CFB51 College Football Fan Community
The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: MaximumSam on May 25, 2020, 07:54:10 AM
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Going to do these piecemeal instead of all at once. Feel free to shout objections and general namecalling in my direction. Also, corrections to rosters, or guys you think will make a big impact. Going to list the top four.
14. Northwestern: Riley Lees, Ramaud Bowman, Berekely Holman, JJ Jefferson
I was all ready to throw Rutgers in this spot for obvious reasons, but I was mildly surprised to see Northwestern dead last in passing yards last season. Riley Lees was the only guy in the top 50 in receiving in the Big Ten last year, and their best receiver, Bennett Skowronek, transferred to Notre Dame. What I'm saying is they are bad. Now, Northwestern is known to figure these things out and put something on the field that isn't quite as craptacular, and with a new OC they might look better. But still, bad. (http://cfbstats.com/2019/player/509/1080249/index.html)
13. Rutgers: Bo Melton, Isaiah Washington, Paul Woods, Shameen Jones
Rutgers has been a rough place for football, ahem, receivers. Still, last year they showed a bit of progress on the receiving front, as their receivers combined for five, count 'em, five touchdowns. This was a huge leap from the two in 2017 and the one(!) in 2018. Things will be changing in Rutgers but they do have a good OC now, so they might look better, though it can take a year or two before that stuff bears fruit. One wildcard - Wisconsin transfer Aron Cruikshank is looking for a waiver so he could still be added to the mix this season.
12. Michigan State: Jalen Nailor, Jayden Reed, Tre Mosley, Julian Barnett
Sparty turns the page on their receiving corps, as Darrell Stewart and Cody White are gone and some young bloods will duke it out for playing time. With the uncertainty of MSU's new offense, and uncertainty at quarterback, predicting what this unit will look like is an adventure. There is some talent here - Nailor had injuries last year but was thought to be a possible starter. Reed is a transfer from CMU who had a rather good freshman season for them. Barnett had some plays, though he is also likely to switch to corner. They also signed four freshmen, so there's a pretty good chance we see a lot of different players catching passes.
11. Wisconsin: Danny Davis, Kendrick Pryor, AJ Abbott, Taj Mustapha
Another team turning the corner on a veteran group. Bo Cephus and AJ Taylor are gone, and Aron Cruikshank flew to Schianoland. I gave Wiscy a tick over MSU because they do have some experienced guys returning in Danny Davis and Kendrick Pryor. Davis in particular had a pretty strong 2018 season, but he didn't do much last year with Cephus returning. After those two guys it's a complete mystery - I listed Abbott and Mustapha as those seem to be the guys Wiscy fans are excited about, but neither recorded a reception last year. They also have a couple walk on types in Adam Krumholtz and Jack Dunn who will probably play an expanded role and you just know some walk on will catch like 50 passes for them this year.
10. Maryland: Dontay Demus, DJ Turner, Brian Cobbs, Rakim Jarrett
With Maryland's, let's say active, involvement in the transfer game, it can be difficult to even figure out who is on this team. While the receiver position is no different and multiple guys have left, they aren't actually guys who did much on the field, leaving receiver as one of Maryland's better position groups. Dontay Demus had a pretty good year in 2019 with 41 receptions for 625 yards. DJ Turner pulled a DUI and ended up redshirting last year, but is another experienced guy. I typically don't include much about freshmen in this space, but Rakim Jarrett was a five star recruit with NFL talent, and he will be on the field. You could make a decent case Maryland should be higher, but you have to balance that with the fact that Maryland was not productive passing the ball last year, ranking 12th in the conference.
9. Penn State: Jahan Dotson, Daniel George, Cam Sullivan-Brown, John Dunmore
As BBTS predicted, PSU checks in at #9. They are another team turning over their receiving corps, as KJ Hamler is playing for the Broncos and they didn't really throw to any other receiver besides Jahan Dotson, who was fine last year. No one else returning had more than nine receptions, so the hope for PSU fans is the array of four star type recruits will bubble to the surface, whether it be the guys mentioned above or one of their freshmen. New OC Kirk Ciarrocca has a track record of developing receivers, so they might be a more featured part of Penn State's attack this year. Which ones are actually on the field catching passes is still a developing situation.
