It was not an exhaustive review. I can mine 36 instances over the past four years for other examples if you're interested including record-setting performances. Maybe having a skilled QB who knows the offense thoroughly is important. Or a WR with great hands and a knack for finding gaps in the defense helps. Or a record-setting RB who can consistently make something out of nothing. Jimmy's and Joe's...
I think people tend to forget just how bad Thorson was in his first year in the system. He threw for 177 yards against Nebraska, but otherwise didn’t top 150 in conference and threw for less than 100 in three of the final four games of the season. Overall 51.6% completion rate with 7 TDs and 7 INTs.
Obviously he had talent. Yes he was raw as a QB but that’s what the redshirt was for.
Why is it acceptable for NU to run an offense that seems to require years and years and years of studying in order to master, while other teams are capable of running successful offenses with true freshmen QBs?
I agree with you that you need to have the players to win... but there are surely things that can be done from the coaches to make things easier, rather than throw your hands up and say “this QB room didn’t prepare enough in the off-season, we’re screwed!”