Realistic QB situation

[bigdaddy]

They did not catch everything he threw. His completion rate was 69%. Milton’s is 67%. Before you start flailing on the ground talking about yards per catch, give it a few games. As I’ve pointed out a few times, Tee Martin threw 37% against Syracuse on his way to the only national championship in our lifetime. Milton has zero interceptions, he’s 2-0, he threw a couple of imperfect balls, but also had several catchable drops. Just dial it down. Let’s see how we’re doing Saturday night. He’s not perfect, but he has earned his time and is doing much better than our fans understand.

That’s what a ton of these guys didn’t see is how bad Tee Martin was at times.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

That’s what a ton of these guys didn’t see is how bad Tee Martin was at times.

Rose colored glasses. Manning completed 60% of his passes his senior year.

 

[theFallGuy]

Milton is 4-0 with no turnovers since taking over. But the offensive production is down, especially on 3rd down. In a those games we are converting less than 25% vs Clemson and 3 overmatched opponents. I don’t see Milton all of a sudden completing a great % of downfield throws. Do we just live with that?

Nico isn’t physically ready, especially with an OL that is struggling to protect the QB. When do we throw him out there anyway (like Bray or Dobbs)?

Moore is a walk-on but likely able to make some throws Milton is misfiring on.

This 3 way decision may be Heupel’s biggest so far.

Please make it stop

 

[swampfoxfan]

A Player makes plays, no ball will be perfect every time and you won't catch them all but if the NFL is your goal you need to be stacking up you a highlight reel of making plays.
The he throws too hard, well I'm sure he throws it hard in practice but also I seem to remember QB's like Elway, Farve and others that peppered the ball

Two way street. If you want to make the NFL as a QB. Quit throwing most of your passes two feet to high or two feet behind.

 

[bigdaddy]

Two way street. If you want to make the NFL as a QB. Quit throwing most of your passes two feet to high or two feet behind.

It’s not most big boy his stats are basically the same as HH at this point. The WR need to catch balls that hit them in the hands. Go back and watch, only 3 passes were out of reach or “bad” 11 drops.

 

[Behr]

All of this hand-wringing. Yep, they played poorly and tomorrow is another day. I think Heupel is a good coach who knows what he is doing.
Our team's talent has improved, but we are still not quite there.
For some perspective, here is Nick Satan:

Lol. I hate him but that's right on the money.

 

[NighthawkVol]

We need our WRs to catch balls that hit them in the hands. Joe wasn’t bad yesterday. He had a few overthrows but I counted 6 balls the Wrs flat out dropped.

Yep. The WRs HAVE to get better. That starts with actually practicing…which would also help fix Joe’s misfires, which are likely the result of mistiming.

 

[swampfoxfan]

It’s not most big boy his stats are basically the same as HH at this point. The WR need to catch balls that hit them in the hands. Go back and watch, only 3 passes were out of reach or “bad” 11 drops.

Apparently I don't see it the way you do, and shove that big boy stuff up your ass

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

I agree but wish he would run more like a guy that is 6'5 235 lbs.

Turned down a couple opportunities to run yesterday and doesn't seem inclined to tuck and run much on improvised plays or seek out contact.

A qb that seeks out contact will get his ass chewed by his coaches.

Plus, a LBer will make him regret it.

Wanting him to do that is asinine.

 

[gunner]

Milton is 4-0 with no turnovers since taking over. But the offensive production is down, especially on 3rd down. In a those games we are converting less than 25% vs Clemson and 3 overmatched opponents. I don’t see Milton all of a sudden completing a great % of downfield throws. Do we just live with that?

Nico isn’t physically ready, especially with an OL that is struggling to protect the QB. When do we throw him out there anyway (like Bray or Dobbs)?

Moore is a walk-on but likely able to make some throws Milton is misfiring on.

This 3 way decision may be Heupel’s biggest so far.

Third downs are the most concerning that has to improve.

Milton needs to throw more on the move, he seems much more accurate.

 

[lostsheep]

Apparently I don't see it the way you do, and shove that big boy stuff up your ass

Wow....that escalated quickly.

 

[Butch s]

Apparently I don't see it the way you do, and shove that big boy stuff up your ass

Hahaha. Fine job sir

 

[swampfoxfan]

If Milton is on target and if the WR group does it's part Tennessee will lay it on florida big time. If not it could be close, nail biting close

 

[photovol]

I really want to see them run Milton more, either through designed runs or improvisation. I know they want to keep him healthy, but I think having him tuck it is going to open up this offense and help him build some confidence.

