Woolly Thread - There Appears to Be Disconnect with MSU's Football Team

This was the conversation on the B&B show this morning & I found it intriguing.

A few days ago Barrett Sallee was interviewing Booger McFarland about Nick Fitzgerald & Booger made the following statements.


- Fitz will be top 2 to 3 QB in SEC

- Fitz will rush for 1,000 yards (rushed for 1,375 last year)

- Fitz will have 3,500 passing yards (Passed for 2,423 yards last year. I think 3,500 is too much. Will probably be around 2,700 - 3,000)

- Fitz will have 40 to 50 TDs (Last year Fitz had 21 pass TDs & 16 rush TDs for total of 37 TD)

- MSU will be a 6-6 to 7-5 team

Now here is where things get exciting:

MSU lost 4 games in 2016 by 7 points or less. I realize the schedule is more difficult this season, but, unless MSU's defense is dramatically worse in 2017 than 2016 or we have massive amounts of injuries, it's virtually impossible for Fitz to put up numbers similar to what Booger said & only win 6 or 7 games. If Fitz puts up those type of numbers we are likely at least an 8 win team.

We saw a similar situation a few years ago when Dak was named 1st team all-SEC preseason QB but MSU was picked last. It didn't add up then & it doesn't add up now.

"I haven't spent much time studying Fitzgerald, but his name has come up several times in my conversations with NFL scouts. In fact, every single one of them told me the Mississippi State signal caller is the best quarterback in the SEC. He posted impressive rushing numbers last fall and has prototypical size/athleticism. He's improving as a passer and scouts believe he has a very high ceiling in that department. I'm anxious to dig in and study his play this fall. Fitzgerald could be the breakout star in the SEC, if not the entire country."

Who is that quote from?

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Originally Posted by smootness

Who is that quote from?

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I said it on another board**

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Originally Posted by smootness

Who is that quote from?

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I assumed it was Nick, himself, talking in 3rd person, obviously...**

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Originally Posted by smootness

Who is that quote from?

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From this article on Seccountry.com
http://https://www.seccountry.com/mississippi-state/nfl-scouts-agree-nick-fitzgerald-best-qb-sec/amp

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Originally Posted by ShotgunDawg

This was the conversation on the B&B show this morning & I found it intriguing.

A few days ago Barrett Sallee was interviewing Booger McFarland about Nick Fitzgerald & Booger made the following statements.


- Fitz will be top 2 to 3 QB in SEC

- Fitz will rush for 1,000 yards (rushed for 1,375 last year)

- Fitz will have 3,500 passing yards (Passed for 2,423 yards last year. I think 3,500 is too much. Will probably be around 2,700 - 3,000)

- Fitz will have 40 to 50 TDs (Last year Fitz had 21 pass TDs & 16 rush TDs for total of 37 TD)

- MSU will be a 6-6 to 7-5 team

Now here is where things get exciting:

MSU lost 4 games in 2016 by 7 points or less. I realize the schedule is more difficult this season, but, unless MSU's defense is dramatically worse in 2017 than 2016 or we have massive amounts of injuries, it's virtually impossible for Fitz to put up numbers similar to what Booger said & only win 6 or 7 games. If Fitz puts up those type of numbers we are likely at least an 8 win team.

We saw a similar situation a few years ago when Dak was named 1st team all-SEC preseason QB but MSU was picked last. It didn't add up then & it doesn't add up now.

"I haven't spent much time studying Fitzgerald, but his name has come up several times in my conversations with NFL scouts. In fact, every single one of them told me the Mississippi State signal caller is the best quarterback in the SEC. He posted impressive rushing numbers last fall and has prototypical size/athleticism. He's improving as a passer and scouts believe he has a very high ceiling in that department. I'm anxious to dig in and study his play this fall. Fitzgerald could be the breakout star in the SEC, if not the entire country."

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I would temper the passing expectations a tad but other than that I think the rest is possible. I agree, I think he will be closer to the 2,700 yd mark. If he rushes for 1k and throws for over 3k I think we definitely win 8 games with an outside shot at 9 or 10. Those would be some insane numbers for this league. I am not sure he has the tools around him to get in the 3500 yd ballpark.

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Originally Posted by BeardoMSU

I assumed it was Nick, himself, talking in 3rd person, obviously...**

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Now that's funny. I don't care who you are.

Yes, there is disconnect but there is also disconnect amongst our own fan base. How quickly some us forgot how easily we could have won 8 games last year with a shit defense and first year starting Soph QB.

