QB Update

[Long Time Cat]

In practice, the coaches want to see you push yourself to the edge. If you’re just playing conservative so you don’t get picked, then you’re never going to find that point.

Thelen and Knight were being applauded for doing just that. They have nothing to lose, so they may as well see how far they can take it. Despite throwing some picks the coaches were pointing out their willingness to test the waters.

Ya, Choate literally said his message to the QBs was to take chances and throw down the field more. Seems counter to the actual offensive philosophy we have on offense but I assume Choate is doing this for a good reason. Probably just getting a better feel for which of the QBs have the arm strength, accuracy, etc... in addition to the more important skill sets such as commanding the offense and knowing when not to throw the ball.

I think the Boise State, UW style of offense is predicated on being able to complete a few of those deep shots down the field, not something that you do consistently. But if the guys aren't even willing to air it out then we will have issue taking the top off the defense.

I agree with this. Even with Troy at QB we took a deep shot or two in nearly every game if I remember right.

[cats2506]

Lots of picks today. Maybe it’s the best secondary in all of FCS?

Griz got some transfer OL this past recruiting cycle. Maybe its the best offensive line unit in all of FCS?

I was actually being serious. Maybe the secondary is seriously one of the best out there and is not enabling the QBs to show any talent. I’ve chatted with many who think this may be the best Cats defense in a long time. The Griz OL will be improved but still will have a ways to go in my opinion.

Come on GA. You know who you are here:

I don’t need you to believe me. I know what I know, and it’s in conversating with fans very connected to your program. And right now that’s that the defense may be one of the best defenses the cats have ever put on the field but that the QBs are really struggling to do much of anything. They are worried the QB situation will hold this team back, again.

Identifying your source like that you come off like a New York Times fake news story.

Yeah, I'm gonna make ****** up and say that someone familiar with the issue told it to me.

Well the guys I’m talking to were at practice today and have been at others. This is first hand info from very connected fans who are actually watching. There were a lot more picks today than the few mentioned on Twitter. One of the guys said at least 6.

I'm worried about these well connected fans then.

I guess I too am a well-connected fan. I haven't missed a practice yet and I'm friends with several members of our staff. And I can say with 1000% certainty that there weren't at least 6 picks today. These "well-connected" fans are either trolling you or you're just making things up.

That said, I wasn't blown away with the qb's today. But the defense looks great despite not getting 6 or more interceptions.

Just saw the press release for the day. There were 5 picks thrown. They were one off, are you sure you were at the same practice. You made it sound like there were one or two, you know, with all that certainty.

in what world does not more than 6 equal 1 or 2?

[catsrback76]

In practice, the coaches want to see you push yourself to the edge. If you’re just playing conservative so you don’t get picked, then you’re never going to find that point.

Thelen and Knight were being applauded for doing just that. They have nothing to lose, so they may as well see how far they can take it. Despite throwing some picks the coaches were pointing out their willingness to test the waters.

Ya, Choate literally said his message to the QBs was to take chances and throw down the field more. Seems counter to the actual offensive philosophy we have on offense but I assume Choate is doing this for a good reason. Probably just getting a better feel for which of the QBs have the arm strength, accuracy, etc... in addition to the more important skill sets such as commanding the offense and knowing when not to throw the ball.

I think the Boise State, UW style of offense is predicated on being able to complete a few of those deep shots down the field, not something that you do consistently. But if the guys aren't even willing to air it out then we will have issue taking the top off the defense.

I agree with this. Even with Troy at QB we took a deep shot or two in nearly every game if I remember right.

Yes, and by in large those who way off target save the NDSU game with Kassis catching that long one. The QB situation will settle once Coach makes the call. We will have some glitches occasionally, but if you believe that we've recruited well at every position, you have to also believe we have recruited well at QB. Matt Miller will have more influence in all this than any single other coach except Choate who makes the call. Once he does, then it's up to Miller to make it work... and I have no doubt he will after seeing what he did in the short time at the helm of the O with a LB at QB last year.

[CelticCat]

In practice, the coaches want to see you push yourself to the edge. If you’re just playing conservative so you don’t get picked, then you’re never going to find that point.

