Sitkowski's devolopment, from HS to now.

[RU05]

I touched on this in another thread, but, and correct me if I'm wrong, given he played in an option style system at Old bridge, then played very limited at IMG, is part of the issue that he has just has very limited experience throwing the football during game action?

Clearly he can throw the ball. Purely by physique he is a prototype. Even as a freshman he looks like he could handle pro ball. But the numerous intricacies of the position? That's where the issues appear to be.

So is that a big part of the problem here, the lack of on field experience actually throwing the football?

 

[Abro1975]

Reading defenses, finding the second and third WR when the primary target is covered, is where he looks woefully unprepared and not capable yet.

 

[Knightmoves]

We have nobody else who is better than Sit right now. Think about that.

 

[JCKnight]

I touched on this in another thread, but, and correct me if I'm wrong, given he played in an option style system at Old bridge, then played very limited at IMG, is part of the issue that he has just has very limited experience throwing the football during game action?

Clearly he can throw the ball. Purely by physique he is a prototype. Even as a freshman he looks like he could handle pro ball. But the numerous intricacies of the position? That's where the issues appear to be.

So is that a big part of the problem here, the lack of on field experience actually throwing the football?

Yes this is a factor...he just doesn’t have a ton of relevant game experience...which is why he needs to PLAY not sit, no matter how bad he plays now...IF he is the QB of the future

 

[RU05]

Yes this is a factor...he just doesn’t have a ton of relevant game experience...which is why he needs to PLAY not sit, no matter how bad he plays now...IF he is the QB of the future

I was going to include the "next step" in my op, but I thought it better not to convolute the point.

But he might be so early in his development that, given his limited background, inserting him into college football, let alone B1G football, as a true freshman is counter productive.

Now he did get a few games in while still maintaining his RS. So the road thus far might be all for the best, but I don't see how his past dictates that we should rush him through the present. Especially with the results we have seen thus far.

 

[RU05]

We have nobody else who is better than Sit right now. Think about that.

Sitkowski is talented, and we are limited at the position, but I have to think if Gio can play his game, run around, protect the football, make a couple throws, that he is better then a guy who throws a pick once every 10 passes.

 

[REDRICH65]

Redshirt Sit after this game and start Gio the rest of the way.

 

[RUReady76]

Sitkowski is talented, and we are limited at the position, but I have to think if Gio can play his game, run around, protect the football, make a couple throws, that he is better then a guy who throws a pick once every 10 passes.

Where does your short-term strategy leave us at the end of the year? This was to be a learning year for Sit with the expectation for improved play in the next three years. Let the team grow together and keep Sit playing..

 

[APKnight]

Redshirt Sit after this game and start Gio the rest of the way.

That’s what I would do. He is too green right now. He needs to practice hard and learn.

 

[RU05]

Where does your short-term strategy leave us at the end of the year? This was to be a learning year for Sit with the expectation for improved play in the next three years. Let the team grow together and keep Sit playing..

A little experience and a RS might be better then a full season of bad play and the year of eligibility burnt.

Actually I'd say it probably is.

 

[DJ Spanky]

He has successfully developed his ability to complete passes to players wearing a different uniform than his own.

 

[RUSK97]

Redshirt Sit?? And who do we play if Gio goes down. The Oline is so clueless they have no idea where the pass rush is coming from. Gio is gonna get creamed. We’ll need a backup. Lewis has enough arm to launch the ball from the stadium and hit the Barn, but try to have it finesse a ball into a tight space? Fuggedaboutid.

 

[Plum Street]

The guy is a true freshman quarterback and he has crappy talent around him. Not many will succeed in that situation

 

[RU05]

The guy is a true freshman quarterback and he has crappy talent around him. Not many will succeed in that situation

And that is an argument to play him? Or not play him?

 

[Randal7]

Sitkowski throws such golden spirals its easy for the defense to intercept the pass. Doesnt help our guys bc they just cant catch.

The benefit of gio is hes scrappy and throws knucklers which are hard for the defense to grab. And again, doesnt hurt our guys bc they cant catch anyway.

 

[TonyVolt]

We have nobody else who is better than Sit right now. Think about that.

Lewis is better. No doubt in my mind.

 

[RU05]

Redshirt Sit?? And who do we play if Gio goes down. The Oline is so clueless they have no idea where the pass rush is coming from. Gio is gonna get creamed. We’ll need a backup. Lewis has enough arm to launch the ball from the stadium and hit the Barn, but try to have it finesse a ball into a tight space? Fuggedaboutid.

After watching Sitkowski throw 7 picks and 3 pick sixes I'm not going to be too critical of Lewis's accuracy.

So Gio starter, and Lewis backup is fine by me.

Also, once again the O-line was not the issue vs Kansas. At all.

 

[jsol_05]

I touched on this in another thread, but, and correct me if I'm wrong, given he played in an option style system at Old bridge, then played very limited at IMG, is part of the issue that he has just has very limited experience throwing the football during game action?

Clearly he can throw the ball. Purely by physique he is a prototype. Even as a freshman he looks like he could handle pro ball. But the numerous intricacies of the position? That's where the issues appear to be.

