True FR Shrader vs RS SR Fitz stats

[TheStateUofMS]

2018 Fitz:
Rushing: 1121 yds, 5.1ypc, 13 TD, 221 attempts
Passing: 51.6%, 6.3 yards per attempt, 116.8 rating, 16 TD, 9int, sacked 25x, 281 attempts

2019 Shrader:
Rushing: 312 yds (on pace for 1,288 yards) , 6.8ypc, 2 TD (on pace for 7) , 46 attempts (on pace for 121 carries)
Passing: 58.8%, 7.5 yards per attempt, 128.7 rating, 2 TD, 1int
First 2 full starts: 64.4%, 8.6 yards per attempt, 147.3 rating, 2 TD, 1int
^^SEC games

I think we got a really QB in the making. He's gotten A LOT better since he came into the USM and KSU games. I'm not saying Shrader is going to be a better runner than Fitz, but he's definitely going to be a good runner. I know Joe doesn't want our QB carrying the ball over 20x a game and he doesn't have the top end speed Fitz has, so I doubt he'll break any 80yd runs like Fitz did to really pile up some rush yards, but point is Shrader is going to be about as dangerous with his arm as he is with his feet. A true elite level dual threat QB.

*I got my "on pace for" number simply by using his averages in his first two full starts (UK and Aub) and multiplied by 9 remaining games assuming we make a bowl and then added his stats from his first three appearances. I doubt Shrader's "on pace" numbers for running will turn out beating Fitz' because of his lack of carries and top end speed compared to Fitz. He'll probably end up around 800 yards or so though.

**I'm also aware Shrader didn't have a "full start" against Auburn, but it might as well have been. Only missed two series I think.

 

[Diggin Out Yo Wife]

Rosey says Shrader is still semi-recovering from his labrum surgery last year. Not that he's hurt, but he's still refining his throwing mechanics. All that to say, I think his passing will get even better, particularly the deep balls that he's been overthrowing.

It may get better sooner than that. Bo Nix was missing guys all year until last week, and he's essentially played 1.5 more games than Shrader.

 

[jethreauxdawg]

You choosing to not count the fumbled kick return as a possession?

**I'm also aware Shrader didn't have a "full start" against Auburn, but it might as well have been. Only missed two series I think.

Ok, sunshine pumper**

But seriously, thanks, good stuff.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

When did he actually have the labrum surgery? The ball he overthrew to Guidry was a bomb. Seemed like it was about 55 yards in the air. I'm not worried at all about his arm strength. The throwing motion should tighten up and his feet will settle down. Considering how good his numbers are as a true freshman with a lot more improvement to come AND he's got it between the ears, his upside is very high.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Joe's fault for Payton fumbling***

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Bump

 

[dawgstudent]

That's some damn good info. Thanks for posting.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

he is certainly showing the signs of being a really great dual threat QB.

 

[blacklistedbully]

Are you bothering to consider how many yards he got after we were down by 40 points? Is it possible AU's defensive strategy changed a little after that point? How about the fact Fitz played against all of the great teams we face last year. GS has faced what appears to be one very good team so far.

Way too soon to be making this kind of comparison.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

Completion % itself is a nice improvement, but add on the rushing and I agree. He has a unique command of the game for his age.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

You gotta remember too Joe says the QB should run the ball about a max of 15x per game.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Auburn left their starters in until the last 2 series of the game. Malzahn said all week we embarrassed them last year, which telegraphed they wanted this one bad. They did not take their foot off the gas.

Shrader came in and immediately led us down the field to cut the league to 21-6 on his first drive. I think at one point we had a chance to make it a 2 possession game but then ensued to fumble it away or something.

ETA: Fitz never put up good numbers against a good defense. His best game ever was against a depleted Bama defense at home and even then the numbers were good for Fitz, not most QBs who are at least average. Average QBs have some good games every once in a while. Fitz was below average. I think maybe against TAMU last year Fitz may have had a pretty decent game. Maybe that's best game he ever played.

Fitz against last year against Auburn, Florida, Bama, Kentucky and LSU combined stats: 55-119, 496yds, 46%, 4.1yds per attempt , 0 TD, 6 int

Man, that is awful. I can't believe some people actually try and defend Fitz' passing and think he did not hold the offense back.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

That’s strange. the quote I saw said they were playing backups early.

Quote from Horka on Twitter

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said he was playing third-string defenders in the third quarter.

"Which is pretty unique for a league game," Malzahn said.

He went on to say Mississippi State is a "solid team" and that he was "impressed with them" immediately thereafter.

 

[Rupert Jenkins]

I wonder what percentage of posters on this site are actually State fans and how many are just trolls? Like maybe fans of other colleges trying to talk trash on here. Ya know....they just have to **** on any positive info whether it be players or coaches. Stats aren't always apples to apples but nobody just gives it away unless they drop into prevent defense or run tons of backups

 

[TheStateUofMS]

I'm sure some 3rd stringers were in there scattered around.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Shut. Up.

 

[blacklistedbully]

Auburn left their starters in until the last 2 series of the game. Malzahn said all week we embarrassed them last year, which telegraphed they wanted this one bad. They did not take their foot off the gas.

Shrader came in and immediately led us down the field to cut the league to 21-6 on his first drive. I think at one point we had a chance to make it a 2 possession game but then ensued to fumble it away or something.

