Rewatching the spring game

[Pollodawg]

And I have no doubt that Tiano is the future at QB. None. Fitz will likely play the majority of reps this season. But there ain't a whole lot of difference between the two, and Tiano may beat Fitz out before the season is even over. Williams is Williams. He has the better arm and grasp of the playbook, but he's doing about all he's capable of. Agree with Coach, Staley is closer to fourth than starting.

[Dawgfan77]

I'm gonna agree with you on Tiano and Fitz being the starter this year, but this whole Williams has the better arm is over exaggerated. He throws a nice tight spiral but so does Tiano and Fitz. Williams has an adequate arm

[ShotgunDawg]

I'm gonna agree with you on Tiano and Fitz being the starter this year, but this whole Williams has the better arm is over exaggerated. He throws a nice tight spiral but so does Tiano and Fitz. Williams has an adequate arm

Williams may have the best raw arm strength but it's negated due an extremely slow released that's caused by a hitch and horizontal stab in his arm action. Watch Williams next time, he has a hitch right in the middle of his arm stroke that causes him to telegraph every pass.

He simply doesn't have the actions to be an effective QB in the SEC.

[Coach34]

none of our QB's have an arm strength problem- its decision-making that's going to be the key. Slow clocks and a bad OL don't mix

[basedog]

After talking to someone I know very well who is an "insider" about what he thinks about the upcoming football team, he says "inexperience QB and the unknown of our offensive line" isn't a good combo for SEC football!

I agree on 34's prediction now, 6-6 going into the season, maybe our OL will step up but........talent we have at QB but if we can't protect them it may get ugly at the beginning of the schedule.

[Tripp McNeely]

After talking to someone I know very well who is an "insider" about what he thinks about the upcoming football team, he says "inexperience QB and the unknown of our offensive line" isn't a good combo for SEC football!

I agree on 34's prediction now, 6-6 going into the season, maybe our OL will step up but........talent we have at QB but if we can't protect them it may get ugly at the beginning of the schedule.

I've watched our spring game at least 5 times, every spring game on the SEC Network at least twice. You are REALLY reaching if you see more than 4 losses on our schedule. 1. LSU, who's QB situation is STILL worse than ours; 2. Bama - see the LSU comment; 3. A&M - who we will score points on (we always do) and CAN outscore and; 4. om - who could very well be dismantled by that point

This overt concern about the O-line is misguided. Dak stayed in the pocket last year more, "by design". Our QBs will NOT be in the pocket much this year "by design". That will negate an, albeit better than 2015, but still not great O-line in ways that you guys are not even thinking about

[Coach34]

I've watched our spring game at least 5 times, every spring game on the SEC Network at least twice. You are REALLY reaching if you see more than 4 losses on our schedule. 1. LSU, who's QB situation is STILL worse than ours; 2. Bama - see the LSU comment; 3. A&M - who we will score points on (we always do) and CAN outscore and; 4. om - who could very well be dismantled by that point

This overt concern about the O-line is misguided. Dak stayed in the pocket last year more, "by design". Our QBs will NOT be in the pocket much this year "by design". That will negate an, albeit better than 2015, but still not great O-line in ways that you guys are not even thinking about

Auburn is better than we on the OL and DL. Their Secondary is likely as good if not better. Their RB situation is better. Their TE situation is better. We are better than them at LB and WR. QB? We'll see. Nobody has had more success with juco QB's than Gus Malzahn

I don't see how anyone can look at our team and think we are a for sure 8 win team. That's ludicrous

[HancockCountyDog]

And I have no doubt that Tiano is the future at QB. None. Fitz will likely play the majority of reps this season. But there ain't a whole lot of difference between the two, and Tiano may beat Fitz out before the season is even over. Williams is Williams. He has the better arm and grasp of the playbook, but he's doing about all he's capable of. Agree with Coach, Staley is closer to fourth than starting.

I watched it recently too, Staley's movement in the pocket are just too slow at this point. I love his size, but we are going to have to run the Relf offense for him to be effective.

I still think Fitz is the guy.

