Do you think the talent is really that much worse than Illinois?

[BringtheHeat43]

The Cats have some good players too. Evan Hull is every bit as good as Chase Brown and the Illini don’t have any OL as highly regarded as Peter Skoronski.

I read this board a lot and I know a lot of you guys are going to cite coaching. I actually think the biggest problem on this team is QB.

When Fitz has gotten competent QB play the team has been competitive. Lately he hasn’t and that is his fault. I am sure Hunter Johnson and Ryan Hilinski are great kids, but they are not FBS quality QBs.

BB went out and got a sure thing in Tommy Devito. Fitz rolled with Hilinski which was not a bright move. If Fitz doesn’t go out and get a sure thing on the transfer portal next year he is lost.

 

[julescat]

Fitz is lost right now. Delusional. We'll see what happens but this is crap.

 

[Rodenthater]

The Cats have some good players too. Evan Hull is every bit as good as Chase Brown and the Illini don’t have any OL as highly regarded as Peter Skoronski.

I read this board a lot and I know a lot of you guys are going to cite coaching. I actually think the biggest problem on this team is QB.

When Fitz has gotten competent QB play the team has been competitive. Lately he hasn’t and that is his fault. I am sure Hunter Johnson and Ryan Hilinski are great kids, but they are not FBS quality QBs.

BB went out and got a sure thing in Tommy Devito. Fitz rolled with Hilinski which was not a bright move. If Fitz doesn’t go out and get a sure thing on the transfer portal next year he is lost.

YES!!!

 

[phatcat]

Not having a competent QB and backup are squarely on the shoulders of the coaching.

Also Our defense has had decent games but generally sucks.

Next year looks just as bad

 

[AdamOnFirst]

No, I do not. Next question.

 

[BringtheHeat43]

Not having a competent QB and backup are squarely on the shoulders of the coaching.

Also Our defense has had decent games but generally sucks.

Next year looks just as bad

Next year actually looks much worse as Hull and Skoronski won’t be here. That’s why it’s kind of irritating that they went 1-11 with them.

 

[phatcat]

Next year actually looks much worse as Hull and Skoronski won’t be here. That’s why it’s kind of irritating that they went 1-11 with them.

Also top DB Mitchell, probably DE Adeboware, probably a WR or 2 to portal. Not clear if Sullivan will be able to play.

Yeah, when I said "as bad", it's hard to predict 0-12, but I could easily see 1-11 again, particularly if Fitz does nothing, as expected.

 

[NUCat320]

The recruiting rankings says NU has more talent. And NU once had an entire five year class go undefeated against Illinois.

But yes, Illinois, definitely has more talent.

 

[DaCat]

The recruiting rankings says NU has more talent. And NU once had an entire five year class go undefeated against Illinois.

But yes, Illinois, definitely has more talent.

Disagree about more talent. Burt just squeezes out more from his players. JON and Jake not so much. It was interesting listening to Devin Gardner today, he really pointed out a lot of deficiencies in the Jake offensive approach.

 

[BringtheHeat43]

Disagree about more talent. Burt just squeezes out more from his players. JON and Jake not so much. It was interesting listening to Devin Gardner today, he really pointed out a lot of deficiencies in the Jake offensive approach.

What do you want him to do? He doesn’t have a QB.

 

[Catslash]

yes

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Next year actually looks much worse as Hull and Skoronski won’t be here. That’s why it’s kind of irritating that they went 1-11 with them.

1) Hull has multiple years of eligibility left and I would be surprised if he left.
2) Skoronski is probably gone, but at least had previously heard whispers that he might use his eligibility regardless of draft status. A lot probably depends on whether or not he will actually have his degree at the end of this season.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

1) Hull has multiple years of eligibility left and I would be surprised if he left.
2) Skoronski is probably gone, but at least had previously heard whispers that he might use his eligibility regardless of draft status. A lot probably depends on whether or not he will actually have his degree at the end of this season.

Pete would be insane to stay…. but I’d love it if he did and Fitz should make his pitch on it. Minnesot has guys never ever ever leave why can’t we?

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Pete would be insane to stay…. but I’d love it if he did and Fitz should make his pitch on it. Minnesot has guys never ever ever leave why can’t we?

