Joe Fagnano appreciation thread

[gsmooth]

So, Evers has no capability to be coached up in pocket presence, footwork, reading defenses and even getting over injuries? He has peaked at age 20? That is what you are saying here.

You didn't comprehend my post. Building for the future does not mean UConn needs to sacrifice better results (wins) for this season. Developing Evers would be sacrificing the present, or at least up to this point it looks like it would do that because he is still deficient in those skills. He is holding the offense back.

Let me reverse the question(s) to you. For those attributes you listed, has Nick shown he can do any of those things at an average FBS QB level? That is a resounding, "no". Forget doing them above average, that is a bar too high. I am sure he has improved and got better at those attributes and he is better now than before he set foot at UConn, to answer your question, but how long will it take to develop those skills in Evers to get to an average FBS QB level and at what cost? Cost isn't just limited to NIL money, but also means sacrificing team play, not maximizing the other offensive skill players, and possibly wins.

UConn Football does not have the luxury of being patient through Evers' learning curve. They got good RBs, WRs, and offensive line players, those other players on offense need to be optimized, not held back. Keep Evers on the team for next year if that is what is best for the team, but with $1.5M more of NIL money coming into UConn Football let's get a QB(s) that has advanced much further with those skills you listed such as pocket presence, footwork, reading defenses, and getting over injuries.

Another thing to note: Evers has had 2 concussions, if he gets another one he will miss several games and would have to consider his football future and quality of life after football.

 

[gsmooth]

Exactly this.

I don't even want to enter this debate again, but like you mentioned, I'm rooting for both young men to succeed. However, some on this board like to pretend that they were always "Team Joe", and yet I've seen the receipts. Not only from posts during last year and some of this year, but also from the Game Chat threads from this year...

We all should be rooting for both young men to succeed for sure. Joe Fagnano and Nick Evers should not be our version of Coke vs Pepsi. Rooting for UConn Football to be successful is top priority.

 

[JohnFSilver]

You clearly didn't see the Wake or Duke games if you think that.

You think Fagnano would have made the difference? he nearly cost UConn the temple game if we are going to critique everything bad from Evers.

If you want to think Mora doesn’t know what he is doing, and has political pressure, and they would be 9-1 if they started Fagnano then, OK, say it.

And, I changed my tune. Start Fagnano and see if he can be accurate the entire game.

 

[UCan3]

We all should be rooting for both young men to succeed for sure. Joe Fagnano and Nick Evers should not be our version of Coke vs Pepsi. Rooting for UConn Football to be successful is top priority.

I will support the team, regardless of the QB. I do not share your trust in Mora to make the right decision. He has been very stubborn in his refusal to make a change. If he starts NE over JF for the rotten fruit, he loses some credibility with me. The choice is obvious.

I am not rooting for either QB. I only want the best QB on the field and set NIL aside and the QB has earned the position in Joe.

If Joe doesn’t come in against UAB, that would have been a loss.

I don’t want to anoint Joe the starter no matter what - but only to see him start v Syracuse.

His stats and clutch play make him to clear choice in a couple of weeks. If he stinks it up bring in Evers.

 

[Hamms30]

Issue right now with NE is that his threat of running is what gives him an advantage as a dual threat presence. Since the second concussion, he hasn't really be a threat of running like what he was doing earlier in the year like in the Duke game. He's diving at the first threat of contact now, which is great if he needs to protect himself.. but it doesn't really make him a dual threat anymore. And now, not knowing the knee situation.. it's another disadvantage to the idea of a dual threat quarterback if his knee isn't in shape to go. So if you don't have a dual threat quarterback predicated on running.. why would you not start the quarterback that has a better passing game?

 

[JohnFSilver]

I just want to win the game. I don’t care if players go to nfl, don’t care about awards, NIL, or what other people think of the program.

Win games. Maybe when there is something more to play for like a G6 CFP bid, a superior bowl game bid and what not, then I might worry. But, there is exactly zero reason to worry about style points.

Most effective players play.

 

[JohnFSilver]

You didn't comprehend my post. Building for the future does not mean UConn needs to sacrifice better results (wins) for this season. Developing Evers would be sacrificing the present, or at least up to this point it looks like it would do that because he is still deficient in those skills. He is holding the offense back.