[basedog]

I've watched our spring game at least 5 times, every spring game on the SEC Network at least twice. You are REALLY reaching if you see more than 4 losses on our schedule. 1. LSU, who's QB situation is STILL worse than ours; 2. Bama - see the LSU comment; 3. A&M - who we will score points on (we always do) and CAN outscore and; 4. om - who could very well be dismantled by that point

This overt concern about the O-line is misguided. Dak stayed in the pocket last year more, "by design". Our QBs will NOT be in the pocket much this year "by design". That will negate an, albeit better than 2015, but still not great O-line in ways that you guys are not even thinking about


Couple of things, I'm just predicting, it's really unknown at this point to know if we can run block and young QB's not making mistakes. Dak was a different animal at QB, he knew how to read defenses plus he was smart. That again is unknown with inexperienced but talented QB's except for a slow footed Williams who is barely a 50% passer.

As far as teams we play in the SEC, bunch of toss up games that are winnable but at the same time we could lose. I surely hope you are right and I'm wrong.

[Pollodawg]

Yeah, I don't buy the nobody has more success at QB than Malzahn line. Was that meant to be a joke.


Eta: JUCO Quarterbacks. My bad. Yeah, Gus had a good run with Nick Marshall on '13. But don't lets act most of that season wasn't a fluke.

[GTHOM]

Auburn is better than we on the OL and DL. Their Secondary is likely as good if not better. Their RB situation is better. Their TE situation is better. We are better than them at LB and WR. QB? We'll see. Nobody has had more success with juco QB's than Gus Malzahn

I don't see how anyone can look at our team and think we are a for sure 8 win team. That's ludicrous

I think your crazy 8 wins with our schedule is easily doable

[GTHOM]

And I have no doubt that Tiano is the future at QB. None. Fitz will likely play the majority of reps this season. But there ain't a whole lot of difference between the two, and Tiano may beat Fitz out before the season is even over. Williams is Williams. He has the better arm and grasp of the playbook, but he's doing about all he's capable of. Agree with Coach, Staley is closer to fourth than starting.

Fitz is the best QB and has the highest ceiling. I agree with you on Tiano he looked great especially for a freshman but its one game. A spring game. Whoever said Williams has the best arm is nuts. Williams is by far the least talented of the group

[Coldsleeve Jr.]

Yeah, I don't buy the nobody has more success at QB than Malzahn line. Was that meant to be a joke.


Eta: JUCO Quarterbacks. My bad. Yeah, Gus had a good run with Nick Marshall on '13. But don't lets act most of that season wasn't a fluke.

And Cam Newton

[Tripp McNeely]

Auburn is better than we on the OL and DL. Their Secondary is likely as good if not better. Their RB situation is better. Their TE situation is better. We are better than them at LB and WR. QB? We'll see. Nobody has had more success with juco QB's than Gus Malzahn

I don't see how anyone can look at our team and think we are a for sure 8 win team. That's ludicrous

That's been the EXACT same narrative every single year we've played Auburn under Mullen

[Pollodawg]

And Cam Newton

Well, yeah. He's Cam Newton.

[QuadrupleOption]

Well, yeah. He's Cam Newton.

yeah no kidding - I'm thinking Malzahn didn't have a Hell of a lot to do with Newton's success.

[Coach34]

Well, yeah. He's Cam Newton.

He's still a juco transfer. Auburn also had the 4th best O in the SEC in 2014 with Marshall. My point remains. Malzahn has been extremely successful with juco transfers.

2015 was his 1st bad offense. I wouldn't count on him having 2 in a row

[Coach34]

yeah no kidding - I'm thinking Malzahn didn't have a Hell of a lot to do with Newton's success.

Cmon man. He still had to be coached. Tom Brady and Payton Manning don't have NCAA national championships.

[Jarius]

The o/u in Vegas for our win totals is 6.5 wins. Some of you need to take a step back. Not saying that we can't win 8 or even more games, but we won 8 games in the regular season with our best qb in the history of the program last year and a very weak SEC East schedule. We aren't going to improve on that and probably aren't even going to win as many as last year with the departures we had at key positions and return of an offensive line group that was horrible. The schedule this year is not brutal (for an SEC West team) but it won't be nearly as easy to win 8 this year as it was last year.

[shoeless joe]

After talking to someone I know very well who is an "insider" about what he thinks about the upcoming football team, he says "inexperience QB and the unknown of our offensive line" isn't a good combo for SEC football!

I agree on 34's prediction now, 6-6 going into the season, maybe our OL will step up but........talent we have at QB but if we can't protect them it may get ugly at the beginning of the schedule.

After talking to a couple folks I'm not as concerned with our OL. they could be wrong but they are in a position to know and both have said we'll be better there than last year.