8. Illinois: Josh Imatorbhebhe, Donny Navarro, Ricky Smalling, Casey Washington
Unlike many of the teams below them, Illinois returns everyone and should have a pretty strong group. Former USC guy Imatorbhebhe had a strong season as a deep threat last year, getting nearly 20 yards a catch and 9 touchdowns. Ricky Smalling led the group in 2018 but dropped to third last year with the addition of Donny Navarro from Valpo. I listed Washington as fourth, but Trevon Sidney, another former USC guy, could also jump up there. Overall, a talented and experienced group. The downside is last year they only hit 185 yards passing a game, which was 11th in the conference. Also, Lovie shaved his beard, so it just feels like a lost cause for Illinois.
7. Nebraska: JD Spielman, Wan'Dale Robinson, Kade Warner, TBD
Nebraska under Scott Frost has been a bit of one step forward and two back, and so it is with this group. JD Spielman is a very good receiver and was fifth in the conference in yards last year. However, he took an indefinite leave of absence in the spring and it's unclear whether he is coming back. This ranking assumes he does come back, because there ain't much behind him. Robinson is talented but struggled to stay healthy as a freshman, so they might dial back the packages using him as a running back. Warner and McQuitty combined for ten catches last year so who knows what they bring. EDIT: Informed McQuitty has McQuitted out of there, and there is no clear fourth option.
6. Iowa: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Tyrone Tracy, Brandon Smith, Nico Ragaini
Iowa is in great shape here, and like Illinois return everyone. Smith-Marsette is the headliner and made some big plays, especially in the bowl game last year. Brandon Smith was productive until he broke his ankle last year, and Tracy filled in admirably. Ragaini is the little squirty slot guy who actually led the team in targets and catches as a freshman. This group was good enough that Michigan transfer Oliver Martin barely saw the field, though that may change this year. The question mark on this group is what they look like without 10 year starter Nate Stanley throwing them passes.
5. Indiana: Whop Philyor, Ty Fryfogle, David Ellis, Miles Marshall
The Hoosiers were a prolific passing team last year, just a hair behind Purdue, and return their top two guys in Philyor and Fryfogle. Philyor in particular had a great season with over 1000 yards and was on the All Big Ten team. They do have to replace couple old dogs in Nick Westbrook and Donovan Hale, but the new guys aren't even that new - Ellis and Marshall played in all 13 games last year and each had 16 receptions. The main question marks are probably about what new OC Nick Sheridan does with them.
4. Minnesota: Rashod Bateman, Chris Autman-Bell, Demetrius Douglas, Seth Green
You could do a lot worse than returning the Big Ten Receiver of the Year Rashod Bateman. He's the leading returner in receiving yards, yards per catch, and second in touchdowns. HE's probably the first Big Ten receiver drafted next year. He's good, is what I'm saying. However, because his running mate Tyler Johnson (who led the conference in receiving) caught so many balls and now off in the NFL, what's behind him is somewhat mysterious. The bet is Autman-Bell steps in becomes Johnson Part Deux, but that's asking a lot. I had to scramble to even figure out who the fourth receiver might be. But still, chuck it to Bateman is still a pretty viable strategy.
3. Michigan: Nico Collins, Ronnie Bell, Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson
Entering 2019 Michigan would have been number one here, with the hype machine in full force. We saw how that worked out - Tarik Black was mostly a nonfactor and Donovan Peoples-Jones mostly excelled in trash talk. They are gone, but what Michigan does have is pretty strong. Nico Collins somewhat surprisingly chose to return - he's on of the better deep threats in the conference. Ronnie Bell developed into a dependable receiver - a guy who can get open all over the field. Both guys finished in the top 12 in receiving. After them they have the normal group of talented but inexperienced guys. Wolverine fans seem most excited about Giles Jackson, one of those little squirty guys who are difficult to tackle. Difficult to project Michigan's offense with their quarterback uncertainty, but it reads here that this group will be improved with a second year in Gattis' system.