Don’t disagree at all, just relaying what I once heard (admittedly stale). If he has legitimate first round projections then he would be dumb not to go, especially if he’s already earned his NU degree.

 

[phatcat]

What do you want him to do? He doesn’t have a QB.

He did, though. Sullivan is clearly a gamer and he chose to go with "experience " for several games (one of which, we won).

Also, whose fault is it that the QBs (until yesterday) aren't any good? We had one year when Ransey fell into our lap. Otherwise, horrible QB play. Like, worse than Spencer Petras bad.

I don't know the answer, I do know that a team that had recruiting classes consistently in the top 60 shouldn't be in the bottom 5. Further, as we've all noted, our class ranks are consistently deflated because they are small (because people so t leave early).

So, top 60 talent, or better, with bottom 5 performance. No excuses. Nobody should survive the purge. It's inexcusable.

Fitz should resign in shame. He won't, but he should

 

[CatManTrue]

Don’t disagree at all, just relaying what I once heard (admittedly stale). If he has legitimate first round projections then he would be dumb not to go, especially if he’s already earned his NU degree.

If compelling changes are not made by the end of December followed by exciting new coaching hires in January, then he should absolutely go pro. It would be insane for him to risk a collegiate injury for this program right now - look at Slater who already had a season ending injury. But Slater’s now a proven NFL stud, getting paid millions to recover, and get back to his usual self.

Now there’re still things that could happen that could change the situation. But right now I would be… disappointed if he returned next year. He’s been awesome for us for three years and has given us everything we hoped for as an LT.

 

[BringtheHeat43]

Also top DB Mitchell, probably DE Adeboware, probably a WR or 2 to portal. Not clear if Sullivan will be able to play.

Yeah, when I said "as bad", it's hard to predict 0-12, but I could easily see 1-11 again, particularly if Fitz does nothing, as expected.

Yes, but my point is that if Fitz can secure a competent QB in the transfer portal it will make a big difference.

He did, though. Sullivan is clearly a gamer and he chose to go with "experience " for several games (one of which, we won).

Also, whose fault is it that the QBs (until yesterday) aren't any good? We had one year when Ransey fell into our lap. Otherwise, horrible QB play. Like, worse than Spencer Petras bad.

I don't know the answer, I do know that a team that had recruiting classes consistently in the top 60 shouldn't be in the bottom 5. Further, as we've all noted, our class ranks are consistently deflated because they are small (because people so t leave early).

So, top 60 talent, or better, with bottom 5 performance. No excuses. Nobody should survive the purge. It's inexcusable.

Fitz should resign in shame. He won't, but he should

Not all positions are created equal. If you don’t have a capable QB out there the offense cannot function.

The defense certainly has some holes and possible coaching deficiencies. On offense the talent is pretty evident. Evan Hulls presence alone should result in more points.

I blame Fitz for the QB disaster. What did Ryan Hilinski prove last year to show you he could be the teams starting QB heading into camp? A serious program does not roll out Hilinski vs a developmental RS frosh as their answer at that position. Why does Fitz also have scholarship QBs on the roster who have been here a while and can’t play? Fitz is not only overly loyal to coaches, but players as well.

As for Sullivan while he did show more than Hilinski last year it’s not enough. He’s also coming off what looks to be a serious head injury. I’d like the see Fitz go after a proven QB on the P5 level. The Cats badly need a high floor option.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

Yes, but my point is that if Fitz can secure a competent QB in the transfer portal it will make a big difference.

Not all positions are created equal. If you don’t have a capable QB out there the offense cannot function.

The defense certainly has some holes and possible coaching deficiencies. On offense the talent is pretty evident. Evan Hulls presence alone should result in more points.

I blame Fitz for the QB disaster. What did Ryan Hilinski prove last year to show you he could be the teams starting QB heading into camp? A serious program does not roll out Hilinski vs a developmental RS frosh as their answer at that position. Why does Fitz also have scholarship QBs on the roster who have been here a while and can’t play? Fitz is not only overly loyal to coaches, but players as well.

As for Sullivan while he did show more than Hilinski last year it’s not enough. He’s also coming off what looks to be a serious head injury. I’d like the see Fitz go after a proven QB on the P5 level. The Cats badly need a high floor option.

We have possible coaching deficiencies on defense? Do you think so?

