Nico's 'solid' performance?

[papatomany]

And declaring ANYONE raved what you suggested is a flat out LIE! The kid didn't throw a BAD PASS. I can't recall the last time that's happened with our starting QB...that includes Hooker.

Well, it's called hyperbole.
And if the consensus was, "The kid didn't throw a bad pass," the OP most likely wouldn't have made the post at all. Nico had a nice game: accurate throws, excellent use of the legs, calm demeanor. Great things are almost definitely in store. But it doesn't change the fact that the actual performance is being over-hyped. If all I had to go by were post game assessments I'd be stunned to find him under 400 yards total offense.

 

[Namorto1]

There are zero concerns with Nico from me. Against Iowa there were a few occasions when he should have gotten rid of the ball faster, primarily due to pretty poor pass protection the entire game (from OL and RB), but there were also drops from Sampson, Keyton, Webb and a sure-fire TD that Keyton just gave up on the route that would have enhanced the stats by 75+ yards at least. Overall, he was composed and accurate vs a very good defense.

With Bru returning we will have a better WR room next year along with additional newbies. RB room, while younger is talented and while we will miss Wright, Nico legs will be a much bigger threat than Milton's. TE room lacks depth and is younger but is more athletic with Staes and Davis. While much of our OL returns are impactful, I do question the upside of the group as a whole. Are their any legit NFL talent among any of the likely starters? Spraggins is probably the one on NFL radar more than any others and we still don't know for sure if he is returning. That entire group has to improve its pass protection. We can't be explosive if we don't give Nico time to stretch the field.

 

[BowlBrother85]

First of all, great win and an overall good performance by everyone other than the OL and RBs in protection. Now that the dust has settled a bit, I wanted to question the seemingly overblown praise of Nico. While I did feel like it was a good performance overall, it's hard to call 150 passing yards "showing out" in any way, shape, or form - despite what the media and online posters have contended. And while some of the runs, and obviously the TD ones, were nifty, I felt like he didn't do a great job evading rushers or passing with any accuracy while on the run.

On the plus side, and it's a huge plus, he took what the defense gave him and didn't make any costly mistakes. Still, I would have liked to see some connections on deep balls and at least one or two 'wow' plays that would have really showed us what's coming.

Am I being nitpicky? Again, love the win and I'm excited for the Nico era, but I just don't think this game was that much of an indicator of what we'll see. At least I hope not.

You identified part of the problem yourself. Pass protection was terrible at times. Nico may have held the ball too long on one of the sacks, however.

Also, I think the staff's approach to offense was basically .....

1) 21 points will be plenty.

2) Iowa can't score, unless we allow them to get a defensive or special teams TD ... or turn the ball over deep in our own end.

3) So, let's take care of the ball and grease the running game with Sampson.

It's hard to argue with that approach, based on the results.

 

[Vol737]

Nico…gives us what Hooker did. Mobile, decisive (for the most part), accurate and knows what he’s doing out there. As he grows in this game, he will be able to change the complexion of games with his skill set, arm and speed. He’s going to get so much better. Love Joe and appreciate his efforts. He didn’t “lose games” for us and played fine overall last season. This kid is dynamic. If the OL and DBs can get sorted out between now and next season, we could be really good.

 

[Daniel_Lincolns_Foot]

Uh huh... and get crucified for throwing a pick. He'll find his sweet spot.

Maybe "thread the needle" isn't right. More just "pull the trigger." Example, he ran this TD in. Gotta learn to float that into 89. Plenty of separation, plenty of time. Trust yourself and your receiver.

 

[rocketskates]

You identified part of the problem yourself. Pass protection was terrible at times. Nico may have held the ball too long on one of the sacks, however.

Also, I think the staff's approach to offense was basically .....

1) 21 points will be plenty.

2) Iowa can't score, unless we allow them to get a defensive or special teams TD ... or turn the ball over deep in our own end.

3) So, let's take care of the ball and grease the running game with Sampson.

It's hard to argue with that approach, based on the results.

100%. I think Heupel and staff were smart enough to realize that this was their freshman QB's first game against a solid defense and that Iowa has an awful offense. They knew if we could get Iowa into a multiple score hole then their goose was cooked and it turned out to be correct. Nothing complicated.