2. Ohio State: Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Jaylen Harris
The Buckeyes lost a ton of experience at the receiver position with KJ Hill, Bin Victor, and Austin Mack all departing. Luckily, they return one of the conferences top receivers in Olave, as well as Wilson, who was a true freshman last year but probably the second best receiver on the team by the end of the season. Behind them, there are lots of question marks, though each question mark has an answer in a big time recruit. Jamesone Williams has been compared to Ted Ginn by OSU types. They brought in one of the best receiver classes in history, headlined by top five recruit Julian Fleming. Still, question marks are question marks, and with only one senior at the position (Jaylen Harris, who caught one pass last year), you can't rely on this group like you could have in the past couple years.
1. Purdue: Rondale Moore, David Bell, Amad Anderson, Milton Wright
Purdue, despite a revolving door at injuries seemingly everywhere, led the conference in passing last year. David Bell, as a freshman, had 86 receptions for over a thousand yards, and he's not even the best receiver on the team. That would be Rondale Moore, the freshman sensation from two years ago who had 114 receptions over 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns, but whose season was cut short by a hamstring injury last year. With Bell on the outside and Moore in the slot, the only question is who will be the other receiver whose job it is to be open and catch passes. Anderson and Wright were also freshmen last year but played substantially. The only question marks are, as always with Purdue, health, as well as what's happening at the quarterback position. If they can stay healthy and the quarterback can not fall all over himself, this group will be prolific.
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Excited to see how low UW ends up.
Also, Cruikshank, he'll be an interesting add. Him quitting was annoying.
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Excited to see how low UW ends up.
Also, Cruikshank, he'll be an interesting add. Him quitting was annoying.
Cruikshank quit, Cephus left early for the NFL, and the coach quit. In an interview, when asked about Gilmore leaving, Cephus said "I'm not surprised", but did not elaborate when pushed.
I think there was trouble in the WR room last season.
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Cephus had a good season
glad he got the opportunity
I think Cruikshank would have had a similarly good season this year if he'd have stayed
strange
beast as a return man as well
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Penn state will be bad here.... probably 9th or maybe worse. Can we switch to TE? Hah
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Cruikshank quit, Cephus left early for the NFL, and the coach quit. In an interview, when asked about Gilmore leaving, Cephus said "I'm not surprised", but did not elaborate when pushed.
I think there was trouble in the WR room last season.
I forgot they upgraded at WR coach. That’s good.
Also, I don’t think Q leaving had much to do with the mood in the room.
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Got some badgers in
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Ohio State lost a lot of production in KJ Hill, Binjimen Victor, and Austin Mack, but they are still right back up there towards the top.
They return their leading WR Chris Olave who had 49 catches for 849 yards and 12 TD's and they also return former 5 STARZ Garrett Wilson who had a really solid true frosh year with 30 catches for 432 yards and 5 TD's. Not to mention they just brought in two more 5 STARZ receivers in the 2020 class in Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Olave is already a stud. Wilson showed he's going to be a stud going forward barring injury. Julian Fleming is an animal. Initially had some questions about his speed and competition level, but he went to that Nike Opening and ripped a 4.45 in the 40 and dominated all the top HS defensive backs, and then he did it again at that Under Armour HS All-Star game. Penn State should've never let him get away. Ohio State has had excellent receivers coming out of their ass since Urban got there. They didn't need another one. James Franklin should've been sleeping at that kids high school.
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My small nit to pick
"Davis in particular had a pretty strong 2018 season, but he didn't do much last year with Cephus returning."
He really had a strong 2017 and a lot of folks had him projected for a star turn. He was often quiet when the team needed more from him in 2018 and slid back even further last year.
If he plays close to the hype he's received, UW's passing game should be fine. But that's an if I've been waiting a while for.
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My small nit to pick
"Davis in particular had a pretty strong 2018 season, but he didn't do much last year with Cephus returning."
He really had a strong 2017 and a lot of folks had him projected for a star turn. He was often quiet when the team needed more from him in 2018 and slid back even further last year.
If he plays close to the hype he's received, UW's passing game should be fine. But that's an if I've been waiting a while for.
Interesting. I saw he led the team in receptions in 2018 despite missing two games, though not for many yards. Though looking through the game log not many big games.
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Ohio State lost a lot of production in KJ Hill, Binjimen Victor, and Austin Mack, but they are still right back up there towards the top.
