With the Right QB, Nixon's Pass Offense is Exceptional

[OrangeinBoston]

But, his run offense is absolutely pathetic. Run up the middle time after time ad nauseam. No creativity whatsoever.

 

[SURules]

I am wondering if we have the speed at RB to get to the outside on sweeps etc.

Edit: I would like to see us pull OG’s and OT’s like Tennessee did in Atlanta. That was impressive and helped pave running lanes.

 

[Franz69]

Jet sweep to Tylik, bubble screen to Johntay. Add some variety so you're not slamming into the middle for no gain 20 times a game and take some pressure off Rickie. Simple plays, get the ball in the hands of your playmakers.

 

[Dick_in_MI]

McCord last year and Angeli this year hid some flaws in the program. The top 3 coaches never having done that job before, defensive issues that continue to this day, etc. The learning curve on the staff continues as well.

Most good OC's are able to scheme around what they have to at least some degree. Most decent OC's...even having to go with the 2nd stringer...can figure out a gameplan that does not allow the opposing DC the luxury of staying in bed all week, waking up at 9AM on Saturday, tossing together an effective defense for the week, and then heading to the stadium.

The thing that really stands out to me is what a house of cards the QB room was/is. Fran, Nixon, the GM put together a QB room...all getting NIL$ mind you, some of it substantial...that seems to have had exactly one good QB. I'm not saying that we have to have McCord/Angeli-level depth behind the starter. But we have exactly one player (Angeli) that wasn't mediocre to bad or totally too green to be allowed on the field.

But we have one R-Jr who is done for the year, one lousy R-SO, and four guys who are various flavors of freshman. THIS SHOULD BE NO REFLECTION ON THE FROSH. In no perfect world should we even have to think about them this year.

This is, very simply, a poorly constructed QB room, end of story.

The scary thing is when you think about what we would have done without Steve coming along. Had we failed to land him, was Fran willing to roll with Rickie from Day 1?

Don't get me wrong, Fran's job is in no way threatened by any of this. We won 10 last year and he lost his starting QB this year. Those are major Get Out of Jail Free cards, as they should be. Rather, some things are apparent and, while they are likely not going to be fixed this year, they very much need to be scrutinized before 2026.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

McCord last year and Angeli this year hid some flaws in the program. The top 3 coaches never having done that job before, defensive issues that continue to this day, etc. The learning curve on the staff continues as well.

Most good OC's are able to scheme around what they have to at least some degree. Most decent OC's...even having to go with the 2nd stringer...can figure out a gameplan that does not allow the opposing DC the luxury of staying in bed all week, waking up at 9AM on Saturday, tossing together an effective defense for the week, and then heading to the stadium.

The thing that really stands out to me is what a house of cards the QB room was/is. Fran, Nixon, the GM put together a QB room...all getting NIL$ mind you, some of it substantial...that seems to have had exactly one good QB. I'm not saying that we have to have McCord/Angeli-level depth behind the starter. But we have exactly one player (Angeli) that wasn't mediocre to bad or totally too green to be allowed on the field.

But we have one R-Jr who is done for the year, one lousy R-SO, and four guys who are various flavors of freshman. THIS SHOULD BE NO REFLECTION ON THE FROSH. In no perfect world should we even have to think about them this year.

This is, very simply, a poorly constructed QB room, end of story.

The scary thing is when you think about what we would have done without Steve coming along. Had we failed to land him, was Fran willing to roll with Rickie from Day 1?

Don't get me wrong, Fran's job is in no way threatened by any of this. We won 10 last year and he lost his starting QB this year. Those are major Get Out of Jail Free cards, as they should be. Rather, some things are apparent and, while they are likely not going to be fixed this year, they very much need to be scrutinized before 2026.

You're not wrong, but between Angeli, Collins, and Williams, the freshmen were never supposed to matter this season.

 

[Dick_in_MI]

You're not wrong, but between Angeli, Collins, and Williams, the freshmen were never supposed to matter this season.

That's basically what I said (and Williams is a R-Fr). We had one good QB, a lousy QB who should have been adequate if they had evaluated correctly, and 4 guys who we shouldn't have even had to think about. The latter being the frosh.

 

[Archimedes]

I am wondering if we have the speed at RB to get to the outside on sweeps etc.

Edit: I would like to see us pull OG’s and OT’s like Tennessee did in Atlanta. That was impressive and helped pave running lanes.

Probably not.

RB#1 looks like he's playing on a bumb ankle.