Let me reverse the question(s) to you. For those attributes you listed, has Nick shown he can do any of those things at an average FBS QB level? That is a resounding, "no". Forget doing them above average, that is a bar too high. I am sure he has improved and got better at those attributes and he is better now than before he set foot at UConn, to answer your question, but how long will it take to develop those skills in Evers to get to an average FBS QB level and at what cost? Cost isn't just limited to NIL money, but also means sacrificing team play, not maximizing the other offensive skill players, and possibly wins.

UConn Football does not have the luxury of being patient through Evers' learning curve. They got good RBs, WRs, and offensive line players, those other players on offense need to be optimized, not held back. Keep Evers on the team for next year if that is what is best for the team, but with $1.5M more of NIL money coming into UConn Football let's get a QB(s) that has advanced much further with those skills you listed such as pocket presence, footwork, reading defenses, and getting over injuries.

Another thing to note: Evers has had 2 concussions, if he gets another one he will miss several games and would have to consider his football future and quality of life after football.

I don’t get this post.

Don’t have luxury? What are you talking about? How much better than 7-3 should they be? They got lucky against temple. They had Fagnano steal the game from uab. They lost frustrating games against wake and Duke.

Those are the 4 toss up games this year and they are 2-2. They could easily have been 0-4 in this games and maybe with a little luck, could have been 4-0.

As I said, their record feels about right. And, I am for the qb chance against Syracuse.

We sitting here 5-5, then I am grumpy , but 7-3? Nah.

 

[Jetskies]

if we suck at running the ball vs Syracuse and JF is forced to throw us to a victory, do not crap on him if/when he gets 2 picks by the half. It will have been a function of the pressure he's facing due to lack of a run game.

All that being said, QB doesn't matter if we can't make gains on the run.

 

[UConnDan97]

if we suck at running the ball vs Syracuse and JF is forced to throw us to a victory, do not crap on him if/when he gets 2 picks by the half. It will have been a function of the pressure he's facing due to lack of a run game.

All that being said, QB doesn't matter if we can't make gains on the run.

"...do not crap on him..."

Fixed it for you

 

[Waquoit]

You clearly didn't see the Wake or Duke games if you think that.

Yeah, that Wake game reminded me of Zion against Marshall.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Issue right now with NE is that his threat of running is what gives him an advantage as a dual threat presence. Since the second concussion, he hasn't really be a threat of running like what he was doing earlier in the year like in the Duke game. He's diving at the first threat of contact now, which is great if he needs to protect himself.. but it doesn't really make him a dual threat anymore. And now, not knowing the knee situation.. it's another disadvantage to the idea of a dual threat quarterback if his knee isn't in shape to go. So if you don't have a dual threat quarterback predicated on running.. why would you not start the quarterback that has a better passing game?

Correct. With most dual threat QB's you sacrifice pure passing due to the QB's ability to extend passing plays with their mobility and make plays with their legs. Evers has below average acceleration and isn't very good at making the first defender miss. Without those qualities, he's just a below average QB.

 

[gsmooth]

I am not rooting for either QB. I only want the best QB on the field and set NIL aside and the QB has earned the position in Joe.

If Joe doesn’t come in against UAB, that would have been a loss.

I don’t want to anoint Joe the starter no matter what - but only to see him start v Syracuse.

His stats and clutch play make him to clear choice in a couple of weeks. If he stinks it up bring in Evers.

I agree 100% with what you are saying. If you look at my recent posts, even before the UAB game and especially after the UAB game, I want Fagnano to start as well. I don't think they beat UAB with Evers.

I was just responding to UConnDan97's comment about how he was stating people in the BoneYard are going into their Team Joe and Team Nick's sides, and going over the top and having more venom (my word not his) when being critical of the QB they don't prefer. I was stating what's best of UConn is what we all should be pulling for. Me personally, I think Fagnano is clearly the better QB for this team.

Later Edit: I agree no one should be anointed the starter unconditionally.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I just want to win the game. I don’t care if players go to nfl, don’t care about awards, NIL, or what other people think of the program.

Win games. Maybe when there is something more to play for like a G6 CFP bid, a superior bowl game bid and what not, then I might worry. But, there is exactly zero reason to worry about style points.

Most effective players play.

Maybe if I was stroking the NIL checks I'd feel differently but, seems to me if I helped fund an NIL pool of money with an expectation much of it goes to a player who is supposed to help the team, my money is already spent.

I guess I'd rather see my NIL money player on the bench and the team winning than see my NIL money on the field and the team losing.

There is no additional cost to me other than being pissed at the coaches who thought the player I funded was better than he was.

