Noticed this about Mikey yesterday

[Willie Knightime]

The kid has that look in his eyes. Determination! It reminds me of McKenzie. I noticed I was very relaxed and confident in Mikey the rest of the way after noticing that look.

He's calm, focused, and confident. Didn't feel this way about him last season. You can definitely tell he's grown from a freshman to a sophomore. I have no worries with Mikey behind center!

 

[Knight_Light]

Kid has confidence and COOL.

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

Lets hope the damage isn’t repairable. Choosing JRP seemed to be a mistake. Still only a small sample size but passing is better and he can real off 11 yard runs in occasion.

 

[Poolside Knight]

the biggest thing for me is how he responded after the bad interception. once he did that it felt comfortable with him at QB. He has won me over. Also it is hard to make comments about locker room dynamics and personalities without a true source …but JRP seems like the loud ‘look at me’ guy while Keene is calm and stays level

it definitely makes me question Gus’s judgement ..this isn’t the first time he has made a bad decision at QB . And the Tulane game puts him in a very tough spot

 

[Central Floridave]

 

[Yaes]

the biggest thing for me is how he responded after the bad interception. once he did that it felt comfortable with him at QB. He has won me over. Also it is hard to make comments about locker room dynamics and personalities without a true source …but JRP seems like the loud ‘look at me’ guy while Keene is calm and stays level

it definitely makes me question Gus’s judgement ..this isn’t the first time he has made a bad decision at QB . And the Tulane game puts him in a very tough spot

Amen, Brