The 2016 Season Starts Now

[roe4christ 1,011]

The 2015 season is in the books. I don't know about you, but I am glad it's over. Now that we have our DC on board, let's get behind him and the rest of the coaching staff and turn this thing around. I am sure all the coaches understand how important this next season is for each of them. They know what went wrong and what needs to change. It starts with this recruiting class. We need to hold on to what we currently have and add a few more studs to close things out. I think it's going to help our progress having several early enrollee getting a head start between now and the summer. CGM should know after this season, that his offense does not work without a dual threat QB. As a result, we will likely see JF3 or Woody (yes, as a freshman) competing for the starting job. Either, SW or JJ would be fine as a back up, but not as a starter. I do not think we will redshirt Woody, especially with our future qb's waiting in the wings. He will play at some point, for sure. Future is bright in regards to the qb position. We simply need to bridge the gap until they arrive. That is the reason getting JF3 was so important.

Defense needs to pick up where they left off in Birmingham. My hope is that they saw what is possible and that drives them through the off season. I also hope that we can hold onto Lawson and Adams. If so, I think we can have one of the best defensive lines in the SEC next season. Our weakest link will be again at linebacker, not because of lack of talent but rather lack of depth. This will be where Coach Steele will focus his attention. Secondary is in good shape, and I expect it to get even better next season. Overall, I think the defense will look more like the bowl defense rather than the regular season defense. More pressure on the QB by owning the line of scrimmage and by more blitzing.

It will all come down to the offense. Can CGM get it rolling again. If so, we should be in every game we play, with a chance to win. If not, things could go south quick with our tough schedule. I refuse to be negative. I am going to hope for the best and trust that the coaches understand what needs to get done and settle for nothing less. War Eagle!

[AU_Tiger_88 417]

I disagree about your QB assessment as you overlooked a new starting center this year, and then his backup started after getting hurt. Also, Cox and Petteway were new to the position. Your only returning WR with any significant playing time was Louis, plus RBs being dinged up. That all contributed to the offense not working well. Also, JJ didn't work out as hoped and SW was hurt down the stretch. Not to mention the loss of talent in the offense. So to say the offense doesn't work without a DT QB is way to simple...I think it can work with a pocket QB but you have to have other things in place like reliable WRs, steady line and less injuries across the board. I think if we had a DT QB (i.e. TQ) this year we would have had a similar outcome due to other factors...but we will see what this year brings...

[PoetTiger 1,901]

I disagree about your QB assessment as you overlooked a new starting center this year, and then his backup started after getting hurt. Also, Cox and Petteway were new to the position. Your only returning WR with any significant playing time was Louis, plus RBs being dinged up. That all contributed to the offense not working well. Also, JJ didn't work out as hoped and SW was hurt down the stretch. Not to mention the loss of talent in the offense. So to say the offense doesn't work without a DT QB is way to simple...I think it can work with a pocket QB but you have to have other things in place like reliable WRs, steady line and less injuries across the board. I think if we had a DT QB (i.e. TQ) this year we would have had a similar outcome due to other factors...but we will see what this year brings...

I agree

[WarTiger 4,120]

The 2015 season is in the books. I don't know about you, but I am glad it's over. Now that we have our DC on board, let's get behind him and the rest of the coaching staff and turn this thing around. I am sure all the coaches understand how important this next season is for each of them. They know what went wrong and what needs to change. It starts with this recruiting class. We need to hold on to what we currently have and add a few more studs to close things out. I think it's going to help our progress having several early enrollee getting a head start between now and the summer. CGM should know after this season, that his offense does not work without a dual threat QB. . As a result, we will likely see JF3 or Woody (yes, as a freshman) competing for the starting job. Either, SW or JJ would be fine as a back up, but not as a starter. I do not think we will redshirt Woody, especially with our future qb's waiting in the wings. He will play at some point, for sure. Future is bright in regards to the qb position. We simply need to bridge the gap until they arrive. That is the reason getting JF3 was so important.

