Ohio.com - QB pos still open

[skip-zip]

I completely agree with you on the statement highlighted above. Lets hope it happens.

Since your last paragraph may have been directed at me, I am not one to put too much stock in "a buddy's opinion" myself, unless in these cases you point out, my buddies are coaches in the Cleveland area, and in some cases have been coaches in that area for decades, and in some cases also know some of the players I have referenced over the years personally. Yes, quite a bit more reliable than your average beer-swilling sports fan, I agree.

On Sullivan specifically, I reported that he was accepting Akron's offer on this board, and was flooded with responses such as, "maybe HE has interest in AKRON" or "We might take him as a walk on", etc, etc., for quite some time, before it was verified as being true. And although I have reported what I was told about his playing ability, and I am sad that he didn't stick it out, I can't recall anyone reporting to me that they predicted his greatness at Akron. But I do recall being told that he would likely redshirt his freshman year, which we know now was also accurate.

It seems as if one of the purposes of this board is to report reliable information to fellow Zips fans. I think that WAY too much predicting goes on here.

Looking back at the Sullivan thread (link), I'll concede that greatness at UA was not exactly predicted. My apologies BUT, your sources clearly thought the Zips had someone special by all of the Red and Silver references. You might say Alex wasn't given a fair shot here to prove or disprove that opinion. I don't think that's the case. But that's really another story.

Link

I know you've never actually said the words, but from your comments about Nicely it seems as though you think he has little to zero chance of being a quality QB for the Zips. It's just as hard for me to draw that conclusion at this point in time as it is for me to think he'll be a star for the next 3 years.

Predictions and speculation are a big part of what a sports message board is all about. We discuss. We agree sometimes. We disagree others. No biggie to me. If we had to wait just for reliable information on Zip sports for every post, I think it might get a tad boring in here.

On the first highlighted item, I do NOT think that Alex was not given a fair chance. But, I was hopeful that he would have stuck around long enough for us to see some of his abilities. And actually, considering the number of experienced guards ahead of him, I'm still surprised that we brought in another small guard at that time, regardless of his accolades. Obviously, our coaches were impressed with what they had seen/heard about him. The Red and Silver references are related to my disdain for OSWho

Back to football...

On the second highlighted item, I was actually was initially quite surprised by the negatives I heard about his game before he came here, and I don't like a lot of what I've seen of him since he's been here. And unfortunately, most of what I've seen has been consistent with what I was told to expect.

On the third item, you are probably RIGHT. But, I could surely get by with a lot less of the "I'm right...You're wrong" fortune tellers, and the name-calling, which keeps so many other older fans I know away from here. But I appreciate your comments, especially since I know you're one of the older posters as well. I just try to pass along good information whenever I have it.

Truth be told, there weren't any actually Red and Silver references.....it was Suckeyes. I just wanted to switch it up a little for Buckzip I rather like it that "Red and Silver" has caught on here. A guy I used to work with provided the inspiration.

As you can tell, I like it too. Thanks for adding to my anti-OSU vocabulary

[Dave in Green]

It's funny, but Ianello's decision to select Nicely over Rodgers may or may not have been based on the fact that he believes Nicely is the better of the two right now. Going back to what Rasor recently wrote:

Word among current players is that Ianello has not hid his desire to start a rebuilding process. That means that contributors from last year won't necessarily be contributors in 2010 if Ianello believes there is a younger guy with more upside.

If the above is true -- and it should be noted that this is what a sports blogger thought the players thought and not a definitive statement from Ianello -- it's possible that starting Nicely over Rodgers now may be more related to Ianello considering Nicely to be "a younger guy with more upside" as opposed to being clearly superior to Rodgers today.

Then again, it could mean that Ianello thinks that Nicely is ahead of Rodgers today and also has more upside for the future. It could mean a lot of things. As always, just conjecturing in the absence of cold, hard facts.

Let's just hope this is the end of any QB controversy at UA, because that would mean that Nicely is performing so well that there is no consideration of replacing him with Rodgers.

[Dr Z]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

[Dave in Green]

I personally happen to agree with you that PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win both now and in the future, especially in the pro-style offense. But I'm also interested in hearing opposing views and rationale.

[K92]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

[skip-zip]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

OK...since you bring up the Ohio game last year, lets talk about it....

Our starting QB fumbled while his leg was getting ripped off, while he was about to score the go-ahead TD against the eventual MAC East champs, during a half in which he was carry our offense both on the ground and through the air with almost 200 yards of total offense.

Meanwhile, his replacement comes in and saves the day by completing only 9 of 23 passes, we muster nothing more than one 30-yard scoring drive, and the game becomes virtually out of reach early in the 4th quarter.