 

[NUCat320]

Yes, but my point is that if Fitz can secure a competent QB in the transfer portal it will make a big difference.

Not all positions are created equal. If you don’t have a capable QB out there the offense cannot function.

As a wise man once said, “Big word ‘if’.”

While Spencer Rattler throws for five TDS and beats a top five team at South Carolina (yup), Ryan Hilinski, uhhhh, got hit a bunch and handed off a lot.

There’s a reason NU has had one year of decent QB play since Thorson departed, and that’s Fitz and his approach to offense.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

As a wise man once said, “Big word ‘if’.”

While Spencer Rattler throws for five TDS and beats a top five team at South Carolina (yup), Ryan Hilinski, uhhhh, got hit a bunch and handed off a lot.

There’s a reason NU has had one year of decent QB play since Thorson departed, and that’s Fitz and his approach to offense.

I wouldn’t even say we had a decent season, Ramsey raised us up to solidly mediocre, which was just enough.

 

[phatcat]

Yes, but my point is that if Fitz can secure a competent QB in the transfer portal it will make a big difference.

Not all positions are created equal. If you don’t have a capable QB out there the offense cannot function.

The defense certainly has some holes and possible coaching deficiencies. On offense the talent is pretty evident. Evan Hulls presence alone should result in more points.

I blame Fitz for the QB disaster. What did Ryan Hilinski prove last year to show you he could be the teams starting QB heading into camp? A serious program does not roll out Hilinski vs a developmental RS frosh as their answer at that position. Why does Fitz also have scholarship QBs on the roster who have been here a while and can’t play? Fitz is not only overly loyal to coaches, but players as well.

As for Sullivan while he did show more than Hilinski last year it’s not enough. He’s also coming off what looks to be a serious head injury. I’d like the see Fitz go after a proven QB on the P5 level. The Cats badly need a high floor option.

You can still win with a COMPETENT QB but you'd better have a defense. Fitz has neither.

We are in violent agreement

 

[Arlcatsfan]

After the first two games this year most people felt we had our QB.Then RH fell off a cliff.Sullivan got his feet wet against Wiscy and since then has been hurt more than he has been healthy.If we go into the portal and I don't see how we can't we must get a mobile QB like a Ramsey or Sullivan.This is where the multiple years of missing in QB recruiting has really hurt NU.
The other problem with the O is the fact that we play in a phone booth.10 or 15 yds from the line of scrimmage makes it very difficult to consistently move the ball.A negative play or a penalty that puts us behind the sticks kills a drive.We must get someone who is a threat to take the top off the opposing teams D.NU has been looking for that for years.Stephon Robinson came pretty close to that last year.
The D is the D.They did not play bad yesterday however they still make critical mistakes.Dont hold the edge take wrong gaps on run plays.The secondary played pretty decently especially when Mitchell was in.Saying that this unit has been very subpar for 2 years and changes must be made.
One more game left and let the fun begin.

 

[Jaguar 88]

Yes, but my point is that if Fitz can secure a competent QB in the transfer portal it will make a big difference.

Not all positions are created equal. If you don’t have a capable QB out there the offense cannot function.

The defense certainly has some holes and possible coaching deficiencies. On offense the talent is pretty evident. Evan Hulls presence alone should result in more points.

I blame Fitz for the QB disaster. What did Ryan Hilinski prove last year to show you he could be the teams starting QB heading into camp? A serious program does not roll out Hilinski vs a developmental RS frosh as their answer at that position. Why does Fitz also have scholarship QBs on the roster who have been here a while and can’t play? Fitz is not only overly loyal to coaches, but players as well.

As for Sullivan while he did show more than Hilinski last year it’s not enough. He’s also coming off what looks to be a serious head injury. I’d like the see Fitz go after a proven QB on the P5 level. The Cats badly need a high floor option.

What qb of really any value that will be a game changer would want to come to NU and play in a crappy scheme? Ramsey was more game manager than anything, nothing that great. His failure to find a NFL home was a result of this reality. I am seriously, Thorson he as been our best QB for the past 7-8 seasons, and he couldn't crack a starting lineup. Hilinski left as Beamer didn't care for him, and now they(SC) are kicking ass with Rattler. We will never get a Rattler with the crap offense we run. Why would a NFL bound qb want to voluntarily go to a school that is in the bottom of every offensive stat in the B1G? Bring in a real innovative system and they will come. Offensive minded HCs tend to be the ones who win the most. Fitz is just the opposite. He needs to change that.

