I've conceded as much...but the OL is the genesis of all the other problems.
I disagree with your disagreement. The OL isn't the best in the league, but it is adequately average for the most part. The signal calling is pretty abysmal. With few exceptions, the QB leaves the pocket when he should step up. And steps up when he should break out. Very little awareness. Trotter was scared to pull the trigger.
Only twice did he play like he's capable. We were behind and needed something to happen against Utah State and we were behind and needed a TD to win at SC. We were in a bind and needed to make something happen. Trotter stepped up and actually
played[/b] QB instead of thinking about playing it.
Given the right motivation (at least in those two instances), Trotter actually did pretty well. The rest of the time, though, when he was given the opportunity to think rather than react, he failed to make plays.
I think that's what the coaches saw in him from the start. I imagine he looks like that in practice because he knows there he's not going to lose a game if he makes a mistake. In games he played (at least to me) like he was afraid to make one a mistake -- and that never wins.
In retrospect I'm not sure I would have pulled him now. Moseley isn't any better. Might be worse. Through the first half of the Clemson game, Trotter looked like he was going to at least be adequate and/or average. I wish I knew what happened to him after the 21st point against the Paws.
If we have a QB who can make quick throws, who can take a step or two in the right direction to give himself a lane (like Trotter did in the last drive at SC and the last two drives against USU) nobody would be discussing the OL play. It would take care of itself.