If our defense marginally improves and Fitz has only 75% the jump Dak had from Soph to Jr seasons, we should expect nothing less than 8 wins. Fitz at end of Soph year was leaps and bounds ahead of Dak after liberty bowl. Just based on QB development under Mullen dating back to MiniLee and Ralph, why would anyone expect anything less than the improvements we have seen under previous QB's. Plus this year we aren't splitting 1st team reps into late September.

Just as with every other year, people look for more reasons to say we will suck than look at the best QB on the SEC on our roster. Barring a rash of injuries, I see no reason we should not win 7 minimum and will have at minimum 50-/59 chance in all games but Bama and Auburn.

Fitz passes for 3.5K, rushes for 1K & has 40-50 tds and NO WAY MSU doesn't win at least 10 games. *

*(small 'if' .. D has to be somewhat improved)

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Originally Posted by RougeDawg

Yes, there is disconnect but there is also disconnect amongst our own fan base. How quickly some us forgot how easily we could have won 8 games last year with a shit defense and first year starting Soph QB.

If our defense marginally improves and Fitz has only 75% the jump Dak had from Soph to Jr seasons, we should expect nothing less than 8 wins. Fitz at end of Soph year was leaps and bounds ahead of Dak after liberty bowl. Just based on QB development under Mullen dating back to MiniLee and Ralph, why would anyone expect anything less than the improvements we have seen under previous QB's. Plus this year we aren't splitting 1st team reps into late September.

Just as with every other year, people look for more reasons to say we will suck than look at the best QB on the SEC on our roster. Barring a rash of injuries, I see no reason we should not win 7 minimum and will have at minimum 50-/59 chance in all games but Bama and Auburn.

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We will beat Auburn. Maltzahn can't coach a qb how to poor piss out of a boot with instructions on the heel. Stiedham is going to flop hard, like every other Maltzahn QB

I'm not going to put unrealistic expectations on Fitz. People forget than when we were pass first with Holloway at RB, he was horrible throwing the ball. Incredibly inconsistent & unsure. When Mullen started running Aeris and using Fitz in the running game, it opened up passing lanes for Fitz which made him a more effective thrower. Basically, playing to his strengths made him an effective passer. Fitz has a long long long way to go to reach Dak's senior year passing effectiveness and skill level. What I'm not going to assume is that it's a given Fitz makes the same jumps Dak made going in to his junior and senior years. Mullen's record as a developer certainly says it's possible but I'm not putting my expectation on Fitz that he's as driven as Dak who took over the NFL as a rookie. Dak's passing completion % went 58, 61, 66. Dak's td/int ratio went 10/7, 27/11, 29/5. Fitz was 54% and 21/10. The stat I'm going to watch to quantify Fitz's progression as a QB to Dak's will be completion % against ranked opponents. Dak's jr year it was 59%. Fitz's was 42% last year. If we see Fitz jump in to Dak's realm in that statistic, I'll be prepared to put a high level of expectations on him.

If Fitz accounts for 50 TD, then we're scoring 40 pts a game as others like Aries and the RBs will give another 10 TDs not counting any defensive scores or kick & punt returns for scores. If we are scoring 40 puts a game, we will again be one of the biggest surprises in the nation and pushing 9-10 wins.

If Fitz accounts for 50 TD, then he's in a Heisman finalist in early December.

If at least
Donald Gray = Chad Bumphis
+ Keith Mixon = Michael Carr
+ Jordan Thomas = Malcolm Johnson
+ Aeris Williams = Vick Ballard

Then Mullen will produce offense.

Can Grantham's Defense = Diaz or Collin's ?

I don't see anything that isn't possible or able to be be exceeded.

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Originally Posted by BiscuitEater

Fitz passes for 3.5K, rushes for 1K & has 40-50 tds and NO WAY MSU doesn't win at least 10 games. *

*(small 'if' .. D has to be somewhat improved)

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...and he'd being in NYC at the end of the year too...

I was just content to sit back and enjoy umw's misery now after reading all this, I can't wait for football to kickoff.

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Originally Posted by Mobile Bay

We will beat Auburn. Maltzahn can't coach a qb how to poor piss out of a boot with instructions on the heel. Stiedham is going to flop hard, like every other Maltzahn QB

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Stidham may be a good QB by our game with AU. But I kinda see Clemson giving everyone the plan on stopping him early on. AU will have a solid D so I look for our game to be low scoring. It may come down to a field goal...yikes!!