Thelen and Knight were being applauded for doing just that. They have nothing to lose, so they may as well see how far they can take it. Despite throwing some picks the coaches were pointing out their willingness to test the waters.

Ya, Choate literally said his message to the QBs was to take chances and throw down the field more. Seems counter to the actual offensive philosophy we have on offense but I assume Choate is doing this for a good reason. Probably just getting a better feel for which of the QBs have the arm strength, accuracy, etc... in addition to the more important skill sets such as commanding the offense and knowing when not to throw the ball.

I think the Boise State, UW style of offense is predicated on being able to complete a few of those deep shots down the field, not something that you do consistently. But if the guys aren't even willing to air it out then we will have issue taking the top off the defense.

I am a big believer that confidence is just about as importance as athleticism in sports. A lack of confidence was reportedly Rovig's problem last spring. Sometimes you like to see a guy with supreme confidence like Baker Mayfield or Brett Favre, even though you have to put up with high turnovers. I'm not saying that's what I'm after personally, but it's nice to have a bit of that. I think coaches have the opportunity and the ability to cultivate confidence, and it's something I was hoping they'd do as a part of their QB development. I just like the idea of empowering guys to be confident enough to take chances occasionally, yet be the guy who just manages an offense 90% of the time.

Honestly I think the staff hasn't done Rovig any favors in this department. I think the best thing for Rovig last year would to have had him start at PSU after the Wagner game. That was a winnable game regardless of Choate seeing something he could exploit with Andersen at QB. Rovig probably has a decent game, gets more experience and confidence. Instead he is essentially benched after a stellar performance. In addition to that Rovig has had more coaches than any 5 year player should have ever had, let alone entering his 3rd year.

Rovig did have his chance to take the job last spring and did not, so that is on him. But he hasn't exactly been set up for success in my opinion by the coaching staff.

[catsrback76]

In practice, the coaches want to see you push yourself to the edge. If you’re just playing conservative so you don’t get picked, then you’re never going to find that point.

Thelen and Knight were being applauded for doing just that. They have nothing to lose, so they may as well see how far they can take it. Despite throwing some picks the coaches were pointing out their willingness to test the waters.

Ya, Choate literally said his message to the QBs was to take chances and throw down the field more. Seems counter to the actual offensive philosophy we have on offense but I assume Choate is doing this for a good reason. Probably just getting a better feel for which of the QBs have the arm strength, accuracy, etc... in addition to the more important skill sets such as commanding the offense and knowing when not to throw the ball.

I think the Boise State, UW style of offense is predicated on being able to complete a few of those deep shots down the field, not something that you do consistently. But if the guys aren't even willing to air it out then we will have issue taking the top off the defense.

I am a big believer that confidence is just about as importance as athleticism in sports. A lack of confidence was reportedly Rovig's problem last spring. Sometimes you like to see a guy with supreme confidence like Baker Mayfield or Brett Favre, even though you have to put up with high turnovers. I'm not saying that's what I'm after personally, but it's nice to have a bit of that. I think coaches have the opportunity and the ability to cultivate confidence, and it's something I was hoping they'd do as a part of their QB development. I just like the idea of empowering guys to be confident enough to take chances occasionally, yet be the guy who just manages an offense 90% of the time.

Honestly I think the staff hasn't done Rovig any favors in this department. I think the best thing for Rovig last year would to have had him start at PSU after the Wagner game. That was a winnable game regardless of Choate seeing something he could exploit with Andersen at QB. Rovig probably has a decent game, gets more experience and confidence. Instead he is essentially benched after a stellar performance. In addition to that Rovig has had more coaches than any 5 year player should have ever had, let alone entering his 3rd year.

Rovig did have his chance to take the job last spring and did not, so that is on him. But he hasn't exactly been set up for success in my opinion by the coaching staff.

[bobcat99]

In practice, the coaches want to see you push yourself to the edge. If you’re just playing conservative so you don’t get picked, then you’re never going to find that point.

Thelen and Knight were being applauded for doing just that. They have nothing to lose, so they may as well see how far they can take it. Despite throwing some picks the coaches were pointing out their willingness to test the waters.