RB #2 had an offseason surgery that required putting screws in his foot.

When the story of 2025 is told. I'm guessing QB will not be the only position decimated by injury. Totally agree with you on pulling linemen.

 

[RICuse44]

They ran jet sweeps last year w pena. I don’t understand why they aren’t doing it this year.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

They ran jet sweeps last year w pena. I don’t understand why they aren’t doing it this year.

They ran some to Russell earlier in the year.

 

[JKinUtah]

They ran jet sweeps last year w pena. I don’t understand why they aren’t doing it this year.

Because Pena is gone?

 

[Blanko97]

I still wonder how much of the offense last year was Nixon called plays versus McCord pre snap adjustments

 

[Archimedes]

The thing that really stands out to me is what a house of cards the QB room was/is. Fran, Nixon, the GM put together a QB room...all getting NIL$ mind you, some of it substantial...that seems to have had exactly one good QB. I'm not saying that we have to have McCord/Angeli-level depth behind the starter. But we have exactly one player (Angeli) that wasn't mediocre to bad or totally too green to be allowed on the field.

The QB room is not really a "house of cards." Look at what's happened at QB in the Fran Era...

In December 2023, Fran's starting QB room is Braden Davis, CDRW and Dan. Two don't play QB anymore; the other guy transfers. Fran adds Kyle (below market!) and re-recruits Jakhari.

In 2024, Fran signs Luke, his first HS QB. He gets creative, getting a lacrosse guy for football and adds Rich. He lines up Rickie with his SEC pedigree to replace Kyle. In 2025, Fran senses trouble. He audibles into a solution from Notre Dame but Steve gets hurt and we're toast.

Rickie was the big miss. No doubt. But our HC clearly is proactive and won't just sit around.

Kyle built us a foundation with mahogany and marble. The second floor was looking good until the OSHA issues. The odds of us whiffing on every other recruit are not zero but seem pretty low to me. Trust the process. We'll get a nice structure in the end.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

The QB room is not really a "house of cards." Look at what's happened at QB in the Fran Era...

In December 2023, Fran's starting QB room is Braden Davis, CDRW and Dan. Two don't play QB anymore; the other guy transfers. Fran adds Kyle (below market!) and re-recruits Jakhari.

In 2024, Fran signs Luke, his first HS QB. He gets creative, getting a lacrosse guy for football and adds Rich. He lines up Rickie with his SEC pedigree to replace Kyle. In 2025, Fran senses trouble. He audibles into a solution from Notre Dame but Steve gets hurt and we're toast.

Rickie was the big miss. No doubt. But our HC clearly is proactive and won't just sit around.

Kyle built us a foundation with mahogany and marble. The second floor was looking good until the OSHA issues. The odds of us whiffing on every other recruit are not zero but seem pretty low to me. Trust the process. We'll get a nice structure in the end.

Is it a whiff when you only recruit kids outside the Top 75 at their position?

We should be able to get a Top 50 kid every year. Our peer programs do. Can’t expect a decent QB room taking only long shots.

 

[RICuse44]

Because Pena is gone?

A standard slot receiver should be able to run a jet sweep. Or play two backs like g tech did. You have to get the defense moving their eyes instead of just keying on straight ahead dives a la Dino

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Is it a whiff when you only recruit kids outside the Top 75 at their position?

We should be able to get a Top 50 kid every year. Our peer programs do. Can’t expect a decent QB room taking only long shots.

You are really, really hung up on the QB rankings thing.

 

[baggerbob]

Probably not.

RB#1 looks like he's playing on a bumb ankle.

RB #2 had an offseason surgery that required putting screws in his foot.

When the story of 2025 is told. I'm guessing QB will not be the only position decimated by injury. Totally agree with you on pulling linemen.

You also lost James who was supposed to be in the mix this year at running back with his speed. That at least would have given Nixon another option.

 

[SU68]

I am wondering if we have the speed at RB to get to the outside on sweeps etc.

Edit: I would like to see us pull OG’s and OT’s like Tennessee did in Atlanta. That was impressive and helped pave running lanes.

SU hasn't done that in years. How many games have we lost running up the middle for short gains and losing games?

 

[GoSU96]

But, his run offense is absolutely pathetic. Run up the middle time after time ad nauseam. No creativity whatsoever.

The line as currently composed is decent protect, bad run

It was a good bridge with a Qb that could distribute the ball and run with a lighter box. They arent a pulling, trapping line or really capable of blocking outside zone.