They return their leading WR Chris Olave who had 49 catches for 849 yards and 12 TD's and they also return former 5 STARZ Garrett Wilson who had a really solid true frosh year with 30 catches for 432 yards and 5 TD's. Not to mention they just brought in two more 5 STARZ receivers in the 2020 class in Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Olave is already a stud. Wilson showed he's going to be a stud going forward barring injury. Julian Fleming is an animal. Initially had some questions about his speed and competition level, but he went to that Nike Opening and ripped a 4.45 in the 40 and dominated all the top HS defensive backs, and then he did it again at that Under Armour HS All-Star game. Penn State should've never let him get away. Ohio State has had excellent receivers coming out of their ass since Urban got there. They didn't need another one. James Franklin should've been sleeping at that kids high school.
Olave and Wilson might be the best top two they've had in some time, but they will be playing some youngsters too.
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Updated
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More updates
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More updates
Hey, what is the story with Spielman?
Any Nebraska folks know?
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I suspect he's never coming back. That's just my guess. If there the fall season is cancelled completely, I believe the chances of him returning to Lincoln become remote at best. I'd be less optimistic... But in general, I just don't see it.
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probably true
don't know what his situation is or what he's thinking, but I'm hopeful he would return and finish his degree and career
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btw.. for UNL, McQuittty entered the transfer portal. All indications is he will not nor plans to come back to nebraska.
https://www.cornnation.com/2020/3/23/21190852/nebraska-football-jaevon-mcquitty-enters-transfer-portal-after-medically-retiring-huskers-news (https://www.cornnation.com/2020/3/23/21190852/nebraska-football-jaevon-mcquitty-enters-transfer-portal-after-medically-retiring-huskers-news)
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btw.. for UNL, McQuittty entered the transfer portal. All indications is he will not nor plans to come back to nebraska.
https://www.cornnation.com/2020/3/23/21190852/nebraska-football-jaevon-mcquitty-enters-transfer-portal-after-medically-retiring-huskers-news (https://www.cornnation.com/2020/3/23/21190852/nebraska-football-jaevon-mcquitty-enters-transfer-portal-after-medically-retiring-huskers-news)
He lived up to his name at least
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btw.. for UNL, McQuittty entered the transfer portal. All indications is he will not nor plans to come back to nebraska.
https://www.cornnation.com/2020/3/23/21190852/nebraska-football-jaevon-mcquitty-enters-transfer-portal-after-medically-retiring-huskers-news (https://www.cornnation.com/2020/3/23/21190852/nebraska-football-jaevon-mcquitty-enters-transfer-portal-after-medically-retiring-huskers-news)
So who even is their fourth receiver?
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So who even is their fourth receiver?
Might have to drop Nebraska with this news.
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So who even is their fourth receiver?
it's a really good question. I'd say the same question about #3 exists as well. UNL has only 1 scholarship WR with meaningful Div 1 experience on the team at this moment. Spielman is in Minn and Warner is right now the default #2. He's decent, but probably a better #3 or #4. So the only WR UNL really has is a hybrid WR/RB who really should be in the slot full time.
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I think MSU's WRs are faster, more athletic, than last year. I just wonder if any of them can catch the ball.
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Rest of them are in
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Jeshaun Jones had some moments before tearing his ACL before last season started.
Someone here mentioned how fun it would be guarding him for 4 more years.
Had a rushing TD, a receiving TD, and a passing TD vs Texas.
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Jeshaun Jones had some moments before tearing his ACL before last season started.
Someone here mentioned how fun it would be guarding him for 4 more years.
Had a rushing TD, a receiving TD, and a passing TD vs Texas.
Definitely forgot about him.
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Nico is borderline elite. Ronnie Bell would be at that level if he improves the hands. That’s a really solid duo to start with. Bell could become truly awesome if he improved on those hands.
Watch out for Soph. Cornelius Johnson. He’s going to get all of the Tarik/DPJ targets because he’s basically the only big body young guy left.
Sophs. Giles Jackson & Mike Sainistril and Frosh AJ Henning & Roman Wilson are smaller, really fast, really quick guys and that seems to be the type of receiver that Gattis favors more than the big body guys of the past. Gattis seems to want these 5’10-6ft types more than the big body 6’2-6’4 guys.
