The QB Issue

[noeynox]

Its not the school's NIL to cut, its the donors NIL to cut.

Whoever is looking making the evaluation to pay NIL money to a kid with no college game tape to go off, needs their head examined. Bill Parcells used to say potential is another word that says you haven't proven anything.

I hope Evers really takes off soon, but throwing it in the dirt to a wide open TE is not encouraging and not development needed, that you expect to see happen in games.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Whoever is looking making the evaluation to pay NIL money to a kid with no college game tape to go off, needs their head examined. Bill Parcells used to say potential is another word that says you haven't proven anything.

I hope Evers really takes off soon, but throwing it in the dirt to a wide open TE is not encouraging and not development needed, that you expect to see happen in games.

The liaison between the football staff and donors who makes these decisions is quickly become one of the most valuable staff members on a football program and an athletic department. This is especially true for schools like UConn that don't have massive donor resources at their disposal.
There's a lot of risk/reward and risk management to effectively allocating those donor bucks.

 

[uconnfan68]

The liaison between the football staff and donors who makes these decisions is quickly become one of the most valuable staff members on a football program and an athletic department. This is especially true for schools like UConn that don't have massive donor resources at their disposal.
There's a lot of risk/reward and risk management to effectively allocating those donor bucks.

You'd think someone willing to give that kind of money would rather win games than be selfish.

 

[Omahabound]

You'd think someone willing to give that kind of money would rather win games than be selfish.

The donations allow for seating preferences, food, parking, signage, VIP Access on steroids…however, it shouldn’t come with direct say over “on the field” outcomes. Certainly, the money should afford direct access with coaches and elevated opinion but I believe that’s where it should end.

This goes to the point I made earlier, the decision to play Evers is NOT completely athletic based.

My respect is increasing daily for the Sabans’ retiring, Kirk Ferentz holding on with his style, etc. they see the game is bleeped and I believe they realize coaches are becoming merely puppets.

 

[Chin Diesel]

You'd think someone willing to give that kind of money would rather win games than be selfish.

It's possible to want to win games and spend your money wisely. Overpaying for someone who can't contribute is a waste of resources. Used to be it was just a wasted scholarship. Now, it's also someone else's money. Scholarships are perpetual and reset every year; donors' dollars don't necessarily do that.

 

[Omahabound]

It’s like Pete Carroll choosing to start Russell Wilson in week 1 after signing Matt Flynn to a big contract in the offseason. The same should apply with NIL and college coaches. You play the guys that can help you win.

 

[ScottVib]

Why are we accepting as fact that Evers is only starting due to NIL? Four weeks ago no one wanted to see Fagnano take another meaningful snap at UConn.

Evers won the job and at the open practice at least looked better than Fagnano. Heck after that practice many were clamoring for Welliver to be the starter because of how well he did against the second defense. Fagnano played very well against an overmatched FCS team. He was ok against the Maryland backups.

Evers had a tough time on the road with the Maryland starters. He looked improved on the road against Duke generating enough offense to give the team a chance (and I don’t think people are giving enough credit for his threat as a runner helping to open up lanes for Edwards as you couldn’t sell out that he wouldn’t pull it).

I believe the coaching staff, whose compensation and retention is based on success on the field, is selecting the players they feel give the team the best chance to win. No surer way to lose the locker room (and the season) then to intentionally start a player the team thinks is inferior (or lacks confidence in) for any reason (money or otherwise).

History is littered with backups having a good performance, particularly against lessor competition. Fagnano was great against Merrimack and his performance, in that game, was the best in game performance of our QBs this year. That does not necessarily mean that he gives the team the best chance of victory against FAU (or against Duke).

I believe the coaches are picking the player they feel gives the team the best chance to win… not in some fan generated conspiracy that the starter is only the starter due to NIL dollars.

 

[Omahabound]

A lot of what you write I agree with, like the coaching staff choosing the players they feel can best help them win. Also your point regarding losing the locker room and the history of backup QB’s. I think that’s accurate.

I’ve never put a lot into the Evers Fagnano argument on who should start. I personally don’t believe either are the long term answers.

Where I vastly disagree is the notion it’s a conspiracy when it comes to NIL having a direct impact on coaching decisions in any regard. If the bag is being spent on any specific number of guys, there’s going to be a different set of rules. It may not be the end-all but I’m sure it carries a significant amount of weight.

 

[uconnfan68]

"I believe the coaches are picking the player they feel gives the team the best chance to win… not in some fan generated conspiracy that the starter is only the starter due to NIL dollars."