Feel however you want about these two guys, who's better, etc. There's plenty that I don't like about BOTH of them. But, I'm completely baffled as to why you would point to the production of these two guys in the Ohio game as your supporting data in favor of Nicely?

[K92]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

OK...since you bring up the Ohio game last year, lets talk about it....

Our starting QB fumbled while his leg was getting ripped off, while he was about to score the go-ahead TD against the eventual MAC East champs, during a half in which he was carry our offense both on the ground and through the air with almost 200 yards of total offense.

Meanwhile, his replacement comes in and saves the day by completing only 9 of 23 passes, we muster nothing more than one 30-yard scoring drive, and the game becomes virtually out of reach early in the 4th quarter.

Feel however you want about these two guys, who's better, etc. There's plenty that I don't like about BOTH of them. But, I'm completely baffled as to why you would point to the production of these two guys in the Ohio game as your supporting data in favor of Nicely?

I feel as if I touched a nerve here. Not my intention to be a troll and stir the pot.

I don't think it is fair to compare the performance of our quarterbacks within the Ohio game. Patrick Nicely was forced into duty in an emergency situation after #1 was kicked off the team and #2 was injured. I would never suggest that the Zips were better off with Nicely for the 2nd half.

Matt Rodgers started the 2009 season as the #2 QB ready to play if CJ goes down. PN started the 2009 season as a true freshman who was going to be redshirted. Both were forced into duty under less than optimal circumstances. It is my belief that PN made better lemonade with his batch of lemons.

I simply referenced the Ohio game since that was the last action MR saw in 2009. I referenced the first half of that game because he had the Indiana and Central Michigan starts under his belt at that time. If I wanted to trash the guy, I would have mentioned his Indiana performance where he threw for 165 yards and 4 interceptions. I don't want to trash him at all. Perhaps I just should have kept my opinion to myself and simply given Dr. Z a +1 response because I agree with him.

Bottom line for me is this. Patrick Nicely showed me a few flushes of brilliance last year. Matt Rodgers did not. What Matt showed me was a lot of grit and determination, which I respect. Neither one have shown me a whole lot of anything so far this year to tell you the truth, but I am hopeful that Nicely will continue to develop.

[Zipgrad01]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

OK...since you bring up the Ohio game last year, lets talk about it....

Our starting QB fumbled while his leg was getting ripped off, while he was about to score the go-ahead TD against the eventual MAC East champs, during a half in which he was carry our offense both on the ground and through the air with almost 200 yards of total offense.

Meanwhile, his replacement comes in and saves the day by completing only 9 of 23 passes, we muster nothing more than one 30-yard scoring drive, and the game becomes virtually out of reach early in the 4th quarter.

Feel however you want about these two guys, who's better, etc. There's plenty that I don't like about BOTH of them. But, I'm completely baffled as to why you would point to the production of these two guys in the Ohio game as your supporting data in favor of Nicely?

I feel as if I touched a nerve here. Not my intention to be a troll and stir the pot.

I don't think it is fair to compare the performance of our quarterbacks within the Ohio game. Patrick Nicely was forced into duty in an emergency situation after #1 was kicked off the team and #2 was injured. I would never suggest that the Zips were better off with Nicely for the 2nd half.

Matt Rodgers started the 2009 season as the #2 QB ready to play if CJ goes down. PN started the 2009 season as a true freshman who was going to be redshirted. Both were forced into duty under less than optimal circumstances. It is my belief that PN made better lemonade with his batch of lemons.

I simply referenced the Ohio game since that was the last action MR saw in 2009. I referenced the first half of that game because he had the Indiana and Central Michigan starts under his belt at that time. If I wanted to trash the guy, I would have mentioned his Indiana performance where he threw for 165 yards and 4 interceptions. I don't want to trash him at all. Perhaps I just should have kept my opinion to myself and simply given Dr. Z a +1 response because I agree with him.

Bottom line for me is this. Patrick Nicely showed me a few flushes of brilliance last year. Matt Rodgers did not. What Matt showed me was a lot of grit and determination, which I respect. Neither one have shown me a whole lot of anything so far this year to tell you the truth, but I am hopeful that Nicely will continue to develop.

Nicely was a True freshman forced into duty. That kid was playing scout team at best and then in a matter of a few weeks he is under center. How many true freshman have you seen come in and be superstars? He had a 5th string running back, back up receivers, a shoddy offensive line and a team that mailed it in. I find it amazing that he played as well as he did. My entire family is made up of former D-1 football players and they overwhelmingly think this kid could be special. I agree with them.

[Dave in Green]

Whenever there's a discussion where different sides favor one player over the other, one byproduct is that there can be a tendency to enhance the accomplishments of the player we favor and diminish the accomplishments of the other guy. In other words, we're not always fair and balanced in our coverage. We're advocating for one or the other.