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I think Purdue's receivers will probably lead the conference in receiving, and I think it's the best WR corps Purdue has ever had in history...
...but I don't think it's the best in the conference. Even with a complete game-changer in Rondale Moore.
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I think Purdue's receivers will probably lead the conference in receiving, and I think it's the best WR corps Purdue has ever had in history...
...but I don't think it's the best in the conference. Even with a complete game-changer in Rondale Moore.
Well don't be shy how would you rank them?
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Well don't be shy how would you rank them?
Definitely behind Ohio State, but from there it gets tough.
Rondale Moore didn't have the STARZ that some others had, but I think he's proven that he has overplayed his ranking. David Bell is a hell of a receiver, but I think he's probably played TO his ranking. There are a couple of really good pieces around them (Milton Wright, Amad Anderson) and they have Maliq Carr coming in, who may be a day 1 contributor even with all that other talent with his size.
I don't really follow other teams as closely. I think Purdue is probably at least top 4 in the conference. Maybe if you put the whole class together they're 2nd, but I think it's hard for any team to look at OSUs WR corps and act like they're better than that crew. They return stud receivers and their incoming are world-class according to the recruiting rankings.
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I’d still put Purdue #1.
OSU is a solid #2 with a chance to leapfrog, but based purely on last year and what’s coming back, Purdue has to be #1.
Chris Olave is a bonafide stud. Garrett Wilson had a great frosh season and was a FIVE STARZ who will make a huge leap in year 2. Really for OSU it’s about the freshman coming in. They have two 5 STATZ and one of those guys is Julian Fleming- maybe the top WR prospect in several years. If Fleming lives up to that, Ohio State might pull ahead to #1. But right now, all things considered, Purdue is #1. Fleming might be a stud day one or he might bust. He’s gotta prove himself first.
Michigan is being slept on a bit. But I get it. The Passing offense/scheme sucks compared to OSU or Purdue and no one knows who will even be the QB. But M has got some good receivers now.
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You nailed Iowa's summary and ranking. I love this group but wouldn't rank them any higher, would consider them behind Nebraska if we knew more about Speilman.
The sad part? This is easily Iowa's best WR group since DJK and McNutt, and maybe the best ever under Ferentz. And they're still middle-of-the-pack in the conference. That position has been abysmal.
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Sounds like JD Spielman is hitting the transfer portal
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the least surprising news out of Lincoln this summer..
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Sounds like JD Spielman is hitting the transfer portal
Yeah that’s huge news. Big loss for NEB. He’s a damn good receiver. They lost Tyjon Lindsey last year too right?
Whats going on in Nebraska? Is Scott Frost running his best guys off ?
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If he ends up at Minnie, that's a great WR corps.
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If he ends up at Minnie, that's a great WR corps.
Yeah, they’ve gotta move up these here rankings if JD winds up there.
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Just seeing this,what the f.... - Speils is third all time in Nebraska history in receptions and receiving yards.Have to ask FF if he ever gets off the links or away from the schooners
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Just seeing this,what the f.... - Speils is third all time in Nebraska history in receptions and receiving yards.Have to ask FF if he ever gets off the links or away from the schooners
Penn State could use the guy, but it sounds like he was homesick. Minnesota bound, I would guess.
Or he waits for the draft.
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He needs 2 waivers, as he's not graduated (and already used his RS) and he dropped out of school (therefore academically ineligible). It's a tall order.
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I've heard some of the same rumors as others
JD had some issues with the previous WR coach or simply just had issues with practice
I'd guess if JD had issues with anyone on the staff or how practices were handled, Frost had an issue with JD.
Frost has a "your with us or against us" philosophy. Doesn't tolerate much.
good luck to JD, helluva talent. Hope he finds a place where he is comfortable and succeeds
just hope it's not with the Gophers
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I've heard some of the same rumors as others
JD had some issues with the previous WR coach or simply just had issues with practice
I'd guess if JD had issues with anyone on the staff or how practices were handled, Frost had an issue with JD.
Frost has a "your with us or against us" philosophy. Doesn't tolerate much.
good luck to JD, helluva talent. Hope he finds a place where he is comfortable and succeeds
just hope it's not with the Gophers
Sometimes coaching philosophies that work great at one level or one location don't work so well at others. Dan Hawkins, Steve Kragthorpe, Rich Rodriguez, and Charlie Strong come right to mind.