 

[DaCat]

Ramsey was more game manager than anything, nothing that great. His failure to find a NFL home was a result of this reality. I am seriously, Thorson he as been our best QB for the past 7-8 seasons, and he couldn't crack a starting lineup.

Dude, success in the NFL has nothing to do with how good a QB is in college. Nothing. Ramsey was excellent in college, both at Indiana and NU. Thorson just won games, and I would take any number of our past QBs who never had NFL success, including Baz, Kafka, Bacher, Kustok, Len Williams, etc.

As for transfers, it's not rocket science, a lot of quality transfers just want a chance to start. For example, I would take Cade McNamara in a heartbeat.

 

[DaCat]

Also, the narrative that Ramsey was just a game manager with a noodle arm is just bullshit. You only have to watch him in his last game against Auburn to realize how good he was. He sealed the game with a long scrambling 30 yard run. Passing stats that game were not shabby either: 24-35, 291 yards, 3 TDs. Give me that kind of game manager any day.

 

[FanatiCat]

What qb of really any value that will be a game changer would want to come to NU and play in a crappy scheme? Ramsey was more game manager than anything, nothing that great. His failure to find a NFL home was a result of this reality. I am seriously, Thorson he as been our best QB for the past 7-8 seasons, and he couldn't crack a starting lineup. Hilinski left as Beamer didn't care for him, and now they(SC) are kicking ass with Rattler. We will never get a Rattler with the crap offense we run. Why would a NFL bound qb want to voluntarily go to a school that is in the bottom of every offensive stat in the B1G? Bring in a real innovative system and they will come. Offensive minded HCs tend to be the ones who win the most. Fitz is just the opposite. He needs to change that.

IMO we may have to get a prominent OC who will bring a transfer QB with him or attract one from elsewhere. They may have to reach for the academic exception here. This job may not be as attractive with the QB room we currently have.

 

[mountaindrew]

I wouldn’t even say we had a decent season, Ramsey raised us up to solidly mediocre, which was just enough.

I agree with that. We were lucky as hell to beat Iowa (on the road and down by 20 at halftime), and beat Nebraska and Purdue by the skin of our teeth. The record says we were 7-2, but.... we definitely looked more like a 6-6 or 7-5 team at best, IMO.

 

[mountaindrew]

There’s a reason NU has had one year of decent QB play since Thorson departed, and that’s Fitz and his approach to offense.

Yes Sir.

How in the world are we going to attract a genuinely proven stud, P5 portal QB to come to our offense and coaching staff???? Yes, we did with Hunter and Hilinski, two Top 100 super studs, but that was before it was clear what a dumpster fire our offense has become.

I have to think the biggest reason no legit transfer QB chose us THIS year was because they've been watching the "development" of Hunter and Hilinski in our current offense and coaching staff. How much less are our chances of convincing a big time QB this coming winter??

So again, just as has been stated in above posts, NU's chances for success in the near future seem to depend wholly on what decisions Fitz makes about the program and his coaching staff in this next month. No pressure, Pat.

 

[StreamCat]

What qb of really any value that will be a game changer would want to come to NU and play in a crappy scheme? Ramsey was more game manager than anything, nothing that great. His failure to find a NFL home was a result of this reality. I am seriously, Thorson he as been our best QB for the past 7-8 seasons, and he couldn't crack a starting lineup. Hilinski left as Beamer didn't care for him, and now they(SC) are kicking ass with Rattler. We will never get a Rattler with the crap offense we run. Why would a NFL bound qb want to voluntarily go to a school that is in the bottom of every offensive stat in the B1G? Bring in a real innovative system and they will come. Offensive minded HCs tend to be the ones who win the most. Fitz is just the opposite. He needs to change that.

OK. This drives me crazy. For the last time, pro and college football are not the same game. I realize it helps the program to have players with success in the NFL, but it proves to be an inadequate barometer to judge college players. The list of fantastic college players who had little or middling success in the NFL is long and impressive.

