Jennings vs. Davis: UL's QB battle is on

[Ragin' Caleb]

This was the problem we had when we started using Blaine G in the wildcat. We never let him throw so everybody knew we had a whole 3 plays designed for him, all runs and it was never really effective. Nixon would still need to have passing plays in short yardage situations in order to maximize his usefulness.

Just have a few short yardage low risk passes in the packages

[zephyr]

If we put in Nixon on goal line situations, and he throws the ball, I am going to curse, loudly.

I won't

[zephyr]

Just have a few short yardage low risk passes in the packages

Jalen can throw the ball. Like many people stated last year, I don't think he was used in the best way. A guy like that is meant to be rolling out on bootlegs and playaction to utilize his abilities. While I would think most of his passing opportunities would be shorter passes, it wouldn't be a bad idea on a 2nd and 2 to playaction over the top to Jared Johnson IMO.

[CrazyCajun]

You can't have jalen run everytime in short yardage and the starter has to also not just pass in those situations...they need to run short yardage as well. Can't be predictable about it.

[RaginScotsman]

This was the problem we had when we started using Blaine G in the wildcat. We never let him throw so everybody knew we had a whole 3 plays designed for him, all runs and it was never really effective. Nixon would still need to have passing plays in short yardage situations in order to maximize his usefulness.

As long as we keep it simple and give Nixon some easy throws. Fade to Johnson. Swing to Eli. Roll out with an option to pitch/shovel to Eli, throw to Riles running at the goal line, or just keep it and run it in. Easier said than done, but there are plenty of safe(r) pass options that Nixon could run to mix it up.

Speaking of Blaine, I was really hoping Nixon or Davis could step up last year and do what Blaine did in 2011 when Mason went down. He was a warrior that season after having some ups and downs in his fill in duties in 2010. I remember he almost won a game against FAU in 10'. We went for the win instead of the tie at the end of the game and the Cajuns failed to convert the 2 point try.

Can Jennings, Davis or Nixon be 2016's Blaine Gautier?

[CajunNation]

I won't

I'm thinking Pick 6.

Both Davis and Jennings are very good runners. An option play works just as well as a QB draw. How many times we watched Broadway tuck it and run for the TD on the goal line?

There is no need for a goal line package for Nixon. The top 2 QBs are more than capable. If you need Nixon for his bulk and strength, there is a spot for him 3 feet behind the QB.

[CajunNation]

You can't have jalen run everytime in short yardage and the starter has to also not just pass in those situations...they need to run short yardage as well. Can't be predictable about it.

Or you could just stick with your top 2 QBs who are excellent dual threat guys.

See above post.

[CrazyCajun]

Or you could just stick with your top 2 QBs who are excellent dual threat guys.

See above post.

If only I was the head coach...but I'm not. We are discussing this based on what the head coach keeps saying that jalen will be used in short yardage.

[Just1More]

I'm thinking Pick 6.

Both Davis and Jennings are very good runners. An option play works just as well as a QB draw. How many times we watched Broadway tuck it and run for the TD on the goal line?

There is no need for a goal line package for Nixon. The top 2 QBs are more than capable. If you need Nixon for his bulk and strength, there is a spot for him 3 feet behind the QB.

I'm willing to see how this Nixon short yardage concept goes through Boise State and McNeese State. If it doesn't produce... we scrap it. It has to have some flexibility, including pass options, to work. But I imagine what they'll try to get Nixon to do is draw defenses offsides, look for very specific defensive sets to just barrel in behind his blocking, crash through a seam, or even roll out and throw. I don't want him coming right off the sidelines and throwing to the flats... but there's got to be medium to low risk passes he can read and complete based on the defense. He may be a much more effective throwing QB when he's been given far fewer options to think about and execute.

[Cajun Soldier]

I think Nixon was kept at QB as an experienced back up to Davis before the Jennings thing happen now it too late to switch position. He is a Sr. leader on the team he will get a couple of carries but nothing to worry about. Its easier to give lip service and hold that insurance policy than let him walk as a Sr with no experience behind Jennings. JMO

[CrappDaddy]

Or you could just stick with your top 2 QBs who are excellent dual threat guys.

See above post.

It's 4th and 1, the game is on the line. Which QB do you want plowing ahead for that 1 yard?

[sportsfanatic21]

I think Nixon was kept at QB as an experienced back up to Davis before the Jennings thing happen now it too late to switch position. He is a Sr. leader on the team he will get a couple of carries but nothing to worry about. Its easier to give lip service and hold that insurance policy than let him walk as a Sr with no experience behind Jennings. JMO

Exactly what I was thinking. We had Davis and Weaver. And now Davis and Jennings. If one of those guys goes down (which happens almost every year), I think Hud wants to have another QB available to be the back up to the back up.

And Hud will give Nixon a package of plays because the guy was the starting QB most of the season last year and is a Senior. And he may not be worth a damn as a running back, who knows? So 3rd QB is what he is.

That said, I would bet that if Jennings or Davis is playing well, we won't see much of the Nixon short yardage package.