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Frost keeps talking about getting his type of players
players that buy in and love football
it's up to Frost to find those types and develope them
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It's pretty clear that Scott Frost wants very much to succeed at UNL.
It's pretty clear that the Nebraska fans want Scott Frost to succeed.
I strongly imagine that the Nebraska administration wants Scott Frost to succeed.
So all he's got to do is go out and succeed. Easy as pie!
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he will get a very good chance to succeed
more support and more patience than the past coaches since Osborne
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Yep. That's what I figured.
There have been some goofy hires in Lincoln since Fearless Frank was fired. The PTBs have to give this one maximum support and maximum time to see it succeed.
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Commenting on a variety of topics, Scott Frost says JD Spielman’s departure was “pretty mutual” and “best for everyone.”
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What is the minimum Frost could do and survive five years?
8-5 is sufficient, or not? Let's say 8-5, 9-4, 8-5, 10-3, 8-5 .... sufficient?
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he has a 7 year deal
as long as he's going bowling with a winning record he will last 5-7 years
9 wins is sufficient for me and might be for 10 seasons for the masses and administration
a Big Ten West title and a trip to the CCG will be required after that
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didnt they get rid of a coach that hit 9 wins several times?
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I think they may have realized their mistake
the mistake was the AD that fired a coach that was winning 9 and 10
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A post from black shoe diaries (https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2020/6/17/21294155/penn-state-footballbsd-summer-position-preview-wide-receiver)today on the PSU wide receivers.
The quick summary?
One returning player, Jahan Dotson is probably #1.
Cam Sullivan-Brown, a possession receiver that played fairly well before getting injured early in the season is probably #2.
BSD *hopes* that one of the redshirt freshman, incoming freshman can step in and play ad #3.
I believe that Daniel George will probably be the #2 or #3 receiver. He played a fair amount in the bowl game.
This team reminds me a lot of the 2004 Penn State team that only won 4 games. The lack of wide receiver talent killed them. Securing 3 phenom freshman wide receivers in 2005 propelled them to the #3 ranking at season's end.
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I think they may have realized their mistake
the mistake was the AD that fired a coach that was winning 9 and 10
The flow of that is always interesting. One coach's weakness sets the stage for the next.
Jeff Brohm's record would be a disappointment after Tiller and maybe even Hope. After Hazel, he's probably got at least two more years unless they go like 3-9 next year.
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The flow of that is always interesting. One coach's weakness sets the stage for the next.
Jeff Brohm's record would be a disappointment after Tiller and maybe even Hope. After Hazel, he's probably got at least two more years unless they go like 3-9 next year.
Yeah, and we all know that comes down to recruiting.
Hope had Tiller's recruiting legacy and even though I don't think he was a great coach, he was near .500 each year with the one bad year being 2010 when we were completely destroyed by industry and onto our 4th-string QB (later played LB) at one point. But during his tenure, recruiting started to lag.
Then Hazell came in and recruiting went completely in the tank. Bottom of the B1G every year. I used to say "MAC-level" recruiting but upon review there was only one year that a single MAC team out-recruited Purdue, which underscores the giant chasm between P5 and G5. But I mean quite literally they were consistently the bottom of the B1G.
As fans, we all know that Brohm is climbing out of a horrific hole. Most fans believe that if Brohm had Tiller's talent, he'd be putting out Tiller-level results or better.
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Yeah, and we all know that comes down to recruiting.
Hope had Tiller's recruiting legacy and even though I don't think he was a great coach, he was near .500 each year with the one bad year being 2010 when we were completely destroyed by industry and onto our 4th-string QB (later played LB) at one point. But during his tenure, recruiting started to lag.
Then Hazell came in and recruiting went completely in the tank. Bottom of the B1G every year. I used to say "MAC-level" recruiting but upon review there was only one year that a single MAC team out-recruited Purdue, which underscores the giant chasm between P5 and G5. But I mean quite literally they were consistently the bottom of the B1G.
As fans, we all know that Brohm is climbing out of a horrific hole. Most fans believe that if Brohm had Tiller's talent, he'd be putting out Tiller-level results or better.
Injuries?
