Some University of Memphis football fans may be wondering why Maurice Avery isn't getting more time at the quarterback position.
As the offensive coordinator, Randy Fichtner understands that putting an unprepared Avery under center would not solve the problem.
Starting quarterback Billy Barefield, who completed 13-of-22 passes for 71 yards and no touchdowns Saturday against UCF, hasn't been able to run the Memphis fun-and-gun offense that fans became accustomed to during the Danny Wimprine era.
With a season-long pass completion of 26 yards, the Tigers, behind Barefield, have changed to a more conservative West Coast-style offense, which stresses short and medium passes and ball control.
The change in scheme is a result of injuries that have plagued The U of M all year. The first and second-string quarterbacks, Patrick Byrne and Will Hudgens, are both out for the season with broken legs. Mario Pratcher, a top returning receiver for the Tigers, will never play a down because of a season ending injury he suffered in the summer.
In an attempt to salvage their traditional downfield attack, will strong-armed back-up Avery need take over under center?
Avery came to The U of M three years ago as a quarterback, but was converted to wide receiver. Because it's been more than two years since he has consistently taken snaps, a transition back to the quarterback position is not as simple as listing him ahead of Barefield on the depth chart.
"It's tough when you haven't played the position in so long," Fichtner said. "It doesn't happen overnight.
"He (Avery) has to keep evolving at quarterback. He's one injury away from being the full-time starter. He also takes some of the load off of Billy."
Fichtner said that the Avery is still being moved in the direction of becoming a quarterback. Each day he is taking more snaps in practice. As he gets more experience, Fichtner said he should get to play an entire series at quarterback in the near future.
"He's always been a guy that when his number is called, he's powerful and special," he said.
In limited action thus far, Avery has looked comfortable at quarterback. Against UT-Chattanooga Avery threw a 43-yard touchdown bomb to Ryan Scott.
Nonetheless, Barefield will continue to take the bulk of the snaps. And the true freshman hopes to improve upon last weekend's lackluster performance against UCF, a game which the Tigers lost 38-14.
"There was really no difference going into (the game)," Barefield said. "I just felt something all week and I didn't try to fix it. Going into UTEP I was myself. Going into UCF I wasn't myself. I'm high energy, and I feed off of emotion and going into UCF I just wasn't that. It showed when I went out there and played."
As the Tigers head to Houston on Saturday, they know that no matter what scheme they run, they have to get the win.
"Every game is a must-win," Barefield said. "We know that we can make a bowl even with the circumstances we've come across."
