Nicely

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

Good points infofan, although I think that Rodgers should be used as a wildcat player from here on in after his recovery. He is not a very good D-1 QB, but could be very helpful as a runner/option player. He's very fast and appears to be much more comfortable on the run than in the pocket. I like your points about Nicely, and you reminded me that after several plays last night I said to the fans around me that Nicely was doing a GREAT job of going through his reads. It was amazing to watch an 18 or 19 year old kid in his first game stand in the pocket (almost to a fault a couple of times) and look at several options before delivering the ball. Yes, he was 9 of 23 but there were several drops among those incompletions.I loved that on a 3rd down play last night Nicely threw an out to a freshman receiver who ran the wrong route, heading up field instead of cutting to the sideline. Had he made the proper cut, the ball would have arrived perfectly for the 1st down. Nicely was pissed off and went right to the receiver and gave him a little hell, after which one of the coaches ranted a bit at the receiver. It looked to me like some real leadership from the freshman QB and I liked it. He looked to have some fire in his belly and wasn't going to settle for bad routes, even from another freshman. I liked it. Let me call out Bowser here. He is fast becoming the Braylon Edwards of this team. Great ability and athleticism, appears to be active as a team leader on the sidelines, but his job is to run great routes and to catch passes, period. His drops are starting to kill this offense at exactly the times they need him to perform. In fact I'll give a "dishonorable mention" to the receiving corps in general, for there were several passes last night where the receivers failed to aggressively fight for the ball. Good receivers get to the ball and fight for it with their hands and bodies, even when balls are underthrown. Our corps didn't do that last night.The rest of the way I'm very excited to watch Nicely develop and to watch this up and coming defensive unit. It will be up to Bowser and the other receivers whether they want to be a positive part of that development. The 3-3-5 is horrible and I can't wait for these joker coaches to be gone, but we have some horses on that defense. With a solid scheme and decent coaching (yes, UA is going to have to open up the damned wallet and PAY for a solid coaching staff this time) this defense could dominate next year.I asked a hard core Zips fan last night to remember Charlie Frye in his first game or two with UA, and compare his memories of frye's initial play to Nicely, and he was complementary toward Nicely. If that trend continues, coupled with the recruiting advantages we now have, in addition to a shiny and brand new coaching staff, UA should become compelling going into next season. GO ZIPS!STZ

[jaycevs]

I don't see how anyone could consider Rodgers play last night better? Did he ever set his feet while making a throw, or not stare down his WR's? He gave them no chance, and from the start of the play you knew half of the field was wasted, he never even would look to the other side, anyone could tell where the ball was going. Tuzze played well, but gives us no real running game threat, he was in for blocking and the help our QB's, which is maybe why the line appeared better tonight. I think Nicely will need him back there the rest of the year, or go with two backs for once, and get Allen, DeVoe, or Shuford in there(did any of those guys besides Shuford see the field last night?).

[Zipsrifle]