[HancockCountyDog]

That's been the EXACT same narrative every single year we've played Auburn under Mullen

Mullen is 3-3 against AU. AU's SEC record in the 3 years we beat them? 6-18

Bottom line, if they are average, I like our chances. I keep hearing they are going to run the ball 60+ times a game, should be interesting. We get them at home, my guess is that the game is a pick em.

[Dawgology]

The o/u in Vegas for our win totals is 6.5 wins. Some of you need to take a step back. Not saying that we can't win 8 or even more games, but we won 8 games in the regular season with our best qb in the history of the program last year and a very weak SEC East schedule. We aren't going to improve on that and probably aren't even going to win as many as last year with the departures we had at key positions and return of an offensive line group that was horrible. The schedule this year is not brutal (for an SEC West team) but it won't be nearly as easy to win 8 this year as it was last year.

I will be content with 7 wins in the regular season this season. It is a definite rebuild year with a young team. I believe our program is to a point where 7 wins should equal a down year. 6 is borderline and anything less is a failure and we are not progressing like we should be. That be said, 7 wins and then a nice bowl win would make a good "rebuild" year and prep us for the 2017 season.

[Pollodawg]

I don't think we have any rational fan that would scoff at a solid 8-5 campaign. But I could see 9-4. I honestly could.

[Tripp McNeely]

The o/u in Vegas for our win totals is 6.5 wins. Some of you need to take a step back. Not saying that we can't win 8 or even more games, but we won 8 games in the regular season with our best qb in the history of the program last year and a very weak SEC East schedule. We aren't going to improve on that and probably aren't even going to win as many as last year with the departures we had at key positions and return of an offensive line group that was horrible. The schedule this year is not brutal (for an SEC West team) but it won't be nearly as easy to win 8 this year as it was last year.

What was the o/u the past 2 preseasons

[Johnson85]

After talking to a couple folks I'm not as concerned with our OL. they could be wrong but they are in a position to know and both have said we'll be better there than last year.

They really think we'll be better than 17ing awful?!?!?!


beijg better than last year on the oline is necessary just to get to 6 wins.

[Pollodawg]

What was the o/u the past 2 preseasons


Someone actually had is picked at 4-8. Yeah, that bad.

[Coach34]

Mullen is 3-3 against AU. AU's SEC record in the 3 years we beat them? 6-18


Mullen is 3-4 vs Auburn

[biggun]

It's not just the OL that concerns me.
Our starting cb's right now have to be close to the worst starting pair in the SEC, if not the worst. Jiles is just not an SEC cb and Cleveland struggled mightily when inserted into the starting lineup to replace Redmond. Let's hope and pray we see a couple of the RS Freshmen or Durr step up quickly before South Carolina. Our safeties must tackle much better too, especially in open field. A few more INT's are needed too to offset the cb position

Chris Jones dominated inside last season but he is gone. Our other DT's did not do a whole lot last year so how will this group do this season without CJ. Who will step up???

6-6 or 5-7

[Jack Lambert]

It's not just the OL that concerns me.
Our starting cb's right now have to be close to the worst starting pair in the SEC, if not the worst. Jiles is just not an SEC cb and Cleveland struggled mightily when inserted into the starting lineup to replace Redmond. Let's hope and pray we see a couple of the RS Freshmen or Durr step up quickly before South Carolina. Our safeties must tackle much better too, especially in open field. A few more INT's are needed too to offset the cb position

Chris Jones dominated inside last season but he is gone. Our other DT's did not do a whole lot last year so how will this group do this season without CJ. Who will step up???

6-6 or 5-7

I am not saying we don't go 6-6 but it will not be because of the Defensive Line.

[bulldawg28]

Auburn is better than we on the OL and DL. Their Secondary is likely as good if not better. Their RB situation is better. Their TE situation is better. We are better than them at LB and WR. QB? We'll see. Nobody has had more success with juco QB's than Gus Malzahn

I don't see how anyone can look at our team and think we are a for sure 8 win team. That's ludicrous



The same can be said going 6-6 by glance....Ludicrous. Auburn has more holes if not more than we do. They have no proven Qb, no proven Wr's, Barber is their only returning Rb, no proven Lb's, and a secondary that was terrible. We've also had their number so I'm not worried about Auburn.

[sandwolf]

Someone actually had is picked at 4-8. Yeah, that bad.