So is that a big part of the problem here, the lack of on field experience actually throwing the football?

If that is the case then he should have redshirted

 

[RobertG]

https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article218593490.html

Here is a good example of the inexperience. .take a look at the las screen capture and look at options 3 and 4 at the 21 yard line.. if sit continues through his progressions its a big gainer

 

[Plum Street]

And that is an argument to play him? Or not play him?

Not

 

[NickRU714]

Nothing against Sit (option in HS apperently), Lewis (more run than pass QB), Gio (believe he was a WR for most of HS) and Oden (more run than pass) but....

can we try to recruit a QB who is actually a pass first in HS?
I understand the need for a mobile QB because of the OL but every year it seems to be "well we can't ask the QB to throw the ball yet - he can only run it for the first year. He's not a passing QB yet."

 

[JCKnight]

I was going to include the "next step" in my op, but I thought it better not to convolute the point.

But he might be so early in his development that, given his limited background, inserting him into college football, let alone B1G football, as a true freshman is counter productive.

Now he did get a few games in while still maintaining his RS. So the road thus far might be all for the best, but I don't see how his past dictates that we should rush him through the present. Especially with the results we have seen thus far.

I agree and I said in the spring and summer on this board that sitkowsi should be slowly brought along and redshirted and Gio and Lewis should play this year until RU was out of bowl contention if that were to happen

But since Sitkwoski won the starting job and has been the starter for three games, it would appear to me counterproductive to now sit him the rest of the season...it’s clear he has the tools he just needs the game experience AND a better cast of playmakers around him...

There is the short game and the long game...it makes zero sense for the long term to play gio, he isn’t good enough to get five more wins that sitkowski couldnt...

 

[JCKnight]

Nothing against Sit (option in HS apperently), Lewis (more run than pass QB), Gio (believe he was a WR for most of HS) and Oden (more run than pass) but....

can we try to recruit a QB who is actually a pass first in HS?
I understand the need for a mobile QB because of the OL but every year it seems to be "well we can't ask the QB to throw the ball yet - he can only run it for the first year. He's not a passing QB yet."

That’s the problem with consistently changing OCs and offensive styles, Odin and Lewis were brought in under the premise that there was going to be an offense NOT called a “pro-style”...you want your gun slinger it’s the incoming Cole Snyder but one has to wonder what kind of competition he is really facing in upstate New York putting up his record setting numbers

 

[sherrane]

I touched on this in another thread, but, and correct me if I'm wrong, given he played in an option style system at Old bridge, then played very limited at IMG, is part of the issue that he has just has very limited experience throwing the football during game action?

Clearly he can throw the ball. Purely by physique he is a prototype. Even as a freshman he looks like he could handle pro ball. But the numerous intricacies of the position? That's where the issues appear to be.

So is that a big part of the problem here, the lack of on field experience actually throwing the football?

If that is the case then he should have redshirted

He still can. The redshirt rule was changed this year so that every player can play up to four games and still get redshirted, if the player has a redshirt year available. Sitkowski can still redshirt after playing on Saturday, provided that is his last game action of the season. RU could then play Lewis four games and redshirt him and finish the season playing Gio with Nittolo as backup.

 

[LDandy]

As an outside observer I don't believe that Ash did Sitkowski any favors by keeping him out there as long as he did against Kansas. When the point of diminishing returns is reached you have to pull the plug. That was reached in the 2nd Qtr at Kansas IMO. There's a fine line between letting a young player learn from their mistakes by staying in a game versus allowing them to completely implode on the field. That line was crossed on Saturday.

If I were coaching Rutgers this week against Buffalo I'd give Sitkowski 1 or 2 series in the first half and maybe 1-2 in the second. I'd then hand him a head set and clipboard and tell him to watch and listen for the rest of the season. My offense would consist of J. Lewis handing the ball off, running the football, and directing a basic passing scheme with 1-2 reads on every play. You can't have a statue standing in the pocket when you have a suspect OL. Get the ball out quick and if your read isn't there tuck it and run.

It was painfully obvious to anyone except those with the most scarlet colored glasses that a kid who barely played QB in HS would suddenly be ready to be a legit FBS Level player. Recent College Football is littered with any number of kids who look good throwing the ball in a t-shirt and shorts but couldn't run a college level offense to save their life. Some of these kids like Tom Savage eventually come around and develop into players over a number of difficult years. Others like Max Browne, Rob Bolden or Ricky Towns look great in a uniform but can't play QB to save their lives.

The question is does Rutgers keep throwing this kid to the wolves and watch him flounder, or do they ease off and allow him to actually learn how to play quarterback? He clearly has tools, but there is a tipping point coming where you can completely ruin a kid. It hasn't been reached yet. I hope it doesn't.

 

[RU#1fan]

Sit stays locked on one Receiver.... and his waiting too long to pass it gives the Defenders able time to step in front for a pick. They know exactly where he is throwing the ball.
Also the happy feet must stop.

 

[dvb91]

Agree with above. After the 2nd pick 6, it was time to protect Sit's psyche & rest him. I don't think he is truly ready, especially when those around him don't have an edge over their opponents. I can see him get a few series to get used to to speed of the game, but he is starting to play scared & not making decisions as quickly as he needs to (i.e. hesitation & doubt). No need to redshirt, as he needs the experience, but no need to further scar him.