Rogers was better, IMO than he was in the past games. He was not better in ALL areas, but he was better. Still, he had quite a few things to work on. For one, Rogers seemed to be up to speed with his receivers. He was underthowing them in the previous games, but he was better last night. Also, he did stay in the pocket a little longer. It was apparent that the offense was geared towards his running ability and, unfortunately, late in the 1st half they seemed to rely solely on this and of course he got hurt. He also was not afraid to take a hit...it was almost as if he was looking for it. When he ran, there was none of this feet first sliding that CJ used to do 1 yard before a first down....Rogers was diving head first for every yard! On the downside, he still would lock onto his receiver and not go through his progressions. I attribute at least one of his INT's to this. Also he would bail out from the pass to quickly. As soon as he had success running, it just made it worse. He could REALLY have been dangerous if he learned how to stay in the pocket a little longer and pick out a receiver before pulling it down. The OU D would have probably adjusted after the half to his running abilities and he would be back to relying on the pass. Rogers was also a little bit to brazen with his running and he had what, 4 turnovers? Can't be doing that! Again, I think the kid was working very, very hard and I felt really, really bad for him and his injury. I hope that he gets well soon and we can utilize him next season as he is a great athlete! Now onto Nicely. Right from the start, this kid impressed me... He was the General out there from the get go! The first play he was in, we were backed up against our goal, and he noticed we only had 10 players on the field. Had he not picked that up, he probably would have been clobbered for a safety. Very heads up play for your first time on the field! Also, I am amazed at the pocket presence of this kid. He stays in there, steps up at just the right time as he is going through his progressions and makes a solid pass. The kid has an arm and puts some pep on that ball.....I LOVE IT! That is probably why Bowser was dropping them....it was hurting his hands He stays in the pocket so long, that I almost wish he would have pulled it down and run a few times. The kid has speed! I remember the first time someone flushed him out of the pocket.....I was thinking "Bad move...you aren't going to run him down!". I'm pretty sure Nicely ran for a first down on that play. The kid is the future of the program, no doubt about it. I think he will need a week or two working with the starting unit as he was consistently throwing behind the receivers but I attribute that to the High School to college adjustment! I need some time to contemplate why JD was holding out on him after CJ went out....I haven't generated an opinion on that yet. With all this said, I think this season is pretty much done in terms of a Bowl game. We will need a few weeks for Nicely to hit his stride and I highly, Highly doubt we will win out. We could be a solid team at the end of the season and we may end up playing spoiler. I'm hoping to see some good games, expect a few wins yet this season and just live for the good plays.....that is my coping mechanism I've developed as a Zips fan. Live for the good, forget the bad. Oh well, shiny new stadium, same old outcome. I will continue to wait for the day when we can't pack another person into the stadium and they are standing outside the fence. Go Zips!

[MaxZIP]

I don't see how anyone could consider Rodgers play last night better? Did he ever set his feet while making a throw, or not stare down his WR's? He gave them no chance, and from the start of the play you knew half of the field was wasted, he never even would look to the other side, anyone could tell where the ball was going. Tuzze played well, but gives us no real running game threat, he was in for blocking and the help our QB's, which is maybe why the line appeared better tonight. I think Nicely will need him back there the rest of the year, or go with two backs for once, and get Allen, DeVoe, or Shuford in there(did any of those guys besides Shuford see the field last night?).

Tuzze gives us a threat to get positive yards with a hard nosed approach. He seemed to be pretty effective yesterday and was wearing down the d. He doesn't go down easy that is for sure.

[Zipmeister]

About this time of the year, a few years ago, sophomore Turner Gill was forced into action because injuries had struck down the first and second string quarterbacks (if the first team quarterback had just been caught stealing from his teammates the similarities between Gill and Nicely's situation would be scary). Gill went on to lead the team to a 28 and 2 record over the remainder of his Nebraska career. Maybe that will happen here.

[ZippyTuba11]

Sorry, ZTZ, you are beating a dead horse and your whining is falling on deaf ears.Truth is that Matt Rodgers was NOT coming around. Play after play he looked like a lost sheep. The college game is way too fast for him at least at this point. I for one had great hope for Rodgers.He was definitely my choice to be starting QB over Jacquemain. Matt just was not up to the task.Eventually even the terribly dimwitted UA coaches became aware of Matt's inability to pick up the reads.Late in the first half they had Nicely warming up on the sidelines. The fans where I sit were even thenspeculating that Nicely was going to play in the second half. And that was before Matt got hurt,All this leads to question just what kind of judgement abilities does JD posses? To me, it goes backto the first Jacquemain suspension two years ago. Since we now know it was for the same issues,(theft from teammates and a drug addiction), one has to wonder why CJ was not dismissed from the team then.This is a college football team. A team comprised of young men. This is not Mother Teresa's rehabcenter. The coaching staff and ultimately the university's lapse of judgement lead to this fiasco.The burden falls on Brookhart. It is the responsibility of the university to replace Brookhart ASAP.In my opinion, the fans clamoring two weeks ago for Brookhart's dismissal were right on target.

