abw0004

I think that is fair

Fair enough. As a starter the last two years, NCM only caught 18 passes (16 in 2017 and 2 for 2018). Last year, Auburn passed on roughly 40% of the plays. NCM has the most snaps of any WR last year too. Now I know this attests more to his inability to get separation. I do not have the ability to find a target/catch ratio however and do not want to make a percentage up. But, with a WR playing the most snaps last year, yet only 16 receptions should speak volumes. Having said all of this, I do not dislike NCM, and I wish him well going forward.

It is definitely an interesting situation. I really do not know what would be best for Stidham. And there are so many factors to consider as well. What is Freeze came to Auburn and Stidham had a year to learn from Hugh? How well would Stidham do with all of these receivers back plus Stove and Hastings? Not to mention a (hopefully) more mature experience-wise OL returning? What if we had a new OL coach? I really could see this going either way. At the end of the day I want what is best for Stidham. Aside from his facial expressions during the UGA game, I think he has been a good ambassador for Auburn and will be rooting for him no matter what happens. Personally I would like to see him back for the simple fact that his overthrows or inaccuracies this year with no pressure in his face worry me. I want to see him succeed in the NFL and another year could not hurt him, especially with Freeze.

Those are good points. The only other thing I would say was when we did throw to him, he couldn’t hang on to the ball. Seth has just as many targets, contested targets, but he caught them. I liked NCM, seemed like a humble person. But I think he had every opportunity this year to shine and couldn’t for whatever reason.

I don’t think Gus could be blamed for NCM though. He got all of the chances in the world unfortunately. He just could not get separation at all, nor would scramble to get open for Stidham. Seth has done a much better job in my opinion. Steal of the class.

I actually think we got better with NCM gone. You have to remember when he left, Seth Williams took over that starting position. NCM never got separation and could not win the 50-50 balls. Williams can. Seth will only get better in time.

That actually makes me feel better with Horton doing the work. I like Horton, but I just feel like his heart hasn’t been in it the last few years with him looking for HC jobs.

@ellitor, when you say up from a 3-star, do you mean they are now a 4-star? Also, I saw the laughing emoji for Clay Webb, have we regressed with him?

Well, one way to find the silver lining is Brian Kelly said the same thing the last few years when he was on the hot seat and has seemed to turn things around. Who knows. Hope is the only thing we can do as fans.

As always, thank you for your well-constructed posts. The only thing I will say is I believe we are developing our talent well on the defensive side of the ball. The mistakes we are seeing is just to a run down defensive that is always on the field. Being tired leads to mental mistakes. The development is showing in our ability to throw true freshmen out there and have them play like veterans. And when they are not, the staff pulls them out of the game instead of being stubborn about it.

He played as a freshmen so he was not eligible for another year. And no I am not saying that. His issue was just health related, always caught bad breaks, mainly in his shoulder.

Tre Williams was here for a full 4 years. His issue was more health related. He is super talented, and was the brain of our defense last year. But he just got injured often. Great Auburn guy and happy to have him here this year helping us in recruiting.

We would lose commitments too. Some have already flat out said that is Gus leaves, they leave. The OP is a loaded question because naturally we are going to see more transfers due to the updated rules. It is happening everywhere.

As always, thanks for your input!