Is it too early...

[hoosboot]

I am very chill. So much so I don’t want anybody ruining the mood with a bunch of negativity.

It's not negativity to note that Indiana's wide receivers have shown much more than ours have so far in their careers. Glad to have more talent in the QB group, but I'm struggling to see how the 2nd best quarterback from a program people are crowing is beneath ours is the difference between a one-win B1G season and the West Division title. We need to improve in a ton more ways to make that leap. I hope we make the jump, but it might be a little early to make those plans.

 

[EvanstonCat]

What comes first, the chicken or the egg? The root cause for last year was our QB play, not our WRs. Ramsey will have plenty of good targets to throw to next year and I predict we’ll have more wins next year than he ever had in any single season at Indiana.

No, it was our OC and QB coach.

 

[corbi2961]

It's not negativity to note that Indiana's wide receivers have shown much more than ours have so far in their careers. Glad to have more talent in the QB group, but I'm struggling to see how the 2nd best quarterback from a program people are crowing is beneath ours is the difference between a one-win B1G season and the West Division title. We need to improve in a ton more ways to make that leap. I hope we make the jump, but it might be a little early to make those plans.

Like I said, our WRs were not the problem last year. As a group I thought they were as good a WR group as we've had at NU in a while when healthy. They are not dissimilar from most position groups at NU. Solid talent and depth but lacking the gamebreakinig superstar player. The problem at NU last year was atrocious QB play along with continued subpar play on the OL. I fundamentally believe Ramsey was not playing with superior talent during his career at IU and the record of the programs over the last ten years supports that view. Indiana has one good year and all of a sudden you guys think they are loaded with talent? If that were the case, then I assume you guys believe Fitz and his staff are the best coaches in the country because their record over the last 5-6 years is pretty damn good.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Like I said, our WRs were not the problem last year. As a group I thought they were as good a WR group as we've had at NU in a while when healthy. They are not dissimilar from most position groups at NU. Solid talent and depth but lacking the gamebreakinig superstar player. The problem at NU last year was atrocious QB play along with continued subpar play on the OL. I fundamentally believe Ramsey was not playing with superior talent during his career at IU and the record of the programs over the last ten years supports that view. Indiana has one good year and all of a sudden you guys think they are loaded with talent? If that were the case, then I assume you guys believe Fitz and his staff are the best coaches in the country because their record over the last 5-6 years is pretty damn good.

i like Peyton’s chance of success with NU’s new OC much better than with the former OC. Pretty much the entire skill set weapons return. The play calling will be less predictable. It sets up for Peyton to succeed.

 

[corbi2961]

i like Peyton’s chance of success with NU’s new OC much better than with the former OC. Pretty much the entire skill set weapons return. The play calling will be less predictable. It sets up for Peyton to succeed.

Folks should read the story about Ramsey's transfer that Lou just linked. Tom Allen told Ramsey that he was IUs starter for next year! So Indiana's starting QB just decided to transfer to NU after our abysmal season rather than stay at IU as the starter despite the supposed superior supporting cast he had at IU. Why would he do that? Perhaps because Fitz and NU's football program are much more highly regarded than our fans give them credit for. Some of our more critical, fair weather fans should take note!

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Folks should read the story about Ramsey's transfer that Lou just linked. Tom Allen told Ramsey that he was IUs starter for next year! So Indiana's starting QB just decided to transfer to NU after our abysmal season rather than stay at IU as the starter despite the supposed superior supporting cast he had at IU. Why would he do that? Perhaps because Fitz and NU's football program are much more highly regarded than our fans give them credit for. Some of our more critical, fair weather fans should take note!

Because he’s wanted to be at NU since high school and now he had his shot.

 

[DaCat]

Because he’s wanted to be at NU since high school and now he had his shot.

So yeah, basically what @corbi296 said.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Folks should read the story about Ramsey's transfer that Lou just linked. Tom Allen told Ramsey that he was IUs starter for next year! So Indiana's starting QB just decided to transfer to NU after our abysmal season rather than stay at IU as the starter despite the supposed superior supporting cast he had at IU. Why would he do that? Perhaps because Fitz and NU's football program are much more highly regarded than our fans give them credit for. Some of our more critical, fair weather fans should take note!

If you are referencing me, I did read the story. I also have serious doubts that Peyton would be Indiana’s starting QB. Pennix is very good and Allen will tell Peyton fibs to get him to stay. Having said all that, I feel this is a great pick up for the Cats. Peyton is a quality player.

I also agree that NU’s program and especially Fitz is held in high regard by many people. I also feel that NU’s offense was stale, predictable, no fun, and ineffective for the last few seasons. This an offense that I feel would not have been appealing to a quality transfer QB like Peyton. It’s an opinion and nothing more.

 

[cedricmelons]

Because he’s wanted to be at NU since high school and now he had his shot.

Yes, but I bet PR also though Tom Allen was full of crap. Allen seems enamored with Penix and his potential. Too bad he can't stay on the field to fulfill it.

 

[runawayCat]

I believe PR didn’t just come to Evanston for the steak dinner (Pete Miller’s?). Both sides of the equation are smart, did their respective due diligence and found that the situation benefitted the program and PR’s goals.

I agree that some stale offensive play approach, leaning on a 4 year starter and lack of proper QB recruiting/development put us in the bind we are getting out of now. Carry on.

 

[corbi2961]

If you are referencing me, I did read the story. I also have serious doubts that Peyton would be Indiana’s starting QB. Pennix is very good and Allen will tell Peyton fibs to get him to stay. Having said all that, I feel this is a great pick up for the Cats. Peyton is a quality player.

I also agree that NU’s program and especially Fitz is held in high regard by many people. I also feel that NU’s offense was stale, predictable, no fun, and ineffective for the last few seasons. This an offense that I feel would not have been appealing to a quality transfer QB like Peyton. It’s an opinion and nothing more.

I was not referencing you or anyone in particular. A general statement about those who are acting like last year was the norm as opposed to the anomaly for NU football when you look at the evolution of the program under Fitz’s leadership.

As far as the rest, I don’t know Tom Allen so I can’t really say if he would lie to Peyton but I doubt Peyton would relay that anecdote unless he thought Allen was being genuine. I have to take that at face value and feel that’s a pretty impressive endorsement of NU and Fitz from Ramsey.

 

[EvanstonCat]

I was not referencing you or anyone in particular. A general statement about those who are acting like last year was the norm as opposed to the anomaly for NU football when you look at the evolution of the program under Fitz’s leadership.

As far as the rest, I don’t know Tom Allen so I can’t really say if he would lie to Peyton but I doubt Peyton would relay that anecdote unless he thought Allen was being genuine. I have to take that at face value and feel that’s a pretty impressive endorsement of NU and Fitz from Ramsey.

Also, based on his performance (B1G Honorable Mention in just half a season), he earned the start. Can’t see how you would start Penix over him - at least make the kid beat him during the spring and summer.

 

[DaCat]

A general statement about those who are acting like last year was the norm as opposed to the anomaly for NU football when you look at the evolution of the program under Fitz’s leadership.

Agreed. Some people have really short memories. Last year was an anomaly in my opinion, and all those bowl wins and the stellar play in the B1G in recent years were no accident. With a proven veteran QB taking the reins of a revamped offense, we will be back in contention this year.