ETA: Fitz never put up good numbers against a good defense. His best game ever was against a depleted Bama defense at home and even then the numbers were good for Fitz, not most QBs who are at least average. Average QBs have some good games every once in a while. Fitz was below average. I think maybe against TAMU last year Fitz may have had a pretty decent game. Maybe that's best game he ever played.

Fitz against last year against Auburn, Florida, Bama, Kentucky and LSU combined stats: 55-119, 496yds, 46%, 4.1yds per attempt , 0 TD, 6 int

Man, that is awful. I can't believe some people actually try and defend Fitz' passing and think he did not hold the offense back.

Wow, did I try to defend Fitz' passing, or did I simply suggest you are making this argument too soon because GS has not faced close to the same schedule? Calm down, dude.

I will admit I did not watch the game. Was at a wake for an old friend when I saw the half-time score flash on a TV. Didn't bother to watch my recording after that. Still, did AU's defense really play with the same aggressiveness even after they were up by 40?

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Sorry if it came off as I was trying to say you were defending Fitz passing. I meant it in a general sense, not directed at you.

Auburn seemed pretty intense the whole game to me. Naturally I'm sure teams will back off some and lose some intensity, but they seemed pretty sharp late in the 2nd half.

You gotta remember too that Shrader is a true freshman and Fitz' numbers were for a RS SR. I think it's pretty obvious Shrader is ahead of Fitz right now.

 

[Dawgtini]

Wow, did I try to defend Fitz' passing, or did I simply suggest you are making this argument too soon because GS has not faced close to the same schedule? Calm down, dude.

I will admit I did not watch the game. Was at a wake for an old friend when I saw the half-time score flash on a TV. Didn't bother to watch my recording after that. Still, did AU's defense really play with the same aggressiveness even after they were up by 40?

Gus pulled out all the stops to get that last TD before the half. They were running their 2 minute offense like they were down 4 and had to have a TD to win. #BuckTheFarn

 

[Philly Dawg]

On top of that, when Auburn lined up and showed blitz, he made decisions and got the ball out and on target. Even some pro

 

[Seinfeld]

I won't lie. I did not think Shrader looked anywhere near ready during the spring game, and then some of his decision making against USM and Kentucky just screamed "freshman". That said, he has already made a crazy amount of progress in just a few weeks, and you could easily tell against Auburn that he was starting to settle in.

There's still a lot of season left to play, and we'll see how he shows out against LSU and Bama, but either way... he's doing things as a true freshman that I'm not sure we've ever seen at MSU before. Not from a kid at that age. There's plenty of reason to be excited about him, and if Malik Heath is the real deal, I'm pretty intrigued about next year's passing game. This is why I think Joe deserves another season to show what this offense can do. After next year, all bets are 100% off

 

[Rupert Jenkins]

Hey state...no thanks.

 

[Rupert Jenkins]

But I was thinking we should be hyping him for the Heisman.*** I think anyone with eyes can see he is the most promising quarterback we have had since Dak. I can't imagine why anyone would expect anything but improvement from him. I hope Mayden stays with us and if so would expect our quarterback situation to be excellent next year. Of course he isnt going to beat Bama or LSU this year. It would be assinine to even think or expect that. But maybe they will play their 3rd string after they are up by 50 and let him get some reps in. They will blow the doors off our rs freshmen on defense

 

[BruceBruce]

When did he actually have the labrum surgery?


He had surgery almost 2 years ago. It was right after his Jr season, he’s fully healed from that. He just has a very unnatural throwing motion, and the ball flutters on him sometimes.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

This topic absolutely requires a really futile and stupid question to be done on somebody’s part. And I’m just the guy to do it.

Shrader and Fitz seem to have similar running stats— but is that similarity something that is especially needed and wanted at this time?

My understanding is that Fitz was criticized for running the ball too much and not running Moorhead’s offense...

Fantastic post, by the way.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Kylin got 17 carries against AU and over 20 vs UK. I remember at times last year our RBs would get 10-15 carries total.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

Kylin got 17 carries against AU and over 20 vs UK. I remember at times last year our RBs would get 10-15 carries total.

That has been nice to see. That was one area I couldn’t understand last year. The running backs are getting more touches which is good. I think Shrader will only help their production as I have said in other posts. Shraders run threat takes some of the heat off of the running backs.

 

[MedDawg]

This topic absolutely requires a really futile and stupid question to be done on somebody’s part. And I’m just the guy to do it.

Shrader and Fitz seem to have similar running stats— but is that similarity something that is especially needed and wanted at this time?

My understanding is that Fitz was criticized for running the ball too much and not running Moorhead’s offense...

Fantastic post, by the way.

+1 for the Animal House reference

 

[shotgunDawg]

You guys are overthinking this in regards to when Auburn took out there starters the other night.

We average 5.8 yards per play against the #1 defense in the country AFTER Shrader took over at Auburn.

Shrader has now had to be an early man out of the bullpen for Stevens 3 times (Which is ridiculous & absurd) & has promptly led the offense to a TD ALL 3 TIMES. The only first drive that Shrader has not led us to a TD is the 1st one vs KY when he started.

It couldn't be more clear fellas. He's super athletic, he's accurate, he's mature, & he's the most decisive, fastest playing(decision making & speed at which he runs the offense) QB that I've ever seen at MSU.

Just start the kid & let's average 35+ points a game vs TN, AR, A&M, & OM. It' ain't rocket science.