Milton will have to run if the Vols are to win in the swamp, JMHO

 

[patrick]

Milton is 4-0 with no turnovers since taking over. But the offensive production is down, especially on 3rd down. In a those games we are converting less than 25% vs Clemson and 3 overmatched opponents. I don’t see Milton all of a sudden completing a great % of downfield throws. Do we just live with that?

Nico isn’t physically ready, especially with an OL that is struggling to protect the QB. When do we throw him out there anyway (like Bray or Dobbs)?

Moore is a walk-on but likely able to make some throws Milton is misfiring on.

This 3 way decision may be Heupel’s biggest so far.

Wanted to provide some information on the productivity of some notable freshman QB's which played well in their first season. Now, I generally agree that it is not optimal to start a true freshman at QB, especially in the SEC. However, if the older player (in this case Milton) isn't getting the job done, then you have to go with the youngster. Frankly, I am not seeing much improvement in Milton since he was relieved of his duties two years ago but that's a discussion for another day.

Here is the information:

QB Josh Rosen, UCLA (2015)

While there were intermittent rookie moments along the way, Rosen consistently showed why he was the most ballyhooed true freshman on Signing Day 2015. He beat out Jerry Neuheisel in the summer with his poise and arm talent, and then operated like he’s been at this for years. Setting the stage for what will be a celebrated career in Westwood, Rosen debuted by completing 292-of-487 passes for 3,669 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor (2008)

The seeds of Baylor’s emergence into a national entity were planted almost a decade ago by a skinny kid with breakaway speed and uncommon poise. Griffin served notice to the Big 12 with an auspicious first season on campus, throwing 15 touchdown passes, running for 13 more and accounting for almost 3,000 total yards. While still unpolished in the finer points of playing quarterback, the one-time track star threw just three interceptions, while finishing No. 27 nationally in passing efficiency.

QB Philip Rivers, NC State (2000)

Has there ever been a more underrated recruit from the state of Alabama? Bama entered the mix too late, and Auburn wasn’t sure it would use Rivers under center. The Pack and head coach Chuck Amato got a gift in the franchise quarterback they had coveted. More than just a record-setter who threw for 27 touchdown passes and 3,364 yards, Rivers helped spark a Wolfpack resurgence by spearheading four come-from-behind victories in 2000.

QB Chad Henne, Michigan (2004)

The Wolverines, namely quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, went hard after Henne, an unabashed Penn State fan from West Lawn, Pa., and quickly reaped the benefits from Loeffler’s effort. Henne quickly rose up the depth chart to become the second true freshman to ever start behind center in Ann Arbor. Even better, he was the first rookie in Big Ten history to lead his team to a league title, coolly throwing 25 touchdown passes, including four in an epic 38-37 Rose Bowl loss to Vince Young and Texas.

QB Jamelle Holieway, Oklahoma (1985)

Holieway was supposed to do little more than mop up for starter Troy Aikman in his first season out of Carson, Calif. And then opportunity knocked when Aikman broke his ankle in a Week 4 showdown with Miami. The Sooners lost that game, but it was the only time they’d fall in 1985. Holieway took over and ran the wishbone like a human knuckleball for Barry Switzer, dancing with untouchable misdirection. He went 8-0 as the starter, and engineered a 25-10 Orange Bowl victory over Penn State to become the only true freshman to quarterback a national title team.

Sam Bradford, Okl (2007)

Bradford won the starting quarterback job in 2007, and in his first game, he set a school record for passing yards in a half. In his second game, he broke the school record with 22 straight completions. He set a freshman record with 36 touchdowns passes (it has since been broken) for Oklahoma. He also threw for 3,121 yards and set up the hype that would win him the 2008 Heisman Trophy.

Eric Zeier, Georgia, (1991)

Zeier was among the first to set the trend of graduating high school early so he could enroll in college and attend spring practice. He didn't get to start until the fifth game of his freshman year, and he just took off. He threw for 1,984 yards and seven TDs. (Some guy named Garrison Hearst was his running back.) The Dawgs went 6-2 with Zeier as the starter, beating top-10 teams Clemson and Auburn along the way.

Peyton Manning

Manning didn't take over the starting gig until Todd Helton suffered an injury in the fourth game of the season. From that point on, the Vols went 7-1. (The only loss was to Alabama, which went undefeated during the regular season.) He would throw only 11 touchdowns that season but turned Tennessee around from a 1-3 start to a team that would soundly win games the remainder of the season.