Defense needs to pick up where they left off in Birmingham. My hope is that they saw what is possible and that drives them through the off season. I also hope that we can hold onto Lawson and Adams. If so, I think we can have one of the best defensive lines in the SEC next season. Our weakest link will be again at linebacker, not because of lack of talent but rather lack of depth. This will be where Coach Steele will focus his attention. Secondary is in good shape, and I expect it to get even better next season. Overall, I think the defense will look more like the bowl defense rather than the regular season defense. More pressure on the QB by owning the line of scrimmage and by more blitzing.

It will all come down to the offense. Can CGM get it rolling again. If so, we should be in every game we play, with a chance to win. If not, things could go south quick with our tough schedule. I refuse to be negative. I am going to hope for the best and trust that the coaches understand what needs to get done and settle for nothing less. War Eagle!

I vehemently disagree. It worked fine without a dual threat when he was at Tulsa. It worked fine with out a dual threat in 2009 with Chris Todd and in 2011. I think its extremely unfair to put that kind of label on the offense after one season didn't go as planned. It's definitely a lot of fun to watch when we have a running QB back there but its not the only way this offense can be successful and he's proven that already

[cooltigger21 0]

The offense can work without a DT QB. We've seen that. A DT QB takes it to whole new level though.

[bigbird 61,284]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

[logan adams 333]

I actually agree that we need a dual threat QB in this system.

[JDUBB4AU 5,773]

The off-season for this team is extremely important. I pray coach Russell has a program that will break these kids and turn them into men. Accountability needs to be the word of the off-season. The players need to ask themselves " what am I doing to help this team get better every day?"

[AuburnEagle79 2,300]

This season was the perfect storm for us negatively, sorta like 2013 was the perfect storm for us positively. 2014 was what it was, a good offense with a mediocre-bad defense. 2016 needs to bring us 8 wins at least. I honestly don't see SW or JJ being the guy we need, but it may be the two best guys we have since the others haven't even taken a snap at Auburn yet.

[AUIH1 1,515]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

[cooltigger21 0]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

Very true. Sean can be a very good qb. He needs help from his receiving corps, which didn't do a whole lot to help him or JJ. We've got some good ones coming in with this class so that should make a difference for whoever is the qb.

Any potential trouble, like happened with Duke, needs to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. That was part of the trouble this year.

[johnnyAU 3,770]

CGM should know after this season, that his offense does not work without a dual threat QB.

I couldn't disagree more.

[AUIH1 1,515]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

Very true. Sean can be a very good qb. He needs help from his receiving corps, which didn't do a whole lot to help him or JJ. We've got some good ones coming in with this class so that should make a difference for whoever is the qb.

Any potential trouble, like happened with Duke, needs to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. That was part of the trouble this year.

For two years in a row, Gus has let the inmates run the asylum. That needs to stop.

wde

[Eagle Eye 7 2,535]

Some folks never learn from history. A lot of folks had Jason Smith pegged to take over this year and his look at QB ended quick. JF3 will most likely meet the same fate. He is a gifted athlete but I don't think he plays QB in the SEC level. JJ, SW, and TQ will be the front runners. Expect Barrett to redshirt unless TQ doesn't get well. SW and JJ will not fade into the sunset. The reason Gus played them both in the end is he wants them both back. He knows what their possibilities are. I know we have a lot of arm chair experts on here but in the end (thankfully) you won't make the decision, Gus will. WDE

[Tiger 8,930]

I've expressed this concern before but doesn't Gus micromanaging the zone read before even knowing if the guy thats supposed to be optioned out of the play is playing the give or keep diminish the value of having a dual threat QB in this system? Does that grind anybody elses gears like it does to me? Totally baseless question here but would Gus' perceived stubbornness make him feel that the zone read is beneath him in that hes not the one making the call because he's not outsmarting the DC himself? The last question might be the wackiest thing I've ever posted on this site.