 

[Chin Diesel]

if we suck at running the ball vs Syracuse and JF is forced to throw us to a victory, do not crap on him if/when he gets 2 picks by the half. It will have been a function of the pressure he's facing due to lack of a run game.

All that being said, QB doesn't matter if we can't make gains on the run.

Conversely, if Nick Evers is in there AND Syracuse stuffs the run AND Nick is forced to throw us to a victory, he would also throw at least two picks.

 

[JohnFSilver]

Conversely, if Nick Evers is in there AND Syracuse stuffs the run AND Nick is forced to throw us to a victory, he would also throw at least two picks.

These are the decisions of the coaches. If nick is effective, plays, if he isn’t, Fagnano plays. I would start Fagano, I think the vertical threat helps running game.

I don’t expect Evers to throw it like Fagnano, but what can’t happen against cuse is him spraying the ball all over the field. He has to be an efficient passer as well.

But I have come around to loving the arm.

Also, watch fagnano get on a praxtice squad next year and annoy everyone. lol

 

[gsmooth]

I don’t get this post.

Don’t have luxury? What are you talking about? How much better than 7-3 should they be? They got lucky against temple. They had Fagnano steal the game from uab. They lost frustrating games against wake and Duke.

Those are the 4 toss up games this year and they are 2-2. They could easily have been 0-4 in this games and maybe with a little luck, could have been 4-0.

As I said, their record feels about right. And, I am for the qb chance against Syracuse.

We sitting here 5-5, then I am grumpy , but 7-3? Nah.

How much better than 7-3 should they be?
I don't know the answer to that. But what I can tell you is that they would be 6-4 after the UAB game if Fagnano doesn't enter the game-the offense was stuck in mud in that UAB game. UConn needs the running game to be effective to be successful no matter who the QB is. The less effective the running game is the greater the chance for UConn to lose, it's that simple. Fagnano's passing ability will do more (than Evers) to keep the opposing defenses honest and make them more hesitant of selling out or loading the box to stop the run. With Evers, the defense really doesn't have to worry about the downfield passing. And Evers with his recent injuries is not a running threat at all now.

Don’t have luxury? What are you talking about?
I was responding to a post asking if I believed Nick Evers could be taught various QB skills. I said I am sure he has made some progress since he started, but not a lot, and that there is a huge urgency to get wins right now and for the next season with the importance and goal of getting a P4 invite. The offense is not being maximized with Evers, how long do you stick with him in hopes of training him as the starter in these skills while the offense isn't reaching it's true potential? UConn is winning in spite of Evers, not because of him.

According to Mora, there is $1.5M more coming in for NIL for UConn Football, that should be used to find the best possible QBs for next year for a QB competition with Welliver. And no, I don't think Tucker McDonald is the guy for next year.

I don’t get this post.
I hope you get it now.

 

[UCan3]

Conversely, if Nick Evers is in there AND Syracuse stuffs the run AND Nick is forced to throw us to a victory, he would also throw at least two picks.

Our receivers don’t always help Evers. Many slightly imperfect passes but catchable that get dropped.

But with Joe F he puts it where they can catch it - like right there. The TD he threw on 4th and 1 a grest example. He looked through his options and delivered it with precision.

I think Evers can get there but it’s not happening soon enough for us to meet our full potential as a team In 2024.

 

[hardcorehusky]

You clearly didn't see the Wake or Duke games if you think that.

From a gameplan standpoint, at least with Duke, qb runs were part of the RPO in order to loosen up the D front. Fagnano would not have given us that and our OLine would have been overpowered.

Not saying Fagnano would not have won that game as Evers was bad for 3 qtrs, but what Evers brought to the table on paper made sense.

 

[ZooCougar]

From a gameplan standpoint, at least with Duke, qb runs were part of the RPO in order to loosen up the D front. Fagnano would not have given us that and our OLine would have been overpowered.

Not saying Fagnano would not have won that game as Evers was bad for 3 qtrs, but what Evers brought to the table on paper made sense.

Why do we need a running QB when we have these running backs?

We needed to be able TO PASS THE BALL.

 

[gopher2]

With our Oline injuries we are going to find ourselves in passing situations all day so I think JF should start and throw quickly and often. Try to wear down the fruit rush. Maybe we can use the pass to set up the run as the game goes on.

 

[Huskygrad88]

I can’t misrepresent what his actual words were. I think you are just reinterpreting it creatively.