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Originally Posted by BB30

I would temper the passing expectations a tad but other than that I think the rest is possible. I agree, I think he will be closer to the 2,700 yd mark. If he rushes for 1k and throws for over 3k I think we definitely win 8 games with an outside shot at 9 or 10. Those would be some insane numbers for this league. I am not sure he has the tools around him to get in the 3500 yd ballpark.

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This is a good statement. He will need some legitimate outside targets to develop in game 1 and 2 or those passing numbers will be much lower. Also, he had better pass waaaaaaaaay better than he did in the Spring Game.

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Originally Posted by Mobile Bay

We will beat Auburn. Maltzahn can't coach a qb how to poor piss out of a boot with instructions on the heel. Stiedham is going to flop hard, like every other Maltzahn QB

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I think the general thought is that Malzahn doesn't have to develop Stidham--Art Briles did that for him.

Rumors of injuries coming out of fall camp have led me to adjust my win total down to 6 or 7 in the regular season. Also, I keep going back to the last real game we played in the bowl where we looked like garbage and Fitz underwhelming in the spring game. I don't care if it is only an open scrimmage. 4 ints is bad anytime. I'm less wooly now than ever.

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Originally Posted by Pollodawg

Rumors of injuries coming out of fall camp have led me to adjust my win total down to 6 or 7 in the regular season. Also, I keep going back to the last real game we played in the bowl where we looked like garbage and Fitz underwhelming in the spring game. I don't care if it is only an open scrimmage. 4 ints is bad anytime. I'm less wooly now than ever.

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Apply liberally.***

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/509/18...8a6e52ac_o.jpg

If we had an avg. D last year, we win 8-9

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Originally Posted by Spiderman

If we had an avg. D last year, we win 8-9

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You are 100% correct. BYU, SA, UK and maybe Arky but Allen was playing very well that night.

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Originally Posted by TrapGame

You are 100% correct. BYU, SA, UK and maybe Arky but Allen was playing very well that night.

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So was Fitz. Our defense never showed up. They must've thought the game was AT Ark & hit the road.

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Originally Posted by ShotgunDawg

This was the conversation on the B&B show this morning & I found it intriguing.

A few days ago Barrett Sallee was interviewing Booger McFarland about Nick Fitzgerald & Booger made the following statements.


- Fitz will be top 2 to 3 QB in SEC

- Fitz will rush for 1,000 yards (rushed for 1,375 last year)

- Fitz will have 3,500 passing yards (Passed for 2,423 yards last year. I think 3,500 is too much. Will probably be around 2,700 - 3,000)

- Fitz will have 40 to 50 TDs (Last year Fitz had 21 pass TDs & 16 rush TDs for total of 37 TD)

- MSU will be a 6-6 to 7-5 team

Now here is where things get exciting:

MSU lost 4 games in 2016 by 7 points or less. I realize the schedule is more difficult this season, but, unless MSU's defense is dramatically worse in 2017 than 2016 or we have massive amounts of injuries, it's virtually impossible for Fitz to put up numbers similar to what Booger said & only win 6 or 7 games. If Fitz puts up those type of numbers we are likely at least an 8 win team.

We saw a similar situation a few years ago when Dak was named 1st team all-SEC preseason QB but MSU was picked last. It didn't add up then & it doesn't add up now.

"I haven't spent much time studying Fitzgerald, but his name has come up several times in my conversations with NFL scouts. In fact, every single one of them told me the Mississippi State signal caller is the best quarterback in the SEC. He posted impressive rushing numbers last fall and has prototypical size/athleticism. He's improving as a passer and scouts believe he has a very high ceiling in that department. I'm anxious to dig in and study his play this fall. Fitzgerald could be the breakout star in the SEC, if not the entire country."

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Per Booger Fitz must be the greatest QB ever! I mean per what Booger said, Nick has no blocking, no playmakers at WR and no difference makers at RB yet is going to be able to rush for over a 1,000 yards, pass for 3,500 yards and account for 40 to 50 TDs. Fitz apparently will be just this side of Superman if he can do all of that while opposing defenses don't have to worry about anyone else on the field in our offense.

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Originally Posted by Mobile Bay

We will beat Auburn. Maltzahn can't coach a qb how to poor piss out of a boot with instructions on the heel. Stiedham is going to flop hard, like every other Maltzahn QB

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Cam Newton and Nick Marshall disagree. Mike Henig could QB this Auburn team to 8 wins. Stidham wins at least 10 games

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Originally Posted by Spiderman

If we had an avg. D last year, we win 8-9

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D did their job vs South Alabama and BYU. We still lost those games. D did their job vs LSU- lost that game. Our offense struggled alot last year whether people want to admit it or not. Our offense finished 7th in the SEC despite playing alot of weak defenses last year.