They're talking about Vegas.....and no sportsbook had our win total set at 4 last year.

[msstate7]

The same can be said going 6-6 by glance....Ludicrous. Auburn has more holes if not more than we do. They have no proven Qb, no proven Wr's, Barber is their only returning Rb, no proven Lb's, and a secondary that was terrible. We've also had their number so I'm not worried about Auburn.

Only thing I disagree with is Rb... Jovon Robinson could be one of the best rb's in the sec

[Reason2succeed]

About the spring game...
1) Tiano probably wasn't playing against starters.
2) Yes, Staley looked terrible.
3) Fitz didn't necessarily light the world on fire.
4) Williams clearly looked the best but had absolutely flopped in scrimmages earlier this spring

Therefore, it is anyone's guess. I would wager money on a 2-QB system for at least the first 3 games. My money would be on Fitz and Williams.

My prediction is something north of 7 wins including all four OOC and some combo of SCAR, Kentucky, Auburn, ATM, OM for the other couple wins.

[HancockCountyDog]

We have six seniors on the two deep on the DL, we should be good up front. If we aren't, we have a bigger problem.

[HancockCountyDog]

Mullen is 3-4 vs Auburn

I've erased the 2011 game from my memory.

[bulldawg28]

Only thing I disagree with is Rb... Jovon Robinson could be one of the best rb's in the sec


I forgot about him. I still don't think he'll give them an edge against our LB's

[Coach34]

The same can be said going 6-6 by glance....Ludicrous. Auburn has more holes if not more than we do. They have no proven Qb, no proven Wr's, Barber is their only returning Rb, no proven Lb's, and a secondary that was terrible. We've also had their number so I'm not worried about Auburn.

we have no proven QB either- but ther OL is much better
They return their 2nd thru 4th TB's. Robinson out rushed our top 2 RB's by himself and was also their bowl MVP
Their Secondary was terrible? They gave up one less TD pass than us and had one more pick than us- but did give up 6 more yards per game- so what does that make us? And they return 3 of 4- we lost by far our 2 best CB's

Auburn doesn't have near the holes we do. We might fill them- but right now- a lot to be concerned about on our end

[Coach34]

We have six seniors on the two deep on the DL, we should be good up front. If we aren't, we have a bigger problem.

i think we will be solid on the DL- but DE depth is concerning. But the SEC West is so loaded on the DL it's crazy. We're 5th at best on the DL- depending how OM and UPig come along

[Bothrops]

Our secondary won't be any worse than last year. I believe we have upgraded coaches. Manny was the biggest reason our defense sucked last year. Manny is gone.

[Tbonewannabe]

It's not just the OL that concerns me.
Our starting cb's right now have to be close to the worst starting pair in the SEC, if not the worst. Jiles is just not an SEC cb and Cleveland struggled mightily when inserted into the starting lineup to replace Redmond. Let's hope and pray we see a couple of the RS Freshmen or Durr step up quickly before South Carolina. Our safeties must tackle much better too, especially in open field. A few more INT's are needed too to offset the cb position

Chris Jones dominated inside last season but he is gone. Our other DT's did not do a whole lot last year so how will this group do this season without CJ. Who will step up???

6-6 or 5-7

Nick James at times was as disruptive as Chris Jones. AJ Jefferson was also better at getting to the QB. I think our Dline might actually be better especially if Coleman and Calvin keep developing. Both were playing pretty good at the end of the year with Calvin probably our best pass rusher.

I think 7 wins is probable with 8 wins possible or 9 wins as a ceiling. 6 wins are possible but I trust Mullen when it comes to offense. Dan did take Relf and produce top half of the SEC in offense. I rewatched the Belk Bowl and our Oline played better than the rest of the year.

We have a lot of talent on defense so hopefully Sirmon comes up with something to maximize our talent. We probably could play 8 Lbs and 4 safeties, we just need 2 or 3 corners to step up. Hopefully Durr comes in and nails down 1 side so we only have to worry about the other side. Cleveland is a good nickel but I don't see him starting at the other spot.

I could see us winning the 4 OOC games especially since BYU lost their coach. So then you have to win 3 or 4 games of South Carolina at DWS (good chance), UK (Mullen wins this game), Ark at DWS (good chance), AU at DWS (toss up), ATM at DWS (toss up), UM (depends if the NCAA has dropped the hammer and the team quits), Bama (Loss), LSU (Loss).