Ya, Choate literally said his message to the QBs was to take chances and throw down the field more. Seems counter to the actual offensive philosophy we have on offense but I assume Choate is doing this for a good reason. Probably just getting a better feel for which of the QBs have the arm strength, accuracy, etc... in addition to the more important skill sets such as commanding the offense and knowing when not to throw the ball.

I think the Boise State, UW style of offense is predicated on being able to complete a few of those deep shots down the field, not something that you do consistently. But if the guys aren't even willing to air it out then we will have issue taking the top off the defense.

I am a big believer that confidence is just about as importance as athleticism in sports. A lack of confidence was reportedly Rovig's problem last spring. Sometimes you like to see a guy with supreme confidence like Baker Mayfield or Brett Favre, even though you have to put up with high turnovers. I'm not saying that's what I'm after personally, but it's nice to have a bit of that. I think coaches have the opportunity and the ability to cultivate confidence, and it's something I was hoping they'd do as a part of their QB development. I just like the idea of empowering guys to be confident enough to take chances occasionally, yet be the guy who just manages an offense 90% of the time.

Honestly I think the staff hasn't done Rovig any favors in this department. I think the best thing for Rovig last year would to have had him start at PSU after the Wagner game. That was a winnable game regardless of Choate seeing something he could exploit with Andersen at QB. Rovig probably has a decent game, gets more experience and confidence. Instead he is essentially benched after a stellar performance. In addition to that Rovig has had more coaches than any 5 year player should have ever had, let alone entering his 3rd year.

Rovig did have his chance to take the job last spring and did not, so that is on him. But he hasn't exactly been set up for success in my opinion by the coaching staff.

Huh?

The staff gave Rovig every chance to take the starting job as a true freshman. Every chance to take the starting job in spring ball when Murray became ineligible. Every chance to take the starting job as a redshirt freshman. And now they're giving him every chance to take the starting job now.

He has had every opportunity to take the starting job since he's been here! Now according to Choate, he would've started the week he got hurt, so props to Rovig there...but you don't bench the guy who won your starting job bc the backup had a good game against a ****** defense. That doesn't happen.

But they haven't done him any favors? Pah. I wish they could have started him right away too, but shoot, kids gotta take the job they've been trying to give him!

[RobertoGato]

Including this current camp, Rovig has had ample opportunity to prove to the staff and his teammates that he's the guy for the job. If he doesn't come away from this competition with Bauman having firmly secured the job, then its no one else's fault-- not the coaches', certainly. It's telling how many excuses are made for him. In my experiences, players who turn out to be really good don't need all the excuses.

[iaafan]

In practice, the coaches want to see you push yourself to the edge. If you’re just playing conservative so you don’t get picked, then you’re never going to find that point.

Thelen and Knight were being applauded for doing just that. They have nothing to lose, so they may as well see how far they can take it. Despite throwing some picks the coaches were pointing out their willingness to test the waters.

Ya, Choate literally said his message to the QBs was to take chances and throw down the field more. Seems counter to the actual offensive philosophy we have on offense but I assume Choate is doing this for a good reason. Probably just getting a better feel for which of the QBs have the arm strength, accuracy, etc... in addition to the more important skill sets such as commanding the offense and knowing when not to throw the ball.

I think the Boise State, UW style of offense is predicated on being able to complete a few of those deep shots down the field, not something that you do consistently. But if the guys aren't even willing to air it out then we will have issue taking the top off the defense.

I am a big believer that confidence is just about as importance as athleticism in sports. A lack of confidence was reportedly Rovig's problem last spring. Sometimes you like to see a guy with supreme confidence like Baker Mayfield or Brett Favre, even though you have to put up with high turnovers. I'm not saying that's what I'm after personally, but it's nice to have a bit of that. I think coaches have the opportunity and the ability to cultivate confidence, and it's something I was hoping they'd do as a part of their QB development. I just like the idea of empowering guys to be confident enough to take chances occasionally, yet be the guy who just manages an offense 90% of the time.

Honestly I think the staff hasn't done Rovig any favors in this department. I think the best thing for Rovig last year would to have had him start at PSU after the Wagner game. That was a winnable game regardless of Choate seeing something he could exploit with Andersen at QB. Rovig probably has a decent game, gets more experience and confidence. Instead he is essentially benched after a stellar performance. In addition to that Rovig has had more coaches than any 5 year player should have ever had, let alone entering his 3rd year.