^^^ this

 

[LIUCHusky]

Why are we accepting as fact that Evers is only starting due to NIL? Four weeks ago no one wanted to see Fagnano take another meaningful snap at UConn.

Evers won the job and at the open practice at least looked better than Fagnano. Heck after that practice many were clamoring for Welliver to be the starter because of how well he did against the second defense. Fagnano played very well against an overmatched FCS team. He was ok against the Maryland backups.

Evers had a tough time on the road with the Maryland starters. He looked improved on the road against Duke generating enough offense to give the team a chance (and I don’t think people are giving enough credit for his threat as a runner helping to open up lanes for Edwards as you couldn’t sell out that he wouldn’t pull it).

I believe the coaching staff, whose compensation and retention is based on success on the field, is selecting the players they feel give the team the best chance to win. No surer way to lose the locker room (and the season) then to intentionally start a player the team thinks is inferior (or lacks confidence in) for any reason (money or otherwise).

History is littered with backups having a good performance, particularly against lessor competition. Fagnano was great against Merrimack and his performance, in that game, was the best in game performance of our QBs this year. That does not necessarily mean that he gives the team the best chance of victory against FAU (or against Duke).

I believe the coaches are picking the player they feel gives the team the best chance to win… not in some fan generated conspiracy that the starter is only the starter due to NIL dollars.

Wow, finally a post that make sense. Thank you.

 

[Dizzy21]

Why are we accepting as fact that Evers is only starting due to NIL? Four weeks ago no one wanted to see Fagnano take another meaningful snap at UConn.

Evers won the job and at the open practice at least looked better than Fagnano. Heck after that practice many were clamoring for Welliver to be the starter because of how well he did against the second defense. Fagnano played very well against an overmatched FCS team. He was ok against the Maryland backups.

Evers had a tough time on the road with the Maryland starters. He looked improved on the road against Duke generating enough offense to give the team a chance (and I don’t think people are giving enough credit for his threat as a runner helping to open up lanes for Edwards as you couldn’t sell out that he wouldn’t pull it).

I believe the coaching staff, whose compensation and retention is based on success on the field, is selecting the players they feel give the team the best chance to win. No surer way to lose the locker room (and the season) then to intentionally start a player the team thinks is inferior (or lacks confidence in) for any reason (money or otherwise).

History is littered with backups having a good performance, particularly against lessor competition. Fagnano was great against Merrimack and his performance, in that game, was the best in game performance of our QBs this year. That does not necessarily mean that he gives the team the best chance of victory against FAU (or against Duke).

I believe the coaches are picking the player they feel gives the team the best chance to win… not in some fan generated conspiracy that the starter is only the starter due to NIL dollars.

It's not like the people who make the donations are getting some major marketing from these guys. Winning is the point and winning is what gets more money. I would imagine if the incentive is to keep getting money for players in the future that the coach's incentive is not to play a particular person, but rather win. Granted I didn't give some large some of money, but I gave and I could care less who plays. I will continue to if the results on the field improve.

 

[Patman]

For the r5ecord I do not think that Evers is starting because of NIL. I am arguing against people who think things are just as easy as "do".

 

[CJasmer]

In the future take QBs in the portal with actual starts in FBS/FCS. Lot easier to evaluate.

 

[ZooCougar]

Why are we accepting as fact that Evers is only starting due to NIL? Four weeks ago no one wanted to see Fagnano take another meaningful snap at UConn.

Evers won the job and at the open practice at least looked better than Fagnano. Heck after that practice many were clamoring for Welliver to be the starter because of how well he did against the second defense. Fagnano played very well against an overmatched FCS team. He was ok against the Maryland backups.

Evers had a tough time on the road with the Maryland starters. He looked improved on the road against Duke generating enough offense to give the team a chance (and I don’t think people are giving enough credit for his threat as a runner helping to open up lanes for Edwards as you couldn’t sell out that he wouldn’t pull it).

I believe the coaching staff, whose compensation and retention is based on success on the field, is selecting the players they feel give the team the best chance to win. No surer way to lose the locker room (and the season) then to intentionally start a player the team thinks is inferior (or lacks confidence in) for any reason (money or otherwise).

History is littered with backups having a good performance, particularly against lessor competition. Fagnano was great against Merrimack and his performance, in that game, was the best in game performance of our QBs this year. That does not necessarily mean that he gives the team the best chance of victory against FAU (or against Duke).

I believe the coaches are picking the player they feel gives the team the best chance to win… not in some fan generated conspiracy that the starter is only the starter due to NIL dollars.