That's not an inherently bad thing as long as the discussion doesn't get so heated that we really exaggerate to make a point. Then it can come off as idolizing one and trashing the other, when in fact there's not such a huge difference in the abilities of the two players being compared.

I really think that most of the comments in this thread are pretty reasonable. Both QBs had times last season when they looked good and times when they looked bad, and it's fair to point those out. But in the end it's the total performance under the circumstances at the time each was playing, as well as the way both performed in practice this season, that count the most in favoring one over the other.

Personally, I don't think either one has shown that they are truly great or truly awful. I just think that PN7 has slightly more ability and more upside. But I feel good about having Rodgers as a backup should something go wrong.

[Zipmeister]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

OK...since you bring up the Ohio game last year, lets talk about it....

Our starting QB fumbled while his leg was getting ripped off, while he was about to score the go-ahead TD against the eventual MAC East champs, during a half in which he was carry our offense both on the ground and through the air with almost 200 yards of total offense.

Meanwhile, his replacement comes in and saves the day by completing only 9 of 23 passes, we muster nothing more than one 30-yard scoring drive, and the game becomes virtually out of reach early in the 4th quarter.

Feel however you want about these two guys, who's better, etc. There's plenty that I don't like about BOTH of them. But, I'm completely baffled as to why you would point to the production of these two guys in the Ohio game as your supporting data in favor of Nicely?

I feel as if I touched a nerve here. Not my intention to be a troll and stir the pot.

I don't think it is fair to compare the performance of our quarterbacks within the Ohio game. Patrick Nicely was forced into duty in an emergency situation after #1 was kicked off the team and #2 was injured. I would never suggest that the Zips were better off with Nicely for the 2nd half.

Matt Rodgers started the 2009 season as the #2 QB ready to play if CJ goes down. PN started the 2009 season as a true freshman who was going to be redshirted. Both were forced into duty under less than optimal circumstances. It is my belief that PN made better lemonade with his batch of lemons.

I simply referenced the Ohio game since that was the last action MR saw in 2009. I referenced the first half of that game because he had the Indiana and Central Michigan starts under his belt at that time. If I wanted to trash the guy, I would have mentioned his Indiana performance where he threw for 165 yards and 4 interceptions. I don't want to trash him at all. Perhaps I just should have kept my opinion to myself and simply given Dr. Z a +1 response because I agree with him.

Bottom line for me is this. Patrick Nicely showed me a few flushes of brilliance last year. Matt Rodgers did not. What Matt showed me was a lot of grit and determination, which I respect. Neither one have shown me a whole lot of anything so far this year to tell you the truth, but I am hopeful that Nicely will continue to develop.

Nicely was a True freshman forced into duty. That kid was playing scout team at best and then in a matter of a few weeks he is under center. How many true freshman have you seen come in and be superstars? He had a 5th string running back, back up receivers, a shoddy offensive line and a team that mailed it in. I find it amazing that he played as well as he did. My entire family is made up of former D-1 football players and they overwhelmingly think this kid could be special. I agree with them.

I'm going to resist asking what position your Mom played. Go Zips

[akron football]

Good Luck Patrick as you embark on a great college career. Time goes by so quickly that you need to embrace the moment. Go Zips!

[skip-zip]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

OK...since you bring up the Ohio game last year, lets talk about it....

Our starting QB fumbled while his leg was getting ripped off, while he was about to score the go-ahead TD against the eventual MAC East champs, during a half in which he was carry our offense both on the ground and through the air with almost 200 yards of total offense.

Meanwhile, his replacement comes in and saves the day by completing only 9 of 23 passes, we muster nothing more than one 30-yard scoring drive, and the game becomes virtually out of reach early in the 4th quarter.

Feel however you want about these two guys, who's better, etc. There's plenty that I don't like about BOTH of them. But, I'm completely baffled as to why you would point to the production of these two guys in the Ohio game as your supporting data in favor of Nicely?

I feel as if I touched a nerve here. Not my intention to be a troll and stir the pot.

I don't think it is fair to compare the performance of our quarterbacks within the Ohio game. Patrick Nicely was forced into duty in an emergency situation after #1 was kicked off the team and #2 was injured. I would never suggest that the Zips were better off with Nicely for the 2nd half.

Matt Rodgers started the 2009 season as the #2 QB ready to play if CJ goes down. PN started the 2009 season as a true freshman who was going to be redshirted. Both were forced into duty under less than optimal circumstances. It is my belief that PN made better lemonade with his batch of lemons.

I simply referenced the Ohio game since that was the last action MR saw in 2009. I referenced the first half of that game because he had the Indiana and Central Michigan starts under his belt at that time. If I wanted to trash the guy, I would have mentioned his Indiana performance where he threw for 165 yards and 4 interceptions. I don't want to trash him at all. Perhaps I just should have kept my opinion to myself and simply given Dr. Z a +1 response because I agree with him.