The vindictiveness on this forum never ceases to amaze me.

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

Tuba, I don't understand why you consider the points made vindictive. Many of us have been calling for JD's head for weeks now. While we hope that Jacq straightens his life out, he hurt this team badly. Rodgers appears to be a high quality individual and if he can get healthy will be a contributor to this team next year. He was not playing well and it surely didn't look like he was going to be the answer at QB. The problem then comes back full circle to the coaching staff. Why did JD allow the Jacq situation to linger if there had been ANY hint of ongoing problems with the kid? As importantly once Nicely showed his skills in camp and in practices how could this staff not have played him? I don't think that any of these points are vindictive at all. They are legitimate points and questions for fans of the team to be asking in forums like this. STZ

[Lee Adams]

calling for a change for weeks...OR LONGER...the Nicely situation appears at first blush to be a repeat of the '06 situation with Getsy...wasted games playing him instead of letting the other QB's get some time...it seems at least on pure physical talent that Nicely is better than the other two...why was he not playing when brookhart knew his job was on the line this year?...did it matter...who knows...

[Big Zip]

I was impressed by Nicely's poise. He made some nice throws, but had some plays where he seemed a little too amped up. Some of his throws were way off the mark. With that in mind, I really enjoyed watching him and am happy to have the chance to watch him finish out the year. I hope Rodgers can find a spot on this team -- maybe a slot receiver. He does run the ball well.

[goodthts]

I first was going to rage (again) about the bad coaching decisions, the bad play calling and the overall unfun nature and appearence of the 2009 Zips Football program. After a pause, I figured out what would please me most of all. I just want to watch an entertaining product on the field. I want to see consistently good plays and 100% effort for the rest of the year. I hope for no more yawn-inducing second halfs the rest of the way. Entertain me Zips! Make me look forward to more than the tailgate scene. Be competitive. That's all.

[Dr Z]

I think it's fun to go back and read who wanted Nicely on September 21st.Then I started a second poll on September 27th after we got another game under our belt.September 26th Rodgers vs Nicely debate.September 28th Nicely should get two weeks of snaps.

[g-mann17]

I think it's fun to go back and read who wanted Nicely on September 21st.Then I started a second poll on September 27th after we got another game under our belt.September 26th Rodgers vs Nicely debate.September 28th Nicely should get two weeks of snaps.

Hmmm, looks like I said play Rodgers to preserve the redshirt and that Nicely had better be being prepared since Rodgers was already slight injured.I still say the original plan was play Jacq, get Matt reps to see where he is, and let Nicely and Rodgers duke it out in the spring. Jacq f'd up the plans.I knew Nicely was better (or at least had to be), it's just a shame Rodgers had to get hurt in the process.

[GP1]

why was he not playing when brookhart knew his job was on the line this year?

Misguided LOYALTY. Maybe JD didn't want to be at UofA beyond this season regardless of what happened. We read public statements, but we never really know what someone wants.

[GP1]

I think it's fun to go back and read who wanted Nicely on September 21st.Then I started a second poll on September 27th after we got another game under our belt.September 26th Rodgers vs Nicely debate.September 28th Nicely should get two weeks of snaps.

Before anyone sprains an arm patting themselves on the back...9 of 23 (39.1%)98 yards4.2 yds/attempt (footwork doesn't win games, this statistic does and the number is well below where it should be)I want to see more before we give him the crown.

[RUMPLEMINTZ]

I am angry that we had to wait until now to see Nicely play. What the hell are the coaches looking at when they decide to play a Rodgers over a Nicely? The kid is big, strong, has great feet, really nice poise in the pocket and a BIG arm to boot. Why would you fiddle with a damned redshirt for a kid who has those abilities after watching Rodgers play so poorly the last couple of weeks? JD is watching his coaching career fizzle away and was willing to play Rodgers over Nicely? JD really is an idiot. He had to go, but now he really has to go. NOW. Nicely is a NICE looking player. The rest of the way, as this team loses every game the rest of the year, I'll at least enjoy watching the much-improved Defense and the play of Nicely. JD shouldn't feel too bad. He'll get to coach the kid for at least a few more games before he gets his much-deserved walking papers. Again, what an IDIOT.STZ

only an IDIOT calls another guy an IDIOT when it makes him feel better, even though he has no clue about the situation!

