IMO Kirk knows that Hecklinski is clearly better. However, he'll continue coach speak to the media saying it's close for a couple of reason 1) to not alert NIU as to who they may see as the QB 2) to keep the QB's pushing each other through camp 3) to keep Hank Brown fully invested and working...
Even if they have be comparable in practice. Showing out when it matters and when the lights are bright matters. Some guys just don't have it when it counts and Hecklinski showed today he can perform when it matters. This needs to be considered.
We could have the best offense in 10+ years and the worst defense we've had in 10+ years.
There will be a couple of games this year where the offense needs to bail out the defense