Bottom line for me is this. Patrick Nicely showed me a few flushes of brilliance last year. Matt Rodgers did not. What Matt showed me was a lot of grit and determination, which I respect. Neither one have shown me a whole lot of anything so far this year to tell you the truth, but I am hopeful that Nicely will continue to develop.

You didn't touch a nerve. I actually like this post right here. I agree with you on many of the things you're saying about these two guys, and the situation.

I merely wanted to point out that if I were making the "Patrick is better than Matt" argument, I certainly would not have chosen the Ohio game to support it.

Keep something in mind when mentioning the Indiana and CMU games. Despite the mistakes, and the recent shock of losing our senior starting QB just a couple of days earlier, we still scored 21 points in each of those two games against quality opponents. And it was the last time we would score that many points the rest of the season, with the exception of lowly EMU and Ken+. Since point production is the name of the game, I think it's a hard fact to ignore, no matter how you stand on the issue.

[K92]

Simple truth: PN7 gives the Zips the best chance to win now & in the future. This thread continues to amaze me.

Exactly. Does anyone remember the first half of the Ohio game last year? Hint: 2 interceptions and a fumble into the end zone? 3 turnovers negated the 80 yards rushing.

OK...since you bring up the Ohio game last year, lets talk about it....

Our starting QB fumbled while his leg was getting ripped off, while he was about to score the go-ahead TD against the eventual MAC East champs, during a half in which he was carry our offense both on the ground and through the air with almost 200 yards of total offense.

Meanwhile, his replacement comes in and saves the day by completing only 9 of 23 passes, we muster nothing more than one 30-yard scoring drive, and the game becomes virtually out of reach early in the 4th quarter.

Feel however you want about these two guys, who's better, etc. There's plenty that I don't like about BOTH of them. But, I'm completely baffled as to why you would point to the production of these two guys in the Ohio game as your supporting data in favor of Nicely?

I feel as if I touched a nerve here. Not my intention to be a troll and stir the pot.

I don't think it is fair to compare the performance of our quarterbacks within the Ohio game. Patrick Nicely was forced into duty in an emergency situation after #1 was kicked off the team and #2 was injured. I would never suggest that the Zips were better off with Nicely for the 2nd half.

Matt Rodgers started the 2009 season as the #2 QB ready to play if CJ goes down. PN started the 2009 season as a true freshman who was going to be redshirted. Both were forced into duty under less than optimal circumstances. It is my belief that PN made better lemonade with his batch of lemons.

I simply referenced the Ohio game since that was the last action MR saw in 2009. I referenced the first half of that game because he had the Indiana and Central Michigan starts under his belt at that time. If I wanted to trash the guy, I would have mentioned his Indiana performance where he threw for 165 yards and 4 interceptions. I don't want to trash him at all. Perhaps I just should have kept my opinion to myself and simply given Dr. Z a +1 response because I agree with him.

Bottom line for me is this. Patrick Nicely showed me a few flushes of brilliance last year. Matt Rodgers did not. What Matt showed me was a lot of grit and determination, which I respect. Neither one have shown me a whole lot of anything so far this year to tell you the truth, but I am hopeful that Nicely will continue to develop.

You didn't touch a nerve. I actually like this post right here. I agree with you on many of the things you're saying about these two guys, and the situation.

I merely wanted to point out that if I were making the "Patrick is better than Matt" argument, I certainly would not have chosen the Ohio game to support it.

Keep something in mind when mentioning the Indiana and CMU games. Despite the mistakes, and the recent shock of losing our senior starting QB just a couple of days earlier, we still scored 21 points in each of those two games against quality opponents. And it was the last time we would score that many points the rest of the season, with the exception of lowly EMU and Ken+. Since point production is the name of the game, I think it's a hard fact to ignore, no matter how you stand on the issue.

Point well taken. We also enjoyed the services of Mr. Bowser in those games as well. It is hard to project anything from the disaster that was last season.. Perhaps if the current coaching staff can make good adjustments at halftime (something the last staff had legitimate problems with) we can better see our players' talents shine. Indiana, Ohio and Bowling Green games come to mind.

We need to see action on the field! It seems like we are all chomping at the bit here!

[xu9697]

What is nice about this year vs. last year= we have 2 guys that have at least played and seen significant action. None of us KNOW for certain what will happen, but it is nice to have 2 QBs that have on field experience and been at the school for at least a year. Yes, different coaches and schemes minimizes some of the positives about being here for 1+ years. BUT, they both should be a little more settled into the college life in general, college football life and what it is like to play football at this level.