Are you 100% certain about Miltons abilities?

[901 Orange]

Yeah I know, but it was also a neutral site game with no stakes. I hope he lights it up and wins the Heisman. I just need to see it on Sept 16 before I go all in. Call it BVS. Not today Satan

The stakes were high for him. He does have a top QB recruit just waiting on him to screw up. If he lays an egg in the Orange Bowl his off-season is completely different from what we're seeing now. Instead of him being able to ooze with confidence the entire Vol Nation would be clamoring for Nico to start Day 1. He basically got an audition vs a team known to have loaded roster and passed with flying colors.

 

[Volbrando]

I wasn't until the clemson game... I think he's improved a ton and with help from Heup and Hooker... game on

 

[lukeneyland]

You misunderstood. I'm not agreeing that the OB was meaningless. I was using my post to take a shot at Hyatt because I'm petty that way.

Oh my bad

 

[TAF]

Based off all the games last year, please tell me what leads you to believe he doesn't have the cerebral skills to function. ????? He made the correct read in almost every case and his accuracy was markedly better than his short stint as a starter at the beginning of his career. Hendon may have taken to this system better at a quicker pace, but it does not in any way mean Milton can't have an amazing year next year. He was very loose in the bowl game and I see nothing that points to the fact it will not continue.

 

[white65]

It’s all between the ears with him. Last year there was no one pushing him it was his show no matter what. This year if Nico is amazing in practice and he is awful against Florida then our fan base with push for Nico.

 

[butchna]

He is not going to be as clean and crisp as Hooker was. We will have more INTs and more sacks. However he will make more bigger plays with that arm, now that he has improved his accuracy.
Also he is not as elusive is Hooker but is more of a physical runner. It will be different style of QB run game with his legs.

Limited sample size, but in two seasons at Tennessee he’s yet to throw an interception. He is easier to sack at this point.

 

[butchna]

It’s all between the ears with him. Last year there was no one pushing him it was his show no matter what. This year if Nico is amazing in practice and he is awful against Florida then our fan base with push for Nico.

And our fan base has no impact on Heupel’s hook. This isn’t Musical Chair Fulmer in his only two losing seasons.

 

[Pride85]

Below is is the specific statement in the post I commented on. Maybe you need to take your own recommended class?

TAF said:
The "Elephant in the Room" that many of us are struggling with is...

Joe doe does not seem to possess equal "cerebral abilities" that Hendon had/has

 

[apevol]

In fairness I think with the phrase "those types" he was generalizing "great arms don't necessarily mean great players". That's a pretty vettable take historically.

If it was indeed a direct comparison like you suggest then yeah...it's a pretty small pool of dudes that I think would qualify as direct analogues.

completely fair

 

['Boro-vol]

My personal opinion is that success hinges on the way they call the offense for him, and the situations he is put in by the offensive staff. That is to say, I believe everything will be just fine. This staff seems to have a knack for utilizing talent, and playing to their strengths. Milton gives you plenty to work with, and have now had 2+ years to absorb what Heupel is teaching. He should be one of the best best prepared QB’s we’ve seen on the Hill in a long while. Heupel seems sold on what he’s got. I think the guy just needed some serious coaching up.

 

[volmandu]

Limited sample size, but in two seasons at Tennessee he’s yet to throw an interception. He is easier to sack at this point.

Agree. Rather than his ability, I was referring more to Hooker's unheard of numbers (5 INT in two years). A lot of Vol fans are accustomed (read spoiled) with those numbers and anything less will bring out the moans and groans. If he throws 25 TDs and 10 INTs, those are wonderful numbers.

 

[FLVOL_79]

If Milton increases his situational awareness in the pocket and can provide mobility to get out of trouble the dudes going to beast mode this year.

 

['Boro-vol]

Agree. Rather than his ability, I was referring more to Hooker's unheard of numbers (5 INT in two years). A lot of Vol fans are accustomed (read spoiled) with those numbers and anything less will bring out the moans and groans. If he throws 25 TDs and 10 INTs, those are wonderful numbers.

I will admit…I will be a little disappointed in only 25 TD passes. I expect the INT’s to go up some, but I can’t see only 25 TD passes as likely with this offense.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

He has not been very elusive and will probably take some sacks that Hooker wouldn't have taken. Those sacks can be drive killers. The fact he has zero interceptions in two years of playing here contradicts those who say he is too inaccurate or doesn't make good decisions. His 65% completion rate in 22 was an improvement over his 59% in 21, albeit less than Hooker's 70% for 22. Last year's offensive schemes were designed for Hooker's strengths and weaknesses, and this year's schemes will be designed to be better suited for Milton. I think if the running game is potent, he will be effective. If not, could be a long season. I don't see greatness in Joe, but I also don't see failure. I think he will be a good or very good, but not great QB for us in 23. If we have a significantly improved defense and a terrific running game like last year, that will be enough for a terrific season.

 

[volmandu]

I will admit…I will be a little disappointed in only 25 TD passes. I expect the INT’s to go up some, but I can’t see only 25 TD passes as likely with this offense.

I was being on the conservative side. I hope he has more than 25 TDs. I also think he will have more TDs with legs to go with his 25 TD passes. In goal line situation, he is better suited to run in based on his massive build.

 

[BACKDOC]

Where Milton does not excel is when things break down. Sometimes he runs when he should throw, or throw when he should run; saw that on the Clemson rewind a day or two ago. Sometimes he zigs when he should zag, but the one thing you gotta love is the guy does not throw int.'s. I think we complete a lot of balls of 40 yds. or more this year. GBO

 

[FranklinVFL]

I am not 100% sure about much of anything....that being said, I am a solid "Buy" on Milton for 2023.

 

[RockyTop140]

Think he has a good season. Not as good as hooker, but we will still have a good offense. With an improved defense, we can still be a very good team.

 

[DougVol]

The greatest predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Based on that, we will see:

1. Joe hit occasionally on some deep throws that few people can make because of his arm strength. However, he will miss more often than not (in fairness, deep throws are low probability for most all QBs).

2. He will often throw high over the middle and often overthrow deep receivers.

3. He will sparingly make “wow” plays that will showcase his unique arm strength.

4. As a runner, he will be ok. Maybe a little above average.

5. He will have some really good games and some relatively bad games.

All that to say . . . I think he will have an overall good year . . . But not a great year.

If the oline is dominant and our ground game is really good . . . He could have a great year.

No likes for a sober, rational take on our qb. Seems spot on to me.

 

[Voljayton]

It's so hard to know. I'm on team Milton. Someone at that age can flip a switch or something just clicks and he goes from average/above average to super star.

 

[VolSoldier4lyfe]

I wish we stop with the JM accuracy in are we worried. He will be alright.

 

[Vol865]

I get what you’re saying, but Clemson wasn’t exactly a cupcake game.

No they weren't but he also had a month to prepare where normally he'll have a week so we'll see. Hope he can keep it up.

 

[tennesseeduke]

Depending on the teams drafting in those 5 slots.

QBs worth anything are always first off the board.

 

[Volintheswamp]

If he plays better than JG we have a chance.

 

[butchna]

QBs worth anything are always first off the board.

Carolina, Chicago, Houston and Arizona are off the board for QBs and Chicago has both theirs and Carolina’s first choice anyway. Then you have Caleb Williams for whatever mystery guest is in that top 5 list.