Loeffler Presser: McDonald Could Be Back With Waiver

So, Coach had his presser today, since it is a "#Maction Monday."

Not much to talk about except this little surprise.

Matt McDonald can apply for a waiver to play next year.

This, in response to a question, was a wow.  It seemed like there could not possibly be another year in there...he was at BC in 17 and 18, sat out for transfer in 19, and then played 20, 21 and 22.  Covid year doesn't count, but he has still played actively for four non-covid seasons.  One's a redshirt so that's how he gets only three years.  The waiver, I assume, is to get his transfer year back.

Coach said only a couple of players were denied that year when McDonald was denied.  Also, the question was a chance to hit "Jakari Robinson" on the juke box.  We'll see but if he's back it makes a difference, because it's not clear there is an heir apparent and without McDonald we are in the portal looking for a QB.

Which many of you would prefer.  I get it.

He had a slow start.  It was not great.  But I think he's playing pretty well.  He's not getting great protection but he is showing mobility and is making some big throws.  To be fair, he's a lot closer to what Loeffler predicted than what we were seeing earlier.  He is #5 in the MAC in passing efficiency (#7 in MAC games) and his PFF rating is #3, with Rourke clearly at the top and Schlee second.

It will be interesting to see.  There's a whole drama in there, too.  Do we need another guy in case the waiver is denied again or is late?

Last couple things...he said the offense was like 3 plays from having a great game.  He specifically cited an early play where CJ Lewis was open in the deep middle that we could have thrown it "backwards" and gotten a 40-yard TD, but coverage broke down.

Which, you know, is a little weird.  Clawson always said you had to do three things to complete a pass--protect, run the route, and make the throw and catch.  PFF has BG #8 in the MAC in pass blocking and that's part of why we aren't a great offense.

That's going to need to improve Wednesday or we have no shot.

Last thing, somehow he went back to the EKU game again.  Just to make the record clear, EKU is 5-3 and third in their conference.  That loss is the most regrettable part of the season, especially how it has played out later.  EKU is no FCS powerhouse.