 

[MYHATINTHERING]

Kid is going to have growing pains, one must accept this. It's up to the coaches to put him in a position to develop, nurture and grow his abilities. That simply didn't happen.

Now based on what Sit has said and how he conducts himself, he's a pretty tough kid. He'll be fine, just needs to grow.

I would have Gio start from day one and work Sit in during games for experience

 

[RU05]

Sit stays locked on one Receiver.... and his waiting too long to pass it gives the Defenders able time to step in front for a pick. They know exactly where he is throwing the ball.
Also the happy feet must stop.

Aren't the happy feet by design? I feel it's a bad practice my self, but I'm betting he has been coached to keep them feet moving.

 

[Rokodesh]

Redshirt Sit?? And who do we play if Gio goes down. The Oline is so clueless they have no idea where the pass rush is coming from. Gio is gonna get creamed. We’ll need a backup. Lewis has enough arm to launch the ball from the stadium and hit the Barn, but try to have it finesse a ball into a tight space? Fuggedaboutid.

I doubt Lewis or any other QB is going to average 3 picks a game if given the opportunity. Lewis can use his legs to move the chains, Sit is trying too hard right now. You wouldn’t leave a goalie in who gives up 8 goals, and say it’s great for his experience. He’d be a nervous wreck after the game.

 

[MADHAT1]

Remember Sit couldn't hold on to the starting job at IMG.
He needs to redshirt and learn how to use his talent properly .
Just his play in the last 3 games show that.
His stats against Tex St look good, but the 3 ints are an indication of not being ready for prime time play and need more work before being put in as the starter
OSU and Kansas stats prove that out.

 

[DJ Spanky]

His stats against Tex St look good, but the 3 ints are an indication of not being ready for prime time play and need more work before being put in as the starter

Except he threw 3 INT's (including a Pick 6) against a defense that didn't register a single INT in 2017.

Edit: and so far, Texas State has not registered any INT's outside of their game against us.

 

[REDRICH65]

Sit will get killed in the B1G schedule, both performance wise and physically. We don't need a repeat of the Tom Savage debacle. We need to keep the kid here.

 

[newwavedave1]

Reading defenses, finding the second and third WR when the primary target is covered, is where he looks woefully unprepared and not capable yet.

As usual, you have hit the nail on the head.

 

[hiwater]

We have nobody else who is better than Sit right now. Think about that.

We don't know that do we. Either of the other 2 QB's would have likely done very well passing if they played in the Texas State game. I know one of them played, but he only was allowed to hand the ball off. Gio looked better against both Ohio State and Kansas. I would bet he would be much better had he received 1st team reps during the week. 2nd and 3rd team QB's get almost no snaps during the season.

 

[hiwater]

Yes this is a factor...he just doesn’t have a ton of relevant game experience...which is why he needs to PLAY not sit, no matter how bad he plays now...IF he is the QB of the future

Playing him right now when the game is moving too fast for him will hurt his development. Constant failure shell shocks or beats down most players. It cann't be good for him to throw him to the wolves. Get him spot expirience here and there with a series or 2 a game.

 

[RU848789]

We have nobody else who is better than Sit right now. Think about that.

Maybe not in practice where they don't get hit, but in real life, it's unimaginable that anyone could play worse than AS did at Kansas and he wasn't much better against OSU; he was decent against a bad TS team. If I thought this was something he'd "play through" I'd be all for him starting, but I'm very afraid he's so shell shocked that he won't recover this season and I'd much rather have Gio or Lewis (or Chatman) than a shellshocked, completely incompetent AS.

By the way, have we announced who's starting at QB yet?

 

[RUChoppin]

https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article218593490.html

Here is a good example of the inexperience. .take a look at the las screen capture and look at options 3 and 4 at the 21 yard line.. if sit continues through his progressions its a big gainer

This was a great read, and a good breakdown of how an inexperienced QB can get in trouble against a more experienced defensive unit.

 

[miketd1]

According to the presser, McNulty’s offense appears to require the QB to read the safety rotation and pick a side to throw to accordingly. For example, vs Cover 1/3, read Z, Y, T on the right. Vs Cover 2/4, read W, X on left.

I’m no QB, so I don’t know how complicated that is, but there are definitely passing systems out there that are simpler. For example, half field reads and two man, max protected routes.

McNulty’s system looks like a QB’s dream with an answer built-in for everything. But right now, it might be better to just dig deep in Art’s HS tape and install whatever he was comfortable running in the past.

That’s how Doug Pederson brought a SB trophy to Philly. He didn’t force Foles to run Wentz’ offense. He forced the rest of the roster to dust off Chip Kelly’s playbook because that’s what Foles had proven he had competency in (27TDs, 2INTs one year).

 

[DJ Spanky]

McNulty’s system looks like a QB’s dream with an answer built-in for everything. But right now, it might be better to just dig deep in Art’s HS tape and install whatever he was comfortable running in the past.

Or run it with a QB who's a quick study and has already learned multiple systems.