Yep. HCDM said in the post-game presser that the game plan was to throw the ball, and the emphasis all week was on starting fast and playing up tempo. Nassib had a career day statistically, and he is a good college quarterback. He also has a lot of room for improvement which is exciting, but also somewhat frustrating because we continue to see bits of his potential.
The pick on the first possession was an overthrown ball. The pressure came from the middle. Chibane pulled a double team with Macky, and the Rhody D-lineman simply engaged both blockers and did a spin move to his right and ran free towards Nassib. More of a speed move than the O-line being blown up. Nassib felt the pressure, and this is an area where I believe he struggles just like most QBs. The safe throw in that situation was to check down and hit Bailey underneath. I think HCDM said in the presser that the deep throw was also open. I can't help but think that Nassib forced that throw which sailed high in part because of the emphasis to start fast. But that is no excuse. The only way to start fast is to take what the defense gives you.
Nassib has all of the tools, but he will reach his potential more consistently with more experience especially in the mental area of his game. He knows this offense inside and out, and we saw that in the second half against Wake. He's ready for another breakthrough performance seeing the field under pressure, and I hope it comes against USC.