Rovig did have his chance to take the job last spring and did not, so that is on him. But he hasn't exactly been set up for success in my opinion by the coaching staff.

Huh?

The staff gave Rovig every chance to take the starting job as a true freshman. Every chance to take the starting job in spring ball when Murray became ineligible. Every chance to take the starting job as a redshirt freshman. And now they're giving him every chance to take the starting job now.

He has had every opportunity to take the starting job since he's been here! Now according to Choate, he would've started the week he got hurt, so props to Rovig there...but you don't bench the guy who won your starting job bc the backup had a good game against a ****** defense. That doesn't happen.

But they haven't done him any favors? Pah. I wish they could have started him right away too, but shoot, kids gotta take the job they've been trying to give him!

Thank you. I’m sure Rovig agrees with you 100%. He seems like a standup guy.

Roberto: I’m sure Rovig isn’t liking people making excuses for him.

[iaafan]

Andersen completed at least 3 deep balls on the year. UM to Jonsen, Ndsu to Kassis and EW to Jonsen.

[iaafan]

Rovig had completions (not sure if deep passes) of 42 to Patterson and 40/33 to Kassis vs SDSU. He hit Andersen for 32 and Jonsen for 29 vs Psu. Against Wagner he hit McCutcheon for 47, Kassis for 30 29 and 22, Ifanse for 27 (wheel) and 26. Not sure how many of those were catch and run.

Rovig may very well have ended the starter last year. He was only available for the first five games. The last eight he was injured. He showed some good signs early. Other than the first half of the SDSU game he looked very good, statistically.

[RobertoGato]

Thank you. I’m sure Rovig agrees with you 100%. He seems like a standup guy.

Roberto: I’m sure Rovig isn’t liking people making excuses for him.

I have no idea what he likes or doesn't like. I've never met him and don't know anything about his personal character. But I'm talking about the excuses to other BN fans, not to Rovig himself.

[RobertoGato]

Rovig had completions (not sure if deep passes) of 42 to Patterson and 40/33 to Kassis vs SDSU. He hit Andersen for 32 and Jonsen for 29 vs Psu. Against Wagner he hit McCutcheon for 47, Kassis for 30 29 and 22, Ifanse for 27 (wheel) and 26. Not sure how many of those were catch and run.

Rovig may very well have ended the starter last year. He was only available for the first five games. The last eight he was injured. He showed some good signs early. Other than the first half of the SDSU game he looked very good, statistically.

Another way to say this is that he was lousy against a good team and good against a lousy team. The SDak starters killed him. He killed a bad Wagner team. The sample size outside of those two games is basically negligible.

I think the fairest way to characterize his play last season is inconclusive.

[VimSince03]

Thank you. I’m sure Rovig agrees with you 100%. He seems like a standup guy.

Roberto: I’m sure Rovig isn’t liking people making excuses for him.

I have no idea what he likes or doesn't like. I've never met him and don't know anything about his personal character. But I'm talking about the excuses to other BN fans, not to Rovig himself.

I'll raise my hand in being one who has stood up for Tucker and the player I believe he and/or could be. However, eventually you have to rise to the occasion. If Casey Bauman beats him out, I don't see Tucker as an option post-2019.

[VimSince03]

Rovig had completions (not sure if deep passes) of 42 to Patterson and 40/33 to Kassis vs SDSU. He hit Andersen for 32 and Jonsen for 29 vs Psu. Against Wagner he hit McCutcheon for 47, Kassis for 30 29 and 22, Ifanse for 27 (wheel) and 26. Not sure how many of those were catch and run.

Rovig may very well have ended the starter last year. He was only available for the first five games. The last eight he was injured. He showed some good signs early. Other than the first half of the SDSU game he looked very good, statistically.

Another way to say this is that he was lousy against a good team and good against a lousy team. The SDak starters killed him. He killed a bad Wagner team. The sample size outside of those two games is basically negligible.

I think the fairest way to characterize his play last season is inconclusive.

Also very fair but what I was trying to state during this offseason is that you can have positive takeaways from those games instead of choosing to ignore them.