[aubaseball 3,145]

No the question makes perfect sense. It is all part of the play calling question. So many times you see the give to the rb, when the QB could have kept the ball and picked up more yards. In the first half of the bowl game, there were drives were we ran the same play 6 or 7 times during the drive. When it got down to the goal line after seeing the same play six times, the Memphis defense disregarded the QB and focused on the rb. It forced a field goal. Just an example of the kind of play calling that continues with Gus.

[DAG 36,566]

Some folks never learn from history. A lot of folks had Jason Smith pegged to take over this year and his look at QB ended quick. JF3 will most likely meet the same fate. He is a gifted athlete but I don't think he plays QB in the SEC level. JJ, SW, and TQ will be the front runners. Expect Barrett to redshirt unless TQ doesn't get well. SW and JJ will not fade into the sunset. The reason Gus played them both in the end is he wants them both back. He knows what their possibilities are. I know we have a lot of arm chair experts on here but in the end (thankfully) you won't make the decision, Gus will. WDE

Spoken like a true armchair expert.

[JGLEATON 1,319]

Just my opinion but, I think either DT QB or Pocket passer will work... but what is needed either way at the QB position is a play maker... Cam and Nick weren't just dual threats... they were play makers.

A QB that takes a busted play, a well defended play, or one of our bad play calls and still makes something happen.

To me that type of play maker is a bit easier to identify and utilize with a DT QB,... BUT a Pocket passer can also have this type of label by keeping the play alive, situational awareness, and ability to make check down / read progressions and calmness under duress / pressure... and just get the ball out to the other Play makers. (I believe a healthy SW with some more experience can be this type of QB)

Either type of QB,

It helps to have a O line that is solid, receivers that are play makers (especially for a pocket passer when extending plays) and helps to also have RB's that are play makers (Tre Mason... when did he not get a first down and move the chains) AND the BEST players / playmakers need to be on the field,

Above all next year we must stay healthy.

In 2013 we were very fortunate in that area and this year we had an awful lot of injuries,,, which really hurt us all year, but especially down the stretch at the end of the year... the back up / rearranged O Line during the Georgia game, Bama and then the Bowl game did a really really good job and had us in those games. So going forward our two deep / recruiting needs to keep getting better to help us not only overcome injuries... but to also hang with the Bama's, LSU's and Georgia's for 4 quarters and keep our first string fresh.

How far we came defensively this year is encouraging and I think we can continue that going forward with some continuity on the coaching staff / scheme that CKS will bring. We got some GOOD young DB's!!

This team NEVER quit. They played hard and were in every game. I'll take that and I think if we continue to identify and solve our issues, next year we are are on the verge of not just one special season,,, but a continual growth and upswing of our program and being on the other end of those close type games we had this year.

War Eagle.

[AU64 10,122]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

Very true. Sean can be a very good qb. He needs help from his receiving corps, which didn't do a whole lot to help him or JJ. We've got some good ones coming in with this class so that should make a difference for whoever is the qb.

Any potential trouble, like happened with Duke, needs to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. That was part of the trouble this year.

Good receivers make a world of difference...watching Kelly last night for OM...his passes were in the range of his receivers but those guys knew how to "go and get" the ball and did not let many get away from them. I'm hoping the WR recruits stick with their commitment and give us some bigger targets next year.

[DAG 36,566]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

Very true. Sean can be a very good qb. He needs help from his receiving corps, which didn't do a whole lot to help him or JJ. We've got some good ones coming in with this class so that should make a difference for whoever is the qb.

Any potential trouble, like happened with Duke, needs to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. That was part of the trouble this year.

Good receivers make a world of difference...watching Kelly last night for OM...his passes were in the range of his receivers but those guys knew how to "go and get" the ball and did not let many get away from them. I'm hoping the WR recruits stick with their commitment and give us some bigger targets next year.

Kelly also improvised very well, has crazy arm strength and didn't make awful decisions passing the ball besides at the beginning of the game. WR definitely needs to be better, but QB play was just as bad.

