The thing is, they may be seeing different metrics than we do. Yeah, we know that Tommy has a stronger arm and Shrader (thanks Chip for reminding me not to insert a "c") is stronger and the more powerful runner, but for the season their passing stats are surprisingly close.
Devito has 388 yards vs Shrader's 317. He is completing 61.5% of his passes vs. Shrader's very close 59.5%. Shrader averages 1 yard more per pass, and their longest passes are 73 and 72 yards respectively. Each has (sadly) only thrown for 1 TD, Devito has 2 ints vs 1 for Shrader. Tommy has taken 6 sacks vs only 1 for Shrader. In terms of QB rating, Shrader is 134.9 vs Devito's 122.9.
Overall, not much separation in an area where conventional wisdom says Devito would be significantly better. The flip side holds for rushing; they are likewise very close in a category where you would expect Shrader to be much better. The one thing that pops out is Shrader has more rushing TD's.
One final thing to add is that we have played two stronger teams and two tomato cans. Tommy achieved 50% of his passing stats against the tomato cans while Shrader achieved 57% of his against the harder competition. Probably a little statistically significant but not by much.
Statistically, there isn't much daylight between the two. At that point, it comes down to whatever else the coaches are looking at PLUS what they see every day in practice (that we aren't privy to).
Some fans have their favorite. I truly do not care who is behind center as long as we win. Otto? The statue of Ernie from the quad? The kid behind the cash register at The Varsity? A dead fish floating in Onondaga Lake? If any of the above can guide us to a win, it all works for me. Especially the fish, because it would be kind of unique in the ACC.