There wasn’t any difference between Fagnano and Evers that day.

Practice is Practice. Games are Games.

Our wins will come down to fine margins and making few mistakes.

Fagnano finds receivers better and isn’t sloppy with the football. And actually has some good games against FBS opponents under his belt while at Maine.

It’s a no brainer. Continuing to force Evers is just square peg round hole at this point. He kind of reminds me of DJ Hernandez. He’s good for a blazing run here and there but not much else.

 

[Jimdish255]

Seeing the field, making good decisions, and accuracy are three hugely important skills Evers needs to improve on. Hopefully the game slows down for him and decision making improves. That could also be part of the accuracy issue. Seeing the field may also be related. But just because he improves in one facet doesn't automatically mean the others are solved.

We need to see gradual improvement every week. If not it raises serious questions about his future. He's inexperienced but he's not a kid and his athletic ability means he should be able to adapt to this level of football. Tomorrow is a big game for him. And every game is a big game for this team.

 

[Jimdish255]

Why are we accepting as fact that Evers is only starting due to NIL? Four weeks ago no one wanted to see Fagnano take another meaningful snap at UConn.

Evers won the job and at the open practice at least looked better than Fagnano. Heck after that practice many were clamoring for Welliver to be the starter because of how well he did against the second defense. Fagnano played very well against an overmatched FCS team. He was ok against the Maryland backups.

Evers had a tough time on the road with the Maryland starters. He looked improved on the road against Duke generating enough offense to give the team a chance (and I don’t think people are giving enough credit for his threat as a runner helping to open up lanes for Edwards as you couldn’t sell out that he wouldn’t pull it).

I believe the coaching staff, whose compensation and retention is based on success on the field, is selecting the players they feel give the team the best chance to win. No surer way to lose the locker room (and the season) then to intentionally start a player the team thinks is inferior (or lacks confidence in) for any reason (money or otherwise).

History is littered with backups having a good performance, particularly against lessor competition. Fagnano was great against Merrimack and his performance, in that game, was the best in game performance of our QBs this year. That does not necessarily mean that he gives the team the best chance of victory against FAU (or against Duke).

I believe the coaches are picking the player they feel gives the team the best chance to win… not in some fan generated conspiracy that the starter is only the starter due to NIL dollars.

The open practice is not that meaninful. We're 3 games in now.
The win against Merrimack wasn't just an asterisk. In recent history it was monumental.
You lose the locker room by playing a guy who keeps losing and does not make significant gains that show a probability of winning.
Yes the Coaches want to win and you want to accept their best judgement. But they are not infallible.

I hope Evers can make the improvements necessary, and you can see the athletic ability is there. Now he needs to settle in as a game manager and decision maker. And the accuracy needs to be there. We need to see progress from him every week. More importantly we need to get some wins. He doesn't have to be superman. Use the tools you have and hopefully get good direction from your OC. But it's like they both have training wheels on now. Time to step up.

 

[gopher2]

If NE's decision making is not great and he lacks accuracy, that will result in INTs which may force the coaches to bench him in favor of other options during this long home stretch. We have to win at least 4 of the next 6 and we can do it if we play well on D and avoid turnovers. I don't think the coaces will stick with a QB who throws INTs against beatable opponents, regardless of his upside. We desperately need to get to 6 this year any way we can. That has to be the priority this year, not the development of NE.

 

[ZooCougar]

Seeing the field, making good decisions, and accuracy are three hugely important skills Evers needs to improve on. Hopefully the game slows down for him and decision making improves. That could also be part of the accuracy issue. Seeing the field may also be related. But just because he improves in one facet doesn't automatically mean the others are solved.

We need to see gradual improvement every week. If not it raises serious questions about his future. He's inexperienced but he's not a kid and his athletic ability means he should be able to adapt to this level of football. Tomorrow is a big game for him. And every game is a big game for this team.

Everyone talks about Nick’s physical tools but he doesn’t appear to have the football IQ and awareness to take full advantage of them yet.

 

[Slick]

Zoo he hadn’t played in a full football game in THREE YEARS! Give him a chance and let’s see if he can improve before you throw him under the bus!

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

Everyone talks about Nick’s physical tools but he doesn’t appear to have the football IQ and awareness to take full advantage of them yet.

Thats why everyone says he needs reps.

 

[ZooCougar]

Thats why everyone says he needs reps.

I’d rather win games.

 

[Bubba1957]

Bottom line, I trust Mora.

