. I know you’re a loyal person and that you still might be sour with me about the recruiting fiasco. But coach (and anyone else who might be reading), you must understand the reason I retracted my original commitment to MSU almost three years ago.

I grew up an MSU fan, often dreaming about the opportunity to take snaps under center in front of 70,000 rabid fans at Spartan Stadium. But when your predecessor John L. Smith was fired, I felt that dream was no longer possible.

I was a perfect fit for Smith’s spread offense. My mobility in the pocket combined with my strong arm and accurate delivery would have made him and I a perfect marriage.

No offense, coach, but I didn’t think you were capable of making me as happy. So, I signed the divorce papers and headed west to Oklahoma. Sooners head coach Bob Stoops offered me a chance to start immediately for one of the most storied programs in the country. He just didn’t tell me I’d be competing against boywonder Sam Bradford.

The funny thing is, the competition between Bradford and I was in a dead heat throughout the offseason. Obviously, he emerged as the starter and one year later, the Heisman Trophy winner. If given the chance, that could have been my trophy, coach. But I’m not bitter. That’s because I still have three good years to win one with you.

The qualities I was talking about before — the arm strength, the scrambling ability, the accuracy — I still have them in spades. And since you’ve been generous enough to open up your offense and allow me to use my creativity on the football field, my potential can be maximized under your tutelage.

During Saturday’s Green and White game, I showed you glimpses of what I’m capable of achieving this season.

I completed 20-of-28 passes for 357 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. I also rushed for 10 yards — a total would have been much higher had you allowed me to run around and take some hits. But let’s go back to my passing ability for a second.

Did you see some of the throws I made?! How about that touchdown pass to B.J. Cunningham in the corner of the end zone — I threw that ball about 40 yards off my back foot while escaping a pass rush.

How about that pass to Myles White that gave my team a 31-24 lead with 50 seconds left? I whistled that ball past two lurking defenders and into his hands. I needed to place that ball perfectly and I did.

Although I made those plays in — let’s call it what it is — glorified practice — I hope I proved to you my ability to perform in the clutch.

My competitor, Kirk Cousins, made his share of impressive plays as well. But my team won, and that’s what really matters, right?

I’m only going to get better. Once I have another summer under my belt, you’ll know that starting me is the right decision.

Sincerely,

Keith Nichol