Back in the Saddle
As Sean Stilley returns to the starting role at quarterback, his teammates and coaches are standing behind the fifth-year senior.
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor

Senior quarterback Sean Stilley had limited experience last season when he entered the game against Tulane for an injured Casey Printers.

It was a forgettable game for Stilley, as he was 15-of-32 for 158 yards. Stilley was also intercepted three times, including one for a 25-yard touchdown, as the Frogs were humiliated 48-22 in New Orleans.

Stilley once again replaces an injured quarterback in redshirt freshman Tye Gunn as the Frogs (7-1, 4-1 Conference USA) take on the Green Wave (6-3, 3-2 C-USA) at Amon Carter Stadium.

While the situation may be similar, something isnt: Stilley.

Since his appearance against Tulane last season, Stilley has started six games for the Frogs, going 4-2. He has an efficiency rating of 143.17 this season, completing 61.5 percent of his passes for 872 yards and four touchdowns.

Stilley said since his game against Tulane, he is a totally different quarterback.

“It was my first time to get in the competition of things,” Stilley said. “We have a different coach, we’re a year more advanced and I’ve had a lot of playing time since then. I believe I’m a different quarterback.”

Stilley came into the season as the starter, but was sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury Oct. 21 against North Texas.

He was replaced by Gunn, whose better mobility and hot hand led the Frogs to four consecutive victories and the forefront of the conference title race.

Now that Gunn is done for the year with a torn ACL, the keys are tossed back to Stilley, who has the full confidence of his team.

“He’s out here everyday working hard,” senior wide receiver LaTarence Dunbar said.

“Nobody knew Tye Gunn was going to do what he did. I have a lot of confidence in Sean. He’s earned the spot of starting quarterback before, and he’ll do fine.”

Stilley also has the confidence of offensive coordinator Mike Schultz, who saw the Frogs reel off point totals of 34, 46 and 45 with Gunn at quarterback.

“This is a guy that came into the year as our starting quarterback, and has victories under his belt as a starter,” Schultz said. “Sean’s gonna be ready to go and will do what he needs to do.”

The veteran quarterback will have the benefit of an offense that has been very productive as of late.

The emergence of true freshman tailback Lonta Hobbs teamed with junior tailback Ricky Madison has produced the running attack the Frogs were searching for when Stilley was at the helm at the beginning of the season.

In their four games as a duo, Hobbs and Madison have averaged 198.75 yards on the ground and have scored nine touchdowns.

Stilley said he hopes putting him back into the mix won’t disrupt the flow of the offense.

“Everyone’s clicking on all cylinders,” Stilley said. “Hopefully I’ll get in there and we won’t miss a beat.”

d.r.gillham@tcu.edu