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

I am angry that we had to wait until now to see Nicely play. What the hell are the coaches looking at when they decide to play a Rodgers over a Nicely? The kid is big, strong, has great feet, really nice poise in the pocket and a BIG arm to boot. Why would you fiddle with a damned redshirt for a kid who has those abilities after watching Rodgers play so poorly the last couple of weeks? JD is watching his coaching career fizzle away and was willing to play Rodgers over Nicely? JD really is an idiot. He had to go, but now he really has to go. NOW. Nicely is a NICE looking player. The rest of the way, as this team loses every game the rest of the year, I'll at least enjoy watching the much-improved Defense and the play of Nicely. JD shouldn't feel too bad. He'll get to coach the kid for at least a few more games before he gets his much-deserved walking papers. Again, what an IDIOT.STZ

only an IDIOT calls another guy an IDIOT when it makes him feel better, even though he has no clue about the situation!

Hmmm, so using your own logic, you calling me an idiot for calling JD an idiot MAKES YOU AN IDIOT.STZ

[RUMPLEMINTZ]

Tuba, I don't understand why you consider the points made vindictive. Many of us have been calling for JD's head for weeks now. While we hope that Jacq straightens his life out, he hurt this team badly. Rodgers appears to be a high quality individual and if he can get healthy will be a contributor to this team next year. He was not playing well and it surely didn't look like he was going to be the answer at QB. The problem then comes back full circle to the coaching staff. Why did JD allow the Jacq situation to linger if there had been ANY hint of ongoing problems with the kid? As importantly once Nicely showed his skills in camp and in practices how could this staff not have played him? I don't think that any of these points are vindictive at all. They are legitimate points and questions for fans of the team to be asking in forums like this. STZ[/quoteSTZYou are a whining and have no clue what your talking about...absolutely none!!!! Funny thing about you............your a coward that hides behind this web page. I am sure coach Brookhart is at the school today giving a press conference today. You should go look him in the eye and call him an IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!

[cornbread]

Tuba, I don't understand why you consider the points made vindictive. Many of us have been calling for JD's head for weeks now. While we hope that Jacq straightens his life out, he hurt this team badly. Rodgers appears to be a high quality individual and if he can get healthy will be a contributor to this team next year. He was not playing well and it surely didn't look like he was going to be the answer at QB. The problem then comes back full circle to the coaching staff. Why did JD allow the Jacq situation to linger if there had been ANY hint of ongoing problems with the kid? As importantly once Nicely showed his skills in camp and in practices how could this staff not have played him? I don't think that any of these points are vindictive at all. They are legitimate points and questions for fans of the team to be asking in forums like this. STZ

STZYou are a whining little B*tch and have no clue what your talking about...absolutely none!!!! Funny thing about you............your a coward that hides behind this web page. I am sure coach Brookhart is at the school today giving a press conference today. You should go look him in the eye and call him an IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!

Arguing online is like...

[Dave in Green]

May I suggest that those who are having problems controlling their "anger" here go enroll in a good anger management class instead of taking it out on ZN?Honestly, I really appreciate reading thoughtful opinions from everyone, including those who may see things 180 degrees different from what I do. But when the name-calling and taunting descends to the level of grade school kids, it seriously tempts me to start adding the serial offenders to my Ignored Users list.Anyone who can't make their point without dumping on others probably doesn't have a point worth listening to.

