re: Saban QB quote from 2003

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In 2003, Matt Mauck led the SEC in passing efficiency. He passed for 2,825 yards, 28 TD passes, with 14 interceptions. He had two 300 yard passing games. With one regular season game left, Anhony Jennings has passed for 1,353 yds and 9 TD'S with 6 interceptions. Nick Saban would not approve.

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Jimbo and Mauck delivered the ball to the skill players regularly and consistently. I would bet that Mauck's passing yards are 50-75% after the catch.

Everything is related…..
"Jimbo and Mauck delivered the ball to the skill players regularly and consistently." depends on:
1. receivers running good routes (i.e. coaching, recruiting, retention, development)
2. OL blockig (i.e. coaching, recruiting, retention, development)
3. RB's running routes/blocking/etc. (i.e. coaching, recruiting, retention, development)
4. and the list goes on and on and on……..

There is a difference between being a competent and effective QB, which is what Saban was referring to as compared to a QB that's play adversely affects his team's chances, which is what has happened.

Actually, as much as LSU fans want to harp on Harris' game against Auburn, LSU wasn't winning that game with competent QB play because their defense was atrocious that day.

Fast forward to Arkansas and the QB and offense actually DID cost LSU the game despite good defensive play. Arkansas had only 17 points all game, while Auburn had 24 in the first quarter 15:33 of the game.

AJ should not be held responsible for bad play calling, bad scheme, etc. These things would make any QB look bad.

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AJ should not be held responsible for bad play calling, bad scheme, etc. These things would make any QB look bad.

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One can argue that AJ's limitations are the reason for the poor scheme and play calling. You can watch that video of practice in which the QBs were throwing slants to the receivers. Jennings had the hardest time completing those slants, and you can hear Coach Cameron yelling something to the tune of, "If you don't get it together, we're going to be running a 1950s offense this season!" Low and behold... I'm not saying this to exonerate Cam/Miles as I think they should scheme around what we currently have at QB.

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Remember what Saban said about our QB in 2003, "We don't need him to win the game, we just need him to NOT lose the game." I understand the QB position can be the most important position on the field (if the coaches want it that way), but I think we sometimes make too much of the QB position. Yes, it would be great to have an amazing NFL caliber athlete at every position, but that is probably not realistic.

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This is probably true, but to think you can win anything prominent when your qb is throwing for 87 yds in a game with 22 qb rating is probably not realistic either.

Stewpid