Just like normal, the only probable losses are Bama and LSU with toss up games at home. So I think we win 7 with a good chance at 8 if all the toss up games don't go against us. South Carolina is early in the year so if nothing else Muschamp is early in his new job. ATM could be bad if we can't handle Garrett. AU is at home so at least it will be a toss up game. Bama and LSU are losses unless we get 5 or so turnovers like UM got. You can throw everything out of the window for the Egg Bowl especially if they just got hammered.

[Todd4State]

After talking to a couple folks I'm not as concerned with our OL. they could be wrong but they are in a position to know and both have said we'll be better there than last year.

These are probably the same people that think that Holloway is an every down back and Kivon Coman is Ronnie Lott 2.0 correct?

[bulldawg28]

we have no proven QB either- but ther OL is much better
They return their 2nd thru 4th TB's. Robinson out rushed our top 2 RB's by himself and was also their bowl MVP
Their Secondary was terrible? They gave up one less TD pass than us and had one more pick than us- but did give up 6 more yards per game- so what does that make us? And they return 3 of 4- we lost by far our 2 best CB's

Auburn doesn't have near the holes we do. We might fill them- but right now- a lot to be concerned about on our end



Roc Thomas transferred from Auburn leaving them with two downhill runners. That should bode well for us. Their secondary was much worst than ours. We sucked at safety last year. They were terrible across the board in the secondary. Good safeties make up for a lot of bad play with corners as you already know. We'll have some of the best safeties in the SEC.

[Coach34]

I think we'll be better at safety for sure- but we are 12th at best in the SEC at CB- so that will negate any progress. We got torched after Redmond went down. Jiles has trouble staying healthy, Cleveland is too slow, and Lord knows what's behind them.

I think we'll be physical enough upfront that teams will start slinging it- and we get torched

[Tripp McNeely]

I think we'll be better at safety for sure- but we are 12th at best in the SEC at CB- so that will negate any progress. We got torched after Redmond went down. Jiles has trouble staying healthy, Cleveland is too slow, and Lord knows what's behind them.

I think we'll be physical enough upfront that teams will start slinging it- and we get torched

By all accounts, Durr's the real deal and will start at CB. Buckley seemed more excited than I thought he'd be in some of the Spring interviews

[djaymsu5]

Fitz is the best QB and has the highest ceiling. I agree with you on Tiano he looked great especially for a freshman but its one game. A spring game. Whoever said Williams has the best arm is nuts. Williams is by far the least talented of the group

I think Tiano has the higher ceiling although I think it's Fitz's job to lose due to him having more experience but Tiano has it. That kid will be special watch! If Mullen will play the better player I think Tiano will take the job unless Fitz just blows us away. If either happens idc as long as we are winning. Staley was way overrated due to his size. He's just simply not good. If we were Alabama and had a great OLine and could just sit back and throw bombs to a deep threat receiver I think Staley could do something but everything he does is just too slow. And I don't even think we should even be talking about Williams. Glad to have his experience as a backup if something happens but he should never play other than mop up duty.

[GTHOM]

Jiles has been good when healthy. Damn I hope the team has better spirit than we do on this board. 6-6 would be bad if you ask me with this schedule

[Tbonewannabe]

Jiles has been good when healthy. Damn I hope the team has better spirit than we do on this board. 6-6 would be bad if you ask me with this schedule

We should be 7-8 wins with a chance at 9 just from all the toss up games are at home. If we don't win 7 it will probably be because our Oline sucked.

[HancockCountyDog]

I was talking 2016 season today and the one term that a buddy of mine mentioned was playmakers. Who besides Ross will be a playmaker for us.

AJ Jefferson?
Richie Brown?
Nick James?
Brandon Bryant?

Games are decided by playmakers and we lost a few : Jones, Redmond, Benni, Dak, Wilson, and Calhoun.

Who steps up? I think we find out quickly.

[Reason2succeed]

I was talking 2016 season today and the one term that a buddy of mine mentioned was playmakers. Who besides Ross will be a playmaker for us.

AJ Jefferson?
Richie Brown?
Nick James?
Brandon Bryant?

Games are decided by playmakers and we lost a few : Jones, Redmond, Benni, Dak, Wilson, and Calhoun.

Who steps up? I think we find out quickly.

Leo Lewis
Gerri Green
Whoever plays Viper that game
Whoever plays QB