Nico's time to shine

[#1n51&98]

Through 4 games , we have a top 5 defense, top 5 special teams and top 5 run game . If we are going to make a run at a championship ( SEC or National ) we have to get the passing game dialed in . Receivers have to get separation, pass protection needs to be better , from O-Line , tight ends and running backs . Nico needs to get rid of the ball quicker. This week and next week is our last chance to work on the passing game , before we get the the meat of our SEC schedule . I look for Nico and the rest of our offense to put up huge numbers this week and next . GO VOLS !

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

Arkansas runs a similar D to OU, but they are not as athletic. This is the perfect time for Nico to take the challenge head on and start threading the needle into zone windows.

I think we see Nico and Heupel probe this D early through the air to see if they are ready or not. If we hit a few good throws early, it could spell disaster for Arkansas because it will be hard for them to cover the run and passing game at the same time with the talent they have.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

Arkansas might duplicate the OU defense plan. Over water the field. Just saying.

 

[#1n51&98]

Arkansas is a handful of turnovers away from being undefeated, I hope they continue that trend .

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

Arkansas might duplicate the OU defense plan. Over water the field. Just saying.

They could do that but I think it would be just as detrimental to them. Their only hope is in hitting enough explosives to keep us on our heels.

 

[FBtime]

Arkansas is a handful of turnovers away from being undefeated, I hope they continue that trend .

So is Auburn and a lot of other teams.

 

[Volador]

Hoping he lives up to the hype and Nico Suave billing!!

 

[#1n51&98]

So is Auburn and a lot of other teams.

That's a testament to how close the margins are in college football and the importance of ball security.

 

[CAVPUT]

Arkansas might duplicate the OU defense plan. Over water the field. Just saying.

So? Arky has to play on the same field. If we are faster, it still translates. The question is did our staff and Nico learn from the OU game or not? Guess we find out tomorrow night.

 

[Dadof2Vols]

Through 4 games , we have a top 5 defense, top 5 special teams and top 5 run game . If we are going to make a run at a championship ( SEC or National ) we have to get the passing game dialed in . Receivers have to get separation, pass protection needs to be better , from O-Line , tight ends and running backs . Nico needs to get rid of the ball quicker. This week and next week is our last chance to work on the passing game , before we get the the meat of our SEC schedule . I look for Nico and the rest of our offense to put up huge numbers this week and next . GO VOLS !

We ordered our SEC Championship tickets from UT yesterday.

We got faith we headed in right direction.

 

[DaddyChad]

Our WRs need to be more consistent. Squirrel is generally the fastest man in the stadium but he can’t keep his feet under him. Thornton will be a stud for about one explosive play per game then disappear. Bru is pretty reliable but him and Nico seem to be on different pages too often. We have the pieces there, have the athleticism; this should be one of the best WR rooms in the country but they still haven’t taken that next step yet. If they ever do this team could win it all.

I didn’t even speak to the depth of the position either.

 

[vegasvolfan]

Through 4 games , we have a top 5 defense, top 5 special teams and top 5 run game . If we are going to make a run at a championship ( SEC or National ) we have to get the passing game dialed in . Receivers have to get separation, pass protection needs to be better , from O-Line , tight ends and running backs . Nico needs to get rid of the ball quicker. This week and next week is our last chance to work on the passing game , before we get the the meat of our SEC schedule . I look for Nico and the rest of our offense to put up huge numbers this week and next . GO VOLS !

I heard some comparisons to Hooker recently, saying no one might ever be as good at running Heuple’s offense as Hooker was. I think a lot of people are forgetting Nico is a redshirt freshman throwing behind a lackluster line. Not only was Hooker a 4th and 5th year player by the time he started, he had a better line than Nico does—both years.

We haven’t seen a freshman sling the ball like he does. This is on the OL.

How we don’t have the same level of talent that he possesses protecting him is beyond me. But, if he gets better than average protection, I am confident he will put the ball where it needs to be—and to your point—if the receivers get open.

 

[#1n51&98]

Our WRs need to be more consistent. Squirrel is generally the fastest man in the stadium but he can’t keep his feet under him. Thornton will be a stud for about one explosive play per game then disappear. Bru is pretty reliable but him and Nico seem to be on different pages too often. We have the pieces there, have the athleticism; this should be one of the best WR rooms in the country but they still haven’t taken that next step yet. If they ever do this team could win it all.

