I just think if you make a pros and cons list of things based on Nico starting against UGA, the cons will heavily outweighs the pros.Okay even if Nico loses to UGA as a freshman, it ain’t gonna kill the rest of his career lol
I just think if you make a pros and cons list of things based on Nico starting against UGA, the cons will heavily outweighs the pros.
In other words, unless you think he can be the difference in winning or losing that game, there is much less to lose than there is to gain. And he isn't the difference in us winning or losing, so wait and give him a winnable scenario to go out in his first game.
I know the emotion of the butt-kicking we just took has people on tilt and wanting see changes for the sake of change, but rationally speaking, this just isn't the spot to put the future of your program in. You play the long game with him and his future. You don't emotionally toss him into an unwinnable situation.
JMO
Not sure why so many posters think nico would be hurt playing vs Georgia but not Vanderbilt. Getting hit by a 245# end or a 290# lineman is about the same no matter who you play.
Don't think he should start but if the game is out of hand why not give him some snaps? If Milton is injured do we send out Moore or Shuler?
Interesting take. Happens in every level at all experience levels. That is not to say it wasn't a bad decision.all you can say about Melton is he is a serviceable QB, but he is not championship quality. one game it's a scoop six he gives the other team the next it's a pic-six. A six year QB should not throw a pic-six
Inexperience at QB ain't going to save him if he makes losing a habit to a goof like Napier.Heupel wont play Nico cuz he'll need the "We have an inexperienced QB..." excuse next year in his back pocket if **** goes South. This is the BEST team Nico will face this year until he faces UGA again next year. Let him see what he can do against the best. Nowhere to go but UP!
Nico's first start should not be against the two time defending national champs. Are you guys all high?? Stop the drinking or something...
My bigger concern...other than injury which is a valid concern as well...is him going out against such a tough, experienced, and talented group in UGA and really struggling and it hurting him mentally more than anything. I hate to see his confidence shattered in a meaningless game he has no shot of winning anyway. Maybe that's a non-issue for him, bit I'm not sure any of us know his mental makeup until he's faced with adversity. I'd just like for his first big test to come after he's warmed up against some leaner competition rather than facing a team like UGA right out the gate.I believe the people going crazy are the ones on tilt. I have been consistent in my stance on Nico starting and that was he shouldn’t until it becomes clear we are no longer in the running for the East or a NY6 bowl. As of now, we have not shot at either. So the quality of bowl is basically crap and crap lite.
The only downside to Nico starting, in my opinion, is him getting hurt. However, that’s literally the chance everytime the QB steps on the field.
Regarding playing the long game, getting a start on the 2024 season and Nico era now in 2 final meaningless games is doing just that. Playing and planning for the future.
Unless people are convinced that Nico is gonna go on some massive weight and body overhaul this offseason, why exactly are people concerned about him playing at home against a type of team he’s gonna be playing against for multiple seasons?
I think people are in some denial that the season is still able to be salvaged by winning out…. Sure beating Georgia and extending the Neyland streak is nice but does that really improve anything? No not really. We are still on the outs of a NY6 game with Ole Miss likely to be 10-2.
My two cents is Heupel needs to give the fans something to take in the offseason to calm all these people that have gone full tilt. I love Joe and everything he’s done. But with the main goals of the season fully out of reach and off the table, it’s time to play the long game and let the guy who’s gonna be here for the next two seasons get his starts. Finishing 8-4 with Joe is vastly less pleasing then finishing 8-4 with Nico these final starts. The only con to Nico starting this week is a potential injury that is literally there for any player that steps on the field. I’m not concerned one bit about that. The kid is getting paid a lot to be here. There is nothing but positives for ripping the bandaid off and letting him get his baptism.
My bigger concern...other than injury which is a valid concern as well...is him going out against such a tough, experienced, and talented group in UGA and really struggling and it hurting him mentally more than anything. I hate to see his confidence shattered in a meaningless game he has no shot of winning anyway. Maybe that's a non-issue for him, bit I'm not sure any of us know his mental makeup until he's faced with adversity. I'd just like for his first big test to come after he's warmed up against some leaner competition rather than facing a team like UGA right out the gate.
As for when he should be playing, I was right in line with you on time-frame...as soon as we were out of the running. But because it's UGA we face first once that was decided, I'd still hold him out, or at worst, let him in the game once it's out of hand and there's much less pressure and no week-long leadup to the game where he has to think about who he's facing. We get down by 3 TDs, run him out there and see what he can do.
Just a difference of opinion on when it should happen for him, but we are on the same page everywhere else it seems. I'd be perfectly fine letting him start against Vandy and then get all the bowl reps. I doubt that happens, though. Heupel is married to Milton for some reason.
It's not fair to Nico starting him against the #1 team in the country even if it is at home. However, you let him and Milton both know if the offense begins it's blunders especially in the 2nd half, and once again demonstrates stagnation we'll be moving to Nico.