I don’t get how some of you have concluded that JF is definitely the answer. This is coming from someone who sat in the stands and was wowed by his first drive against NCS. I was more impressed with that than the Merrimack game where most of the yards were YAC.
If Evers doesn't move them team, I think they’ll start rotating JF into the game.

 

[CL82]

Seeing the field, making good decisions, and accuracy are three hugely important skills Evers needs to improve on. Hopefully the game slows down for him and decision making improves. That could also be part of the accuracy issue. Seeing the field may also be related. But just because he improves in one facet doesn't automatically mean the others are solved.

We need to see gradual improvement every week. If not it raises serious questions about his future. He's inexperienced but he's not a kid and his athletic ability means he should be able to adapt to this level of football. Tomorrow is a big game for him. And every game is a big game for this team.

I feel as if we are going have a much better sense of what the coaching staff believes, he brings to the table after this game.

On the other hand, if he sputters, it will add more steam to the people who are critical of him.

 

[CL82]

y it was monumental.
You lose the locker room by playing a guy who keeps losing and does not make significant gains that show a probability of winning

On the other hand, you can also lose the locker room by benching your starting QB after he comes back from injury. Let's see what happens today.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

I’d rather win games.

I would guess the coaches would also. I would also guess they think they can win the most games this year by playing Evers. They are in a stretch now of winnable games with decent qb play . they think they will win the most games this year if they develop Evers. If he doesn’t develop…they can put in JF or someone else.

Mora has already shared what Evers can’t continue to do…I think he has a short hook. But he wants to give Evers a shot to develop.

 

[ZooCougar]

I would guess the coaches would also. I would also guess they think they can win the most games this year by playing Evers. They are in a stretch now of winnable games with decent qb play . they think they will win the most games this year if they develop Evers. If he doesn’t develop…they can put in JF or someone else.

Mora has already shared what Evers can’t continue to do…I think he has a short hook. But he wants to give Evers a shot to develop.

Never underestimate a coach's desire to not be proven wrong.

And it's not that simple...

Mora said: "When you get a QB from the portal and pay him, you start him".

 

[CL82]

I would guess the coaches would also. I would also guess they think they can win the most games this year by playing Evers. They are in a stretch now of winnable games with decent qb play . they think they will win the most games this year if they develop Evers. If he doesn’t develop…they can put in JF or someone else.

Mora has already shared what Evers can’t continue to do…I think he has a short hook. But he wants to give Evers a shot to develop.

I don't know if it's a decision to develop him, per se, more than Mora believes what he can do overshadows what he needs to work on.

 

[ZooCougar]

I don't know if it's a decision to develop him, per se, more than Mora believes what he can do overshadows what he needs to work on.

I think part of it is that he gave him his word when he was recruiting him. Which is fair but also unfortunate.

 

[Husky68]

I hear all the get more reps comments and it still doesn't ring right to me concerning accuracy. Over last 2 years he was on D1 teams where they were trying to develop him and he got plenty of practice passes in. Must have been in the thousands, then comes to UConn and works with guys for months passing to them and reading how they run routes. Come game time and he misses targets bad, not always, but enough to get the chorus to say "needs more reps".

Could it be he is just not an accurate passer? Not sure what magic will come with more reps as far as accuracy goes. Coaches must have given all the hints, mechanics corrections already so what improves? Now quite sure he can improve his field awareness and game management decisions which will improve team play and get him to more makeable downs and distances, but accuracy, don't see it.

Kept thinking Zack Frazier would get more accurate and better touch, but don't remember him getting better. Nick may be the Tim Tebow of UConn, seeing that as most likely upside.

 

[CJasmer]

I hear all the get more reps comments and it still doesn't ring right to me concerning accuracy. Over last 2 years he was on D1 teams where they were trying to develop him and he got plenty of practice passes in. Must have been in the thousands, then comes to UConn and works with guys for months passing to them and reading how they run routes. Come game time and he misses targets bad, not always, but enough to get the chorus to say "needs more reps".

Could it be he is just not an accurate passer? Not sure what magic will come with more reps as far as accuracy goes. Coaches must have given all the hints, mechanics corrections already so what improves? Now quite sure he can improve his field awareness and game management decisions which will improve team play and get him to more makeable downs and distances, but accuracy, don't see it.

Kept thinking Zack Frazier would get more accurate and better touch, but don't remember him getting better. Nick may be the Tim Tebow of UConn, seeing that as most likely upside.

Unfortunately Evers does not have the physical build of Tebow. Evers looks a gust of wind could knock him over.