Kevin Kolb, Houston (2003)

Kolb had an outstanding freshman year despite being named to the job just a day before the Cougars first game of the 2003 season. Kolb threw for 3,131 yards, 25 TDs and just six interceptions. He also ran for over 300 yards and seven touchdowns that year. In a game against TCU, he became one of the few players to ever throw for over 400 yards and rush for over 100 yards in a game.

Colt McCoy, Texas (2006)

A high school legend in the state of Texas, McCoy just kept on going when he got to campus in Austin. His second collegiate pass was a 60-yard touchdown. McCoy passed for over 2,500 yards with 29 touchdowns and just seven picks while completing over 68 percent of his passes.

Jalen Hurts, Jake Fromm, and Trevor Lawrence.

Just some information to consider.

 

[JoeMiltonsAgent]

What are you watching. Go ask the VA defender he trucked just inside the 10 yardline if he is not seeking out contact. You think he was not prepared and anticipating contact on his run to score just before half this week? Like the often posted false narrative about him running out of bounds to avoid contact vs MS. Launching a blind ball towards the endzone at the LOS would have done that, taking a big hit at the 8 running for the endzone did not.

I watched the game Saturday where he turned down an open lane for a 1st down for a low percentage pass in the corner of the end zone early in the game against Austin Peay.

Been defending him more than most on here this week so you can check the false narrative comment at the door.

 

[Vol8188]

Milton is 4-0 with no turnovers since taking over. But the offensive production is down, especially on 3rd down. In a those games we are converting less than 25% vs Clemson and 3 overmatched opponents. I don’t see Milton all of a sudden completing a great % of downfield throws. Do we just live with that?

Nico isn’t physically ready, especially with an OL that is struggling to protect the QB. When do we throw him out there anyway (like Bray or Dobbs)?

Moore is a walk-on but likely able to make some throws Milton is misfiring on.

This 3 way decision may be Heupel’s biggest so far.

drugs are bad

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Wow....that escalated quickly.

Yeah, somebody has been influenced by their own brilliance a bit to much.

 

[DynaLo]

Rose colored glasses. Manning completed 60% of his passes his senior year.

And every pass he threw quacked like crazy.

 

[Butch s]

Yeah, somebody has been influenced by their own brilliance a bit to much.

Yes you have

 

[Adam2014]

Oh yeah, we are SO back! I love college football.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Yes you have

OH NO, they are now running in packs.

 

[Behr]

Wanted to provide some information on the productivity of some notable freshman QB's which played well in their first season. Now, I generally agree that it is not optimal to start a true freshman at QB, especially in the SEC. However, if the older player (in this case Milton) isn't getting the job done, then you have to go with the youngster. Frankly, I am not seeing much improvement in Milton since he was relieved of his duties two years ago but that's a discussion for another day.

Here is the information:

QB Josh Rosen, UCLA (2015)

While there were intermittent rookie moments along the way, Rosen consistently showed why he was the most ballyhooed true freshman on Signing Day 2015. He beat out Jerry Neuheisel in the summer with his poise and arm talent, and then operated like he’s been at this for years. Setting the stage for what will be a celebrated career in Westwood, Rosen debuted by completing 292-of-487 passes for 3,669 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor (2008)

The seeds of Baylor’s emergence into a national entity were planted almost a decade ago by a skinny kid with breakaway speed and uncommon poise. Griffin served notice to the Big 12 with an auspicious first season on campus, throwing 15 touchdown passes, running for 13 more and accounting for almost 3,000 total yards. While still unpolished in the finer points of playing quarterback, the one-time track star threw just three interceptions, while finishing No. 27 nationally in passing efficiency.

QB Philip Rivers, NC State (2000)

Has there ever been a more underrated recruit from the state of Alabama? Bama entered the mix too late, and Auburn wasn’t sure it would use Rivers under center. The Pack and head coach Chuck Amato got a gift in the franchise quarterback they had coveted. More than just a record-setter who threw for 27 touchdown passes and 3,364 yards, Rivers helped spark a Wolfpack resurgence by spearheading four come-from-behind victories in 2000.

QB Chad Henne, Michigan (2004)

The Wolverines, namely quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, went hard after Henne, an unabashed Penn State fan from West Lawn, Pa., and quickly reaped the benefits from Loeffler’s effort. Henne quickly rose up the depth chart to become the second true freshman to ever start behind center in Ann Arbor. Even better, he was the first rookie in Big Ten history to lead his team to a league title, coolly throwing 25 touchdown passes, including four in an epic 38-37 Rose Bowl loss to Vince Young and Texas.