This team was never going to run well without a very good passing attack

Hopefully the younger guys take over next year

 

[Dick_in_MI]

The QB room is not really a "house of cards." Look at what's happened at QB in the Fran Era...

Disagree.

For starters, I'm not talking about what he did last year. Nor am I talking about what he will do next year. In fact, I have faith that he will find someone, Steve or a portal QB. Nor am I talking about which, if any, of our frosh will bloom and become stars in the future.

I am talking solely about THIS year.

5 QB's on scholarship and only one (apparently) is capable of being functional this year. When he gets hurt, the whole thing falls down. That is pretty much the definition of house of cards as it pertains to this year.

 

[VTAaron]

But, his run offense is absolutely pathetic. Run up the middle time after time ad nauseam. No creativity whatsoever.

I agree... So far Nixon can't adjust plays still to player strengths and continues to run the same plays with minor variations. I do have to say, there was a good change up when the freshman and he plowed through on the outside for a few. I know I was there. It was a good call, and one I wish was explored earlier. We also did have a good few up the middles, but the problem with all those plays is there is no roaving/running blocker... it is just 'surprise' I got a hole which was weird considering the GT defense.

 

[2B20Again]

That's basically what I said (and Williams is a R-Fr). We had one good QB, a lousy QB who should have been adequate if they had evaluated correctly, and 4 guys who we shouldn't have even had to think about. The latter being the frosh.

 

[VTAaron]

Disagree.

For starters, I'm not talking about what he did last year. Nor am I talking about what he will do next year. In fact, I have faith that he will find someone, Steve or a portal QB. Nor am I talking about which, if any, of our frosh will bloom and become stars in the future.

I am talking solely about THIS year.

5 QB's on scholarship and only one (apparently) is capable of being functional this year. When he gets hurt, the whole thing falls down. That is pretty much the definition of house of cards as it pertains to this year.

5 QB? Why would you ever need to go more than 3 deep on that? As we are prob going to loose the 3-5 deep already after this year.

 

[SU94]

McCord last year and Angeli this year hid some flaws in the program. The top 3 coaches never having done that job before, defensive issues that continue to this day, etc. The learning curve on the staff continues as well.

Most good OC's are able to scheme around what they have to at least some degree. Most decent OC's...even having to go with the 2nd stringer...can figure out a gameplan that does not allow the opposing DC the luxury of staying in bed all week, waking up at 9AM on Saturday, tossing together an effective defense for the week, and then heading to the stadium.

The thing that really stands out to me is what a house of cards the QB room was/is. Fran, Nixon, the GM put together a QB room...all getting NIL$ mind you, some of it substantial...that seems to have had exactly one good QB. I'm not saying that we have to have McCord/Angeli-level depth behind the starter. But we have exactly one player (Angeli) that wasn't mediocre to bad or totally too green to be allowed on the field.

But we have one R-Jr who is done for the year, one lousy R-SO, and four guys who are various flavors of freshman. THIS SHOULD BE NO REFLECTION ON THE FROSH. In no perfect world should we even have to think about them this year.

This is, very simply, a poorly constructed QB room, end of story.

The scary thing is when you think about what we would have done without Steve coming along. Had we failed to land him, was Fran willing to roll with Rickie from Day 1?

Don't get me wrong, Fran's job is in no way threatened by any of this. We won 10 last year and he lost his starting QB this year. Those are major Get Out of Jail Free cards, as they should be. Rather, some things are apparent and, while they are likely not going to be fixed this year, they very much need to be scrutinized before 2026.

Well, let’s look at it objectively: Rarely (and there are a few high-priced exceptions) are portal adds starting QBs. So it is a crap shoot to some reasonable extent.

Angeli had 70 pass attempts at ND. Rickie had five at LSU. I just have a hard time condemning Fran for batting only .500 in the portal this past offseason. I also think we would’ve had Angeli for Spring Ball is ND did not advance to the NC Game.

In sum, since his arrival, Fran has added three portal QBs (McCord, Angeli, Rickie). And two of them have been top 10 QBs in college football.

What are we quibbling about? Let’s just ride it out.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

You are really, really hung up on the QB rankings thing.

How often does someone not rated decently turn out to be good?

I rather get a Top 50 every year than get barely Top 100 kids. You are more likely to hit on the former.

 

[CbusCuse]

5 QB? Why would you ever need to go more than 3 deep on that? As we are prob going to loose the 3-5 deep already after this year.

No we’re not.