 

[phatcat]

OK. This drives me crazy. For the last time, pro and college football are not the same game. I realize it helps the program to have players with success in the NFL, but it proves to be an inadequate barometer to judge college players. The list of fantastic college players who had little or middling success in the NFL is long and impressive.

OSU has had zero pro success until Fields' modest success, and they've had a shit-ton of high performing college QBs. I think Trevor has had more success than any OSU QBs in the NFL this century.

While I want the young men to have NFL success if they want it and fir their own sake, I otherwise don't care.

 

[Jaguar 88]

Dude, success in the NFL has nothing to do with how good a QB is in college. Nothing. Ramsey was excellent in college, both at Indiana and NU. Thorson just won games, and I would take any number of our past QBs who never had NFL success, including Baz, Kafka, Bacher, Kustok, Len Williams, etc.

As for transfers, it's not rocket science, a lot of quality transfers just want a chance to start. For example, I would take Cade McNamara in a heartbeat.

If the transfers were true quality they wouldn't be transfers in most cases. With Hunter Johnson we just got screwed. And yes making the NFL is a showcase of talent level. Bottom line is no qb of worth isn't going to bother coming to NU with the garbage we run. It amazes me the number of posters in here that think this system is viable in the current era of CFB. Ball control should have been buried in the 70's along with Woody Hayes career.

 

[EvanstonCat]

The Cats have some good players too. Evan Hull is every bit as good as Chase Brown and the Illini don’t have any OL as highly regarded as Peter Skoronski.

I read this board a lot and I know a lot of you guys are going to cite coaching. I actually think the biggest problem on this team is QB.

When Fitz has gotten competent QB play the team has been competitive. Lately he hasn’t and that is his fault. I am sure Hunter Johnson and Ryan Hilinski are great kids, but they are not FBS quality QBs.

BB went out and got a sure thing in Tommy Devito. Fitz rolled with Hilinski which was not a bright move. If Fitz doesn’t go out and get a sure thing on the transfer portal next year he is lost.

We haven't lost a recruit to Illinois in almost 3 decades with the exception of Aaron Hodges, whose brother played for Illinois.

And yet, some would say that we have a talent problem.

Our talent is worse than Illinois's like it is worse than Miami OH and SIU's.

Meanwhile, Illinois goes from years of futility and suppression under the weight of dominance from Evanston to kicking our ass almost over night, simply by changing coaches and bringing someone in who knows what he is doing. It wasn't the recruiting.

 

[EvanstonCat]

The Cats have some good players too. Evan Hull is every bit as good as Chase Brown and the Illini don’t have any OL as highly regarded as Peter Skoronski.

I read this board a lot and I know a lot of you guys are going to cite coaching. I actually think the biggest problem on this team is QB.

When Fitz has gotten competent QB play the team has been competitive. Lately he hasn’t and that is his fault. I am sure Hunter Johnson and Ryan Hilinski are great kids, but they are not FBS quality QBs.

BB went out and got a sure thing in Tommy Devito. Fitz rolled with Hilinski which was not a bright move. If Fitz doesn’t go out and get a sure thing on the transfer portal next year he is lost.

The QB doesn't explain our shitshow defense.

And after years of ineptitude with multiple 4 and 5 star transfers and years of 3 star and no star recruits, with the only decent QB a 5th year senior who wanted to come to NU but wasn't offered out of HS, but was developed and coached by another staff, at some point, you have to move on from the argument that it's simply a talent problem.

 

[EvanstonCat]

If the transfers were true quality they wouldn't be transfers in most cases. With Hunter Johnson we just got screwed. And yes making the NFL is a showcase of talent level. Bottom line is no qb of worth isn't going to bother coming to NU with the garbage we run. It amazes me the number of posters in here that think this system is viable in the current era of CFB. Ball control should have been buried in the 70's along with Woody Hayes career.

And yet the facts suggest otherwise, given the many other high profile transfers who lost their jobs or were buried in the depth chart at other schools, like Spencer Rattler, Will Levis, Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, Tua's little brother, Michael Penix, Peyton Ramsey, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Hendon Hooker that flourished elsewhere. The NU transfers suck more than they showed at their previous schools, and happen to suck as bad as any of our recruited QB talent. Wonder if it's really the talent or it's something else.