QB Jamelle Holieway, Oklahoma (1985)

Holieway was supposed to do little more than mop up for starter Troy Aikman in his first season out of Carson, Calif. And then opportunity knocked when Aikman broke his ankle in a Week 4 showdown with Miami. The Sooners lost that game, but it was the only time they’d fall in 1985. Holieway took over and ran the wishbone like a human knuckleball for Barry Switzer, dancing with untouchable misdirection. He went 8-0 as the starter, and engineered a 25-10 Orange Bowl victory over Penn State to become the only true freshman to quarterback a national title team.

Sam Bradford, Okl (2007)

Bradford won the starting quarterback job in 2007, and in his first game, he set a school record for passing yards in a half. In his second game, he broke the school record with 22 straight completions. He set a freshman record with 36 touchdowns passes (it has since been broken) for Oklahoma. He also threw for 3,121 yards and set up the hype that would win him the 2008 Heisman Trophy.

Eric Zeier, Georgia, (1991)

Zeier was among the first to set the trend of graduating high school early so he could enroll in college and attend spring practice. He didn't get to start until the fifth game of his freshman year, and he just took off. He threw for 1,984 yards and seven TDs. (Some guy named Garrison Hearst was his running back.) The Dawgs went 6-2 with Zeier as the starter, beating top-10 teams Clemson and Auburn along the way.

Peyton Manning

Manning didn't take over the starting gig until Todd Helton suffered an injury in the fourth game of the season. From that point on, the Vols went 7-1. (The only loss was to Alabama, which went undefeated during the regular season.) He would throw only 11 touchdowns that season but turned Tennessee around from a 1-3 start to a team that would soundly win games the remainder of the season.

Kevin Kolb, Houston (2003)

Kolb had an outstanding freshman year despite being named to the job just a day before the Cougars first game of the 2003 season. Kolb threw for 3,131 yards, 25 TDs and just six interceptions. He also ran for over 300 yards and seven touchdowns that year. In a game against TCU, he became one of the few players to ever throw for over 400 yards and rush for over 100 yards in a game.

Colt McCoy, Texas (2006)

A high school legend in the state of Texas, McCoy just kept on going when he got to campus in Austin. His second collegiate pass was a 60-yard touchdown. McCoy passed for over 2,500 yards with 29 touchdowns and just seven picks while completing over 68 percent of his passes.

Jalen Hurts, Jake Fromm, and Trevor Lawrence.

Just some information to consider.

How many of those replaced a 4-0 with no interceptions QB only because the fan base was whining?

 

[hUTch2002]

They didn’t show a pulse until Hooker entered the game.

People have interesting revisionist history about that game. Milton had led scores on 3 of 4 drives before he got knocked out. Yes 2 were FGs but it’s not like we weren’t moving the ball. Of course I think the poster you responded to is just messing around as I’m sure he knows Milton wasn’t pulled. Milton was hurt on a sack fumble. After that play Pitt took a 17-13 lead and Hooker came in. From then on our D gave up 24 more points (Pitt scored 41 total), Hooker had 2 turnovers and our short yardage offense was abysmal all game, all year really. That was one of the best things about last year was they fixed the short yardage offense problem by putting in an under center package. So saying we had no pulse under Milton just isn’t accurate.

 

[butchna]

People have interesting revisionist history about that game. Milton had led scores on 3 of 4 drives before he got knocked out. Yes 2 were FGs but it’s not like we weren’t moving the ball. Of course I think the poster you responded to is just messing around as I’m sure he knows Milton wasn’t pulled. Milton was hurt on a sack fumble. After that play Pitt took a 17-13 lead and Hooker came in. From then on our D gave up 24 more points (Pitt scored 41 total), Hooker had 2 turnovers and our short yardage offense was abysmal all game, all year really. That was one of the best things about last year was they fixed the short yardage offense problem by putting in an under center package. So saying we had no pulse under Milton just isn’t accurate.

But it is. We dunked and dunked and chunked it over heads. Hooker goes in and Calloway takes it home in an explosive play and Hooker gets consistent productive yards with his legs. Turnovers were unfortunate but understandable considering he made it a game when it was looking like a runaway. We tie after being significantly behind and it takes that 2021 defense and a bad ref call to prevent a win. I watched the game…pretty well, ACCURATE guy.