I didn’t even speak to the depth of the position either.

I wouldn't mind seeing Matthews get a few more touches .

 

[#1n51&98]

I heard some comparisons to Hooker recently, saying no one might ever be as good at running Heuple’s offense as Hooker was. I think a lot of people are forgetting Nico is a redshirt freshman throwing behind a lackluster line. Not only was Hooker a 4th and 5th year player by the time he started, he had a better line than Nico does—both years.

We haven’t seen a freshman sling the ball like he does. This is on the OL.

How we don’t have the same level of talent that he possesses protecting him is beyond me. But, if he gets better than average protection, I am confident he will put the ball where it needs to be—and to your point—if the receivers get open.

Nico has all world potential for sure .
It seems to me like we have recruited as well on the O-Line as we have on the D-Line , but up to this point CRG has got more out of his guys than CGE has . My hope is that,
starting tonight in Fayetteville Arkansas . Our O-Line can take some major strides forward . Which would allow our Offense to reach its full ( EXPLOSIVE ) potential .

 

[EZE]

I heard some comparisons to Hooker recently, saying no one might ever be as good at running Heuple’s offense as Hooker was. I think a lot of people are forgetting Nico is a redshirt freshman throwing behind a lackluster line. Not only was Hooker a 4th and 5th year player by the time he started, he had a better line than Nico does—both years.

We haven’t seen a freshman sling the ball like he does. This is on the OL.

How we don’t have the same level of talent that he possesses protecting him is beyond me. But, if he gets better than average protection, I am confident he will put the ball where it needs to be—and to your point—if the receivers get open.

This all day long.

1. Nico has only started 5 games in his career.
2. Nico has incredible arm talent.
3. Heupel and crew have shown that the can develop QBs.

I like this combination.

 

[BigALWiLson]

I wouldn't mind seeing Matthews get a few more touches .

This............

 

[VolunteerVandiver]

I wouldn't mind seeing Matthews get a few more touches .

Watching the elite freshmen WRs at Bama and OSU has me wanting to see what MM can do as well

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

Watching the elite freshmen WRs at Bama and OSU has me wanting to see what MM can do as well

I don’t think MM is far from getting some snaps. That in zone catch he made against Kent St was really good.

 

[Johnnyreb#VFL]

Through 4 games , we have a top 5 defense, top 5 special teams and top 5 run game . If we are going to make a run at a championship ( SEC or National ) we have to get the passing game dialed in . Receivers have to get separation, pass protection needs to be better , from O-Line , tight ends and running backs . Nico needs to get rid of the ball quicker. This week and next week is our last chance to work on the passing game , before we get the the meat of our SEC schedule . I look for Nico and the rest of our offense to put up huge numbers this week and next . GO VOLS !

OP I’m with you but just for kicks, what’s your opinion on Nico and Josh going forward if Nico continues to be a “game manager” relying and the defense without putting up big numbers? Is it it indicative of lack of trust in Nico or simply just trying to win games conservatively?

 

[Capt Straight]

There is too much overthinking on this thread!

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I wouldn't mind seeing Matthews get a few more touches .

I would love to see us turn him loose today.

 

[BADGER_VOL]

I’d really love in this game and FL to see Matthew’s get worked in a little

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

As other posters have said in different threads and I believe this to be the real factor for Nico: how well can the O-line protect him and give him time to throw. You know Arky has studied the OK game and will come after him early to test the O-line. If they fail the test Hype will have to change the game plan which of course will make the game a lot closer than we fans want.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Just listened to Tony Basilio on the Chase Thomas podcast. And he said he expects Matthews to get more playing time moving forward. He also said he believes that this game and the UF game will be used to tune up the passing game.

I hope he is right. Our passing game needs to step it up.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Just listened to Tony Basilio on the Chase Thomas podcast. And he said he expects Matthews to get more playing time moving forward. He also said he believes that this game and the UF game will be used to tune up the passing game.

I hope he is right. Our passing game needs to step it up.

He has a LOT of talent. He will improve the offense when he plays.