[zen]

Hey people (the few who this applies to);- You have an opinion.- Others may not agree with you.If you make anything personal about an internet discussion, you need to take a break.We're all human and we all think we are right. But don't get sucked into the delusion that your opinion is has an real significance.-----------By the way, I thought that Nicely was our future. That IS the reason why I felt we shouldn't burn his red shirt, and him playing well this week only validates my prediction that he is our future, but doesn't change my wish that we could have saved him for the following four years.-----------also PEACE

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

Rumplemintz could have saved characters by simply ending his avatar at RUMP! Or perhaps add a G and call it GRUMP! Yes, I believe JD is an idiotic head coach, Mrs. Brookhart. Would you care to point me toward any facts that might change my opinion, Mrs. Brookhart?As for the name calling, god help us all if it's verboten, ON A ZIPS SPORTS FORUM, to call the head coach with a horrible losing record an idiot. Now, Grumplemintz, how about doubling the dose of whatever you're on, because you're quite a tempery little fellow. Unless of course you're Mrs. Brookhart as I suspect. Tisk tisk. :rofl: STZ

[Dave in Green]

If Mrs. Brookhart wanted to play children's games, I'm sure she could come up with something as incredibly clever and original as the nya-nya's being tossed at her husband, perhaps something like:My husband's rubber, you're glue, your words bounce off him and stick to you.

[Blue & Gold]

RUMPLEMINTZ is usually quite humorous, and, as is the case with our beloved Zipmeister, you can't really take anything he says very seriously. However, RUMPLEMINTZ was quite off the mark in this case.I always look forward to STZ's commentary. And if a passionate Zips fan can't call the Zips' coach an idiot on a Zips sportstalk forum, who on earth can and where on earth can you?!I know ZNO members would never call a student athlete an idiot (except for incredibly well-deserving cases such as Jacq's) but the coaching staff is more than fair game for our angst and criticism.I think JD seems like a great guy. However, as head coach at UA the handwriting is indeed on the wall. I won't feel sorry for him though. He'll be employed somewhere next year making around 5x what I do. Lol.

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

If Mrs. Brookhart wanted to play children's games, I'm sure she could come up with something as incredibly clever and original as the nya-nya's being tossed at her husband, perhaps something like:My husband's rubber, you're glue, your words bounce off him and stick to you.

Dude, do you seriously expect to come to ZN after ANOTHER terrible loss, when we're YEARS into a bad losing trend with this coaching staff, and NOT hear people calling for JD's head, calling him all sorts of names, being generally angry about the state of the team? I'm not interested in name calling of other posters on ZN, but damn it if someone calls me an idiot and a whiny b*tch it's heading right back their way. As for the name calling directed at JD, at this point many of the ZN fans wanting him gone and occasionally calling him an idiot are the LEAST of his problems. And frankly, even if I knew for a fact that JD himself read these boards, I would hope that a middle-aged man who has pursued coaching as his vocation would be thick-skinned enough to take a few verbal shots from college football fans.Football coaching is among the very most public of professions, and one of those that will draw the most scrutiny from fanatics like us. JD probably wouldn't give a rat's behind what a few of us here have to say about him, and if he did he's totally in the wrong line of work. For those like grumplemintz who may either be close to a JD or are shocked to see people on a SPORTS FORUM call for JD's head, well that's just crazy. You want mild-mannered and erudite? Maybe forums OTHER than sports forums are a better bet.STZ

[Dave in Green]

Sports are inherently emotional, and we all occasionally vent. But who wants to be constantly bombarded by primal screams? After reading the same repetitive vents from the same people over and over and over again, it eventually becomes nothing but static. I wouldn't bother reading or posting on most sports forums. But ZN is generally more civil and has less static than most.The first thing I do when I find myself getting annoyed by a persistently venting poster is to do a Find Member's Posts to check that poster's patterns. If they have a pattern of mostly primal scream venting and little history of thoughtful contribution, I pretty much tune out that poster. If they have a history of contributing good observations along with some venting, I try to encourage them to focus more on the good observations.The really nasty venting is like horse manure in the middle of a sidewalk. It stinks and mucks up your shoes if you don't avoid stepping in it. The solution is not to wade into the manure and add more to the pile, but to give it a wide berth.