Serious QB discussion

[DooleyOrangePants]

I think it's too late to get Nico ready for Bama or Kentucky. We could use the UCONN game to get him ready for UGA. QB situation aside, I really want to see the coaches throw out the lineup and have open competition for the starting wide receiver spots. We've seen lots of signs that Webb and Nimrod are hungrier for playing time than Keyton or Thornton. Let them play.

Just taking a 1000 foot view, the situation with Joe really makes me concerned about Heupel's judgement on the QB position. Remember, Milton was the guy Heupel brought into to be the QB way back in 2021. Hooker only got going in the starting spot because Milton got injured. And Hooker was brought in by the previous staff. Setting aside everything else that's happened, that is a big red flag and does not make me think Heupel is going to move away from Milton unless he absolutely has to. Imagine how the last two years would have gone if Hooker had not taken over the starting spot...

I’m not worried about Heupel not being able to get QB’s for his system. I think his history proves out that he’s capable. He caught lightning in a bottle with Hooker - even though he came in under the previous regime. Hooker wouldn’t have been as prolific in Beldar’s system.

What I am worried about is the love affair with Joe that Heupel has. I said it earlier, but we never would have seen Hooker if Joe didn’t go down and Hooker proved his ability to a point where they couldn’t change back. Not advocating for a change at this point, but if and when we do get to a point where it’s costing us games, then I’m just not sold on anything happening. Heup loves Joe too much.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

You keep touting the 5-1. If joe can’t find some offense and decision making I fear those numbers will turn quick over the next few weeks. We’ve played no one. Our defense can only do so much. When bama puts 5-7 in the box every play next week we will see what happens. Hopefully a different joe shows up.

I await your suggestions as to what we should do.

He's the best QB we have according to 2 coaches with at least 15yrs each of D1 coaching experience, mostly involving QBs.

So....... your point?

 

[CoachClick]

Joe is our QB…there is no controversy. Nico might be the future but in his limited playing time he hasn’t shown that he’s ready.
Hopefully we can grit out 4 or more wins over the next 6 games but we will have to fight to win in most every game.

QB is a stretch. More like a guy that hands the ball off, scrambles it out of bounds a yard short of the first down, and stares receivers down until they are triple covered, then fires!

Should just go wildcat with any of our 3 backs until Nico is ready. Would be better off.

 

[volbound1700]

Our O line isn’t that bad.

Their penalties are killing us! Granted it is a combination of three factors:

1. Milton isn't making great decisions
2. WRs are not getting open (which is making Milton look worse)
3. Oline is not holding up well in spots and keeps having very bad penalties that are stalling drives

 

[Daniel_Lincolns_Foot]

I guess I’m OK with giving Nico the ball, but if so you have to be OK with a 7-5 record at season end, which is probably what we’re looking at.

People are over looking the fact that this offense is a very difficult one to operate. It’s all about very quick reads, perfect timing by both receivers and QBs, and finesse throws. It’s not always something you can just simply get used to with playing time. And no, Joe does not have what it takes to run this offense effectively, but that doesn’t mean tossing in Nico would result in him figuring it out—it’s about the entire machine operating in sync and being timed perfectly, paired with a QB who can read it and time throws perfectly.

 

[Ttucke11]

I await your suggestions as to what we should do.

He's the best QB we have according to 2 coaches with at least 15yrs each of D1 coaching experience, mostly involving QBs.

So....... your point?

I love Heup. He started Joe over Hooker. Two true statements.

 

[DaddyChad]

I hate to rant on a 22yo kid that’s doing his best but he’s a puss that makes terrible decisions. Running out of bounds a yard short on a free play? Throwing into double coverage into the endzone? I have a hard time believing Nico could do worse. These are freshman mistakes out of Milton. It’s pitiful and it’s gotten no better with time. Right now he’s the biggest hurdle for this team.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I really doubt there is anyone left who thinks Milton is the guy to get us any kind of championship. But, other than the very untimely INT he is a stabilizing force and when he does run can do damage with his legs. I guess my question is do we stick with his game management and just give up on the passing game realizing our WRs are not exactly world class either or do we go ahead and give Nico his chance? My honest opinion, while likely to be unpopular, is not to throw Nico into his first start at Tuscaloosa. Start Milton but have Nico ready if our passing game is as impotent as it was tonight. We could try the two QB thing too.

Just watched Jonathan Cromptons post game analysis. He talks about how rare it is for a true FR QB to play and have success in the SEC. With that being said, I don’t see why Heupel doesn’t find out. Throw Nico out there against Bama. Now the likelihood of him being successful against Bama is slim. But you never know. Maybe he is like a Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

Don't unscrew the cap on a vintage wine until its time. He might get hurt.

 

[JMSqb11]

Serious question, Is Joe Milton the step brother of Guarantano ? I mean they play the same but JG was tougher. 5 years of JG and one year of Milton is almost too much to bear. Runs out of bounds 1/2 yard short of first down to avoid getting hit. Never throws deep on a free play when the defense jumps off sides. Just the same bad QB play as we have seen from years past.

Milton actually knows how to win…. JG would literally throw away games to lose.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I guess I’m OK with giving Nico the ball, but if so you have to be OK with a 7-5 record at season end, which is probably what we’re looking at.

People are over looking the fact that this offense is a very difficult one to operate. It’s all about very quick reads, perfect timing by both receivers and QBs, and finesse throws. It’s not always something you can just simply get used to with playing time. And no, Joe does not have what it takes to run this offense effectively, but that doesn’t mean tossing in Rico would result in him figuring it out—it’s about the entire machine operating in sync and being timed perfectly, paired with a QB who can read it and time throws perfectly.