I read them and listened.

He twisted himself into a pretzel explaining how he deserved it. Couldn’t really be specific as to how he was better than the others. “The reality is that when you go into the portal and pay a guy that you start him”.

Other things of note.

He was only a 4 Star after committing to Oklahoma. He got the old upgrade when the Oklahoma offer came in.

The guy literally has the same upside that Roberson had. Maybe less. We just happen to be paying him.

Did you actually write that “ I can’t misrepresent what his actual words were.” and then misquote him?

“Nick is our starter and we're going to throw all our support behind and put him into position to win,” Mora said. “In this day and age, you don’t bring a guy in and help him get NIL opportunities unless you are pretty convinced that he’s going to be the guy. That’s the way this thing works nowadays.” That’s the actual quote.

 

[UConnDan97]

Did you actually write that “ I can’t misrepresent what his actual words were.” and then misquote him?

“Nick is our starter and we're going to throw all our support behind and put him into position to win,” Mora said. “In this day and age, you don’t bring a guy in and help him get NIL opportunities unless you are pretty convinced that he’s going to be the guy. That’s the way this thing works nowadays.” That’s the actual quote.

Don't let facts get in the way of a good Zoo story...

 

[giddyup]

So, Evers has no capability to be coached up in pocket presence, footwork, reading defenses and even getting over injuries? He has peaked at age 20? That is what you are saying here.

Sometimes the reason your 4* portal QB isn’t cutting it is the same reason your 4* QB ended up in the portal…just sayin

 

[ZooCougar]

Did you actually write that “ I can’t misrepresent what his actual words were.” and then misquote him?

“Nick is our starter and we're going to throw all our support behind and put him into position to win,” Mora said. “In this day and age, you don’t bring a guy in and help him get NIL opportunities unless you are pretty convinced that he’s going to be the guy. That’s the way this thing works nowadays.” That’s the actual quote.

Which is pretty much what I said in paraphrasing.

It's not a ringing endorsement. "We paid him so we are playing him". Imagine if that was your kid that he said that about. You'd probably be a little concerned right?

 

[hardcorehusky]

Why do we need a running QB when we have these running backs?

We needed to be able TO PASS THE BALL.

Offensive design. We are an rpo zone stretch offense, not old school Power I. The ability of the qb to run keeps the defensive ends home and keeps at least one less defender out of the box.
When we played Temple, they didn't respect Fagnano's running ability, shut down the run and forced him into passing situations. He was off that day and it wound up being a slog offensively.

Remember, our OLine coach is our offensive coordinator. The run has been successful since he has been here. We have to pass the ballnto keep some defenses honest but also fornbig plays. We have a pattern of running the ball well in the late 3rd and 4th qtrs. Whatever Sammis et al are doing is working. I think next year, the offensive could be tweaked toward opening up the passing game.

 

[king conn]

I don't think opposing defenses are all that bothered by Evers 3 yard and cloud of dust keepers

His running ability is way overblown here

 

[JohnFSilver]

Sometimes the reason your 4* portal QB isn’t cutting it is the same reason your 4* QB ended up in the portal…just sayin

I think Evers is fine. Fagnano a better passer, more experienced, and a better arm. He is also erratic, but if he is accurate, a darn good thrower of the football.

Evers can get better, as we saw from other QBs. Right now, Fagnano

 

[Bubba1957]

How many long runs has Nick had? Not many. I don’t recall seeing him get outside, juke someone out and get downfield. So, I don’t see much difference in their ability to run. Joe can still run the RPO, and if it’s there, take the 4 to 8 that are available. Still a good play, still forces the opposition to defend. Not looking to take it to the house, but neither was Nick.

 

[hardcorehusky]

How many long runs has Nick had? Not many. I don’t recall seeing him get outside, juke someone out and get downfield. So, I don’t see much difference in their ability to run. Joe can still run the RPO, and if it’s there, take the 4 to 8 that are available. Still a good play, still forces the opposition to defend. Not looking to take it to the house, but neither was Nick.

Evers at Duke started with a 20+ yard run and in the early 4th quarter almost took one to the house but stepped on the sideline. After Buffalo, he got hurt and has never been the same.

 

[AllHusky]

Evers at Duke started with a 20+ yard run and in the early 4th quarter almost took one to the house but stepped on the sideline. After Buffalo, he got hurt and has never been the same.

Hope he feels better for Spring Practice