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Yes, injuries. My bad.
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Yeah, and we all know that comes down to recruiting.
Hope had Tiller's recruiting legacy and even though I don't think he was a great coach, he was near .500 each year with the one bad year being 2010 when we were completely destroyed by industry and onto our 4th-string QB (later played LB) at one point. But during his tenure, recruiting started to lag.
Then Hazell came in and recruiting went completely in the tank. Bottom of the B1G every year. I used to say "MAC-level" recruiting but upon review there was only one year that a single MAC team out-recruited Purdue, which underscores the giant chasm between P5 and G5. But I mean quite literally they were consistently the bottom of the B1G.
As fans, we all know that Brohm is climbing out of a horrific hole. Most fans believe that if Brohm had Tiller's talent, he'd be putting out Tiller-level results or better.
Tiller’s recruiting legacy?
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Tiller’s recruiting legacy?
Meaning he had Tiller's players for almost his entire tenure. He only had 4 years, although you can claim he might have affected recruiting more than most because he came in as head-coach-in-waiting for a year before he took over.
I wasn't saying Tiller was a great recruiter, mind you. Especially in his later years. But during Tiller's tenure, Purdue was a mid-level Big Ten team and recruited like a... mid-level Big Ten team. After Tiller, recruiting went downhill and ended in the Big Ten cellar during Hazell's years.
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Meaning he had Tiller's players for almost his entire tenure. He only had 4 years, although you can claim he might have affected recruiting more than most because he came in as head-coach-in-waiting for a year before he took over.
I wasn't saying Tiller was a great recruiter, mind you. Especially in his later years. But during Tiller's tenure, Purdue was a mid-level Big Ten team and recruited like a... mid-level Big Ten team. After Tiller, recruiting went downhill and ended in the Big Ten cellar during Hazell's years.
I don't mean to be rude, but I think this might be a case of a little memory sliding to fit narrative. These are the recruiting classes that made up the first hope team.
12th (of 12)
9th
10th
9th
5th (RS seniors)
The guy inherited a 4-8 that was losing its QB, top RB, top two WRs and lost the longtime DC who left because he didn't get the job (he did inherit a couple very high level DL). That team goes 5-7 and finishes in the middle of the conference. Then the slip badly, rebound to a degree and then obviously fizzled.
That's not to say Hope was a particularly good coach, but he inherited a mostly not good roster save for a couple very good linemen. His classes were also not good, though they did include three interesting names who all were solid elsewhere and got NFL looks.
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Maybe you're right... But it just seems like even Hope had more to work with coming in than Brohm did.
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I think most fans views frosts rebuild a little differently. Solich had TO's talent and couldn't maintain it. BC brought in talent but couldn't coach it. BP had a similar problem to solich... his teams felt less talented as time went on.. meaning the program was heading south... Mr. Oregon State destroyed/diminished almost every aspect of the program. For Frost, he has the toughest rebuild and as Frank said, lessons were probably learned. If I had a do over, I wish the AD would have told Solich he needed 2 lights out recruiters on his staff and forced that issue. Tried to make it work. But some guys think they can mold clay into stone. It doesn't always work in mass.
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Seems biggest change here is Nico Collins leaving Michigan, and J.D. Spielman leaving Nebraska.
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Spielman has 5 receptions for 56 yards in 3 games for the frogs
he seems happy there. Nice article - apparently with some mental health issues he didn't feel comfortable in Lincoln and needed a fresh start. Good luck to him.
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MSU's WRs seem to be the biggest positional surprise out of camp. I would think Jalen Nailor staying healthy would be a big part of that.
Tight ends look like an absolute mess. They moved a DE and backup walk on punter into the position group for depth. Doesn't sound like Matt Dotson will be helathy to start he year.
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backup walk on punter??? is the kid 6'-5"? can he run?
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backup walk on punter??? is the kid 6'-5"? can he run?
Apparently he's a weird athletic freak. That said, it's certainly not good. Trenton Gillison is a former 4*, who looked good in the bowl game, and should break at #1. But with Seybert graduating, and Dotson still nursing his achilles injury, you've got a low 3* true freshman; a DE who is actually an MLB prospect; and the walk on punter. Not ideal.
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might as well go to the spread
not many two TE formations