[cooltigger21 0]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

Very true. Sean can be a very good qb. He needs help from his receiving corps, which didn't do a whole lot to help him or JJ. We've got some good ones coming in with this class so that should make a difference for whoever is the qb.

Any potential trouble, like happened with Duke, needs to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. That was part of the trouble this year.

Good receivers make a world of difference...watching Kelly last night for OM...his passes were in the range of his receivers but those guys knew how to "go and get" the ball and did not let many get away from them. I'm hoping the WR recruits stick with their commitment and give us some bigger targets next year.

Kelly also improvised very well, has crazy arm strength and didn't make awful decisions passing the ball besides at the beginning of the game. WR definitely needs to be better, but QB play was just as bad.

I don't think anyone is disputing that.

[DAG 36,566]

To me, the main point of the OP was not to start the same tired dual-threat-non-dual-threat debate.

I agree. But it did. SW, IMO, has more talent and more potential than Chris Todd. All SW needs is quality play calling. That being posted, I do think Gus is more comfortable with a Nick Marshall-type of QB to run his O.

wde

Very true. Sean can be a very good qb. He needs help from his receiving corps, which didn't do a whole lot to help him or JJ. We've got some good ones coming in with this class so that should make a difference for whoever is the qb.

Any potential trouble, like happened with Duke, needs to be dealt with swiftly and decisively. That was part of the trouble this year.

Good receivers make a world of difference...watching Kelly last night for OM...his passes were in the range of his receivers but those guys knew how to "go and get" the ball and did not let many get away from them. I'm hoping the WR recruits stick with their commitment and give us some bigger targets next year.

Kelly also improvised very well, has crazy arm strength and didn't make awful decisions passing the ball besides at the beginning of the game. WR definitely needs to be better, but QB play was just as bad.

I don't think anyone is disputing that.

Actually, there have been plenty of people putting the blame on the WRs when SW was qb. Yes, Arkansas game was dreadful, but the other games it has been equally dreadful. IMO, I believe Receivers feed off on their QBs confidence as much as the QBs feed off their Receivers productivity.

[JamesG 0]

This offense runs at its OPTIMUM level with a DT quarterback. That's not even debatable. Nick Marshall was an average passer at best and the offense STILL broke records. I laugh my ass off every time people point to TULSA or CHRIS TODD to say we don't need a running QB. We don't play in the Mountain West. This isn't Tulsa. Gus got the absolute most he could out of Chris and it was a mediocre 8-5 season. Is that what you people want?? When we have the read option going well people can't stop it even when they know it's coming.

[PoetTiger 1,901]

You just need a playmaker whether it's a DT or more traditional QB. Some say this offense can't work without a DT QB. I would say Gus can design an offense around a NONDT QB - as long as that QB has talent. Take Aaron Murray, with his accuracy, leadership, arm strength and modest athletic ability he would have been lethal in Gus's offense. You need talent, heart and leadership. JJ has the talent just lacks the testicular fortitude. SW is good but he is just good, not an elite talent so he has to be surrounded by a great line Oline with multiple talented receivers. I think he can get the job done but Gus has to get more playmakers. Receivers who can run good routes, get separation and catch the ball.

[AUwent 3,979]

This offense runs at its OPTIMUM level with a DT quarterback. That's not even debatable. Nick Marshall was an average passer at best and the offense STILL broke records. I laugh my ass off every time people point to TULSA or CHRIS TODD to say we don't need a running QB. We don't play in the Mountain West. This isn't Tulsa. Gus got the absolute most he could out of Chris and it was a mediocre 8-5 season. Is that what you people want?? When we have the read option going well people can't stop it even when they know it's coming.

Spot on. Jeremy, Sean and Tyler are all listed as "pro-style quarterbacks." For those claiming it's not Gus's fault, are you saying that we couldn't have found some dual-threat QB SOMEWHERE? There were many different DT QBs in the 2014 and 2015 classes that would've gladly played for us that we likely never gave a chance. You mean to tell me that Lamar Jackson wouldn't have seriously considered us if we had gone after him?