I would have no problems with a 6-7 win season with Nico as the QB. At least he isn’t a 6th year SR who has over three years in this system.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

I await your suggestions as to what we should do.

He's the best QB we have according to 2 coaches with at least 15yrs each of D1 coaching experience, mostly involving QBs.

So....... your point?

And I’m just awaiting you telling the truth and saying joe is awful and doesn’t have the potential to win the big games if something doesn’t change with his play. I never said I had a fix. I said I was tired of people pissing on me and telling me it’s raining. Joe sucks. We are where we are. If joe can’t improve we’re guaranteed 2 losses going forward. Prob another 1 to KY or MIZ

 

[CoachClick]

Don't unscrew the cap on a vintage wine until its time. He might get hurt.

Lol we sticking with the Wild Irish Rose!

 

[DaddyChad]

They are riding with Joe until he is unable to play. Just make sure the running game is on point so when he has **** games he can get some help.
Oh and thank you to the defense. They won the game today.

Defense and special teams as well. The punt to the one set up the return for a TD

 

[DaddyChad]

nico would get killed behind this line...need to fix before next year

Line hasn’t been great but they were pretty decent today. Joe just stunk.

 

[Orange931]

Please post a link to the interview where Halzle and Heupel said Nico isn't better!

I’d love to see that as well. Joe is a high character guy and just an awesome person in general, but anybody with two good eyes can see week after week that he’s gonna cost us a couple of games down the road. I want him to be great, but I’ve given up hope with how much time he’s had in major college football.

 

[EastTNVol6240]

I guess I’m OK with giving Nico the ball, but if so you have to be OK with a 7-5 record at season end, which is probably what we’re looking at.

People are over looking the fact that this offense is a very difficult one to operate. It’s all about very quick reads, perfect timing by both receivers and QBs, and finesse throws. It’s not always something you can just simply get used to with playing time. And no, Joe does not have what it takes to run this offense effectively, but that doesn’t mean tossing in Nico would result in him figuring it out—it’s about the entire machine operating in sync and being timed perfectly, paired with a QB who can read it and time throws perfectly.

I don’t think Joe gives us much more ceiling than 7-5 honestly. My guess is 8 after seeing his play the last few weeks.

 

[norrislakevol]

Milton is what he is. He processes to slow...just a little too slow. Plays are there to be made, but those were left on the field. He isn't JG slow at processing plays, but he is slow enough to prevent us being better than about 9 - 3.

 

[lefthander]

If we get boat raced next week, let nico play from here on out

we are not going to get boat raced
Bama defense as good as Aggies
Offense is horible--they will not block the D line any better than Aggies
Their QB and Milton a tossup

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

And I’m just awaiting you telling the truth and saying joe is awful and doesn’t have the potential to win the big games if something doesn’t change with his play. I never said I had a fix. I said I was tired of people pissing on me and telling me it’s raining. Joe sucks. We are where we are. If joe can’t improve we’re guaranteed 2 losses going forward. Prob another 1 to KY or MIZ

I'm saying the truth. We're 5-1 with Joe Milton. He's not winning games for us and he's not losing them.

Unlike you, I can't predict the future.

Joe Milton is the QB of UT. The coaches believe he's the best QB UT has. I'm not going to say he's the best QB I've ever seen at UT but he IS THE CURRENT QB.

You may be comfortable trashing UT players when we actually don't have anyone better, I'm not.

 

[Vol865]

Our O line isn’t that bad.

If Ollie Lane is starting, its that bad.

 

[volfan102455]

I would have no problems with a 6-7 win season with Nico as the QB. At least he isn’t a 6th year SR who has over three years in this system.

You wouldn't but I would. I do not think it is fair to "throw away" potential victories because some on this board want to see the "backup" QB play.

We have 5 wins - you are saying you would be okay losing to Bama, UGA, UK and Missouri and possibly even Vandy and/or UCONN. Looks like what you really want is a way to be able to say "fire the coach".

 

[LAVol1]

Didin't see a lot of open receivers. Didn't see Joe throw a decent slant pass. If Joe could hit a receiver in stride on a slant, it would probably open up the passing game a lot, both on the perimeter and deep. Too many unnecessary holding calls. Keaton was awful, dropping passes when open and not getting open against bad DB's. Didn't like the play calling (should have done more play/action on 1st down). 4 obvious PI's not called. I would contend we probably win going away if 3 of those PI's are called. There were only three plays that I recall where Nico may have done better than Joe (2 slants missed and the INT). If we get the 4 PI calls and Joe hits on the slants, he's 13 of 18 (72%) vs. 11 for 22. Not so sure our run game would have been as good with Nico making pre-snap adjustments. And, Nico may not have held up as well under the pressure from the D line. So, do you burn a Nico redshirt when he might not have a much better impact on the game. I don't think I would at this point in time.

 

[VolDaddy61]

I was recently looking at Tee's stats from 1998. Florida outgained us 409-64 through the air that game and we still managed to win. We outrushed them 171 - (-13).

View attachment 587174

I remember watching that entire season unfold. If You told Me that team that beat Syracuse to start that season would go on to win it all, I wouldn't have believed You. That team had a great/dominant running game, a good defense that became great as the season wore on, and a QB that waited to get His shot and just made enough plays to win. That's what this team remreminds of. I don't care how it looks. Just get the win.

 

[Daniel_Lincolns_Foot]

I don’t think Joe gives us much more ceiling than 7-5 honestly. My guess is 8 after seeing his play the last few weeks.

And what do you think the ceiling is with Nico?