[RobertoGato]

Thank you. I’m sure Rovig agrees with you 100%. He seems like a standup guy.

Roberto: I’m sure Rovig isn’t liking people making excuses for him.

I have no idea what he likes or doesn't like. I've never met him and don't know anything about his personal character. But I'm talking about the excuses to other BN fans, not to Rovig himself.

I'll raise my hand in being one who has stood up for Tucker and the player I believe he and/or could be. However, eventually you have to rise to the occasion. If Casey Bauman beats him out, I don't see Tucker as an option post-2019.

Which is fair. He was a promising recruit, and there is still time to make good.

I have not had an optimistic outlook on him, simply because most of what I've taken away from watching him is negative. Not to say that there have not been positives, but as a general takeaway I personally haven't been impressed.

But that's the beauty of this sport and public forums-- we see different things and then have a chance to discuss them.

[iaafan]

Rovig had completions (not sure if deep passes) of 42 to Patterson and 40/33 to Kassis vs SDSU. He hit Andersen for 32 and Jonsen for 29 vs Psu. Against Wagner he hit McCutcheon for 47, Kassis for 30 29 and 22, Ifanse for 27 (wheel) and 26. Not sure how many of those were catch and run.

Rovig may very well have ended the starter last year. He was only available for the first five games. The last eight he was injured. He showed some good signs early. Other than the first half of the SDSU game he looked very good, statistically.

Another way to say this is that he was lousy against a good team and good against a lousy team. The SDak starters killed him. He killed a bad Wagner team. The sample size outside of those two games is basically negligible.

I think the fairest way to characterize his play last season is inconclusive.

SDSU did NOT pull their starters at the start of the third quarter. They did in the fourth. Rovig did almost all of his damage in the third quarter. I agree his play isn’t completely conclusive. Like I said, and there’s no denying this, he looked very good, statistically over the course of his time sans SDSU first half, and I think that’s understandable. First start, good team, road game

[CelticCat]

Thank you. I’m sure Rovig agrees with you 100%. He seems like a standup guy.

Roberto: I’m sure Rovig isn’t liking people making excuses for him.

I have no idea what he likes or doesn't like. I've never met him and don't know anything about his personal character. But I'm talking about the excuses to other BN fans, not to Rovig himself.

I'll raise my hand in being one who has stood up for Tucker and the player I believe he and/or could be. However, eventually you have to rise to the occasion. If Casey Bauman beats him out, I don't see Tucker as an option post-2019.

Which is fair. He was a promising recruit, and there is still time to make good.

I have not had an optimistic outlook on him, simply because most of what I've taken away from watching him is negative. Not to say that there have not been positives, but as a general takeaway I personally haven't been impressed.

But that's the beauty of this sport and public forums-- we see different things and then have a chance to discuss them.

So to sum your thoughts up, he has been unimpressively inconclusive...

[RobertoGato]

Thank you. I’m sure Rovig agrees with you 100%. He seems like a standup guy.

Roberto: I’m sure Rovig isn’t liking people making excuses for him.

I have no idea what he likes or doesn't like. I've never met him and don't know anything about his personal character. But I'm talking about the excuses to other BN fans, not to Rovig himself.

I'll raise my hand in being one who has stood up for Tucker and the player I believe he and/or could be. However, eventually you have to rise to the occasion. If Casey Bauman beats him out, I don't see Tucker as an option post-2019.

Which is fair. He was a promising recruit, and there is still time to make good.

I have not had an optimistic outlook on him, simply because most of what I've taken away from watching him is negative. Not to say that there have not been positives, but as a general takeaway I personally haven't been impressed.

But that's the beauty of this sport and public forums-- we see different things and then have a chance to discuss them.

So to sum your thoughts up, he has been unimpressively inconclusive...

That's a good summary. I'm not optimistic, nor would I try to be dogmatic at this point. But I'm getting close. Not that anyone should care particularly much for what I think.

[ilovethecats]

Anyone make it to practice today? I got tied up. Curious if there was anything of note?

[iaafan]

Anyone make it to practice today? I got tied up. Curious if there was anything of note?

Only 30 minutes open for public.