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Originally Posted by Kyper

D did their job vs South Alabama and BYU. We still lost those games. D did their job vs LSU- lost that game. Our offense struggled alot last year whether people want to admit it or not. Our offense finished 7th in the SEC despite playing alot of weak defenses last year.

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Yup. D had nothing to do with South Bama, LSU, or BYU. All three of those games are on the offense. Fitz was terrible in BR and nothing more than average in Provo.

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Originally Posted by Pollodawg

Yup. D had nothing to do with South Bama, LSU, or BYU. All three of those games are on the offense. Fitz was terrible in BR and nothing more than average in Provo.

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Well shit, I guess we shoulda kept Sirmon then.***

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Originally Posted by Pollodawg

Yup. D had nothing to do with South Bama, LSU, or BYU. All three of those games are on the offense. Fitz was terrible in BR and nothing more than average in Provo.

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S Alabama Offense went through our defense like our defense was high school the second half. Their offense made adjustments at half but our defense did not. It was all about coaching. SC did the same thing the very next week.

I don't know about 50 td's. I do know that Dan has gotten better at developing qbs since he's been here. I believe he learned alot with Dak, which will only help Fitz more.
From what I've heard Fitz has the work ethic and knows the O inside and out. Won't be any thinking this year. I think he has a very special year, his name will be brought up for the draft, and we win 9 games.

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Originally Posted by Pollodawg

Yup. D had nothing to do with South Bama, LSU, or BYU. All three of those games are on the offense. Fitz was terrible in BR and nothing more than average in Provo.

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So Fitz hurdles into the end zone in OT at byu to give us a lead and all the defense had to do was fall on a fumble after a sack on byu next possession and game over but they couldn't get it done. Defense blows a 20 point second half lead to usa. Those 2 were on the defense as well as arky and uk.

Fitz is a man eater. He's a more powerful and explosive version of Dak. Dak has that "it" factor that separates him, but Fitz is more athletically gifted than Dak. That's obvious to everyone, and he's got the same guy coaching him.

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Originally Posted by Commercecomet24

So Fitz hurdles into the end zone in OT at byu to give us a lead and all the defense had to do was fall on a fumble after a sack on byu next possession and game over but they couldn't get it done. Defense blows a 20 point second half lead to usa. Those 2 were on the defense as well as arky and uk.

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Our D only gave up 14 points in regulation vs BYU. Thats a winning effort.
Our offense couldnt move the ball or score a point vs South Alabama in the 2nd half, costing us the game. When South Alabama shuts out an SEC team in the 2nd half of a game that is 100 degrees- your offense sux. Thats not on the D

Whatevs, gentleman. We will see soon enough.

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Originally Posted by Kyper

Our D only gave up 14 points in regulation vs BYU. Thats a winning effort.
Our offense couldnt move the ball or score a point vs South Alabama in the 2nd half, costing us the game. When South Alabama shuts out an SEC team in the 2nd half of a game that is 100 degrees- your offense sux. Thats not on the D

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I seem to remember that Williams was the Qb for almost all of that shitfest

I feel like Rhett Buttler when he told all of the folks at the BBQ that the South couldn't win a war with words. I may be unpopular now, but just you wait until we finish 6-6.

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Originally Posted by Pollodawg

I feel like Rhett Buttler when he told all of the folks at the BBQ that the South couldn't win a war with words. I may be unpopular now, but just you wait until we finish 6-6.

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I'll be extremely happy with 8-4. Extremely.

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Originally Posted by BrunswickDawg

I seem to remember that Williams was the Qb for almost all of that shitfest

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Is it because Fitz was 0-4 to start the day? Fitz is a good QB. One of the best in the conference, but let's be reasonable. The offense sputtered at times even with him at the helm.

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Originally Posted by DownwardDawg

I'll be extremely happy with 8-4. Extremely.

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I will be too, but I don't see us beating AU @ AU, UGA @ UGA, and TAMU in Kyle Station or Arky at Arky. We are not beating Bama.

We win all 4 ooc plus U.K. And OM

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Originally Posted by DownwardDawg

I'll be extremely happy with 8-4. Extremely.

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Same here. Gut tells me 7-5 with us flipping BYU and UK to the W column, taking care of business against the other 3 nonconference teams, and flipping A&M to the L column. Loss to UGA. All other outcomes would be the same as last year.

I do think our one swing game upset opportunity is LSU. We'll need to play a lot better up front than we did last year though. And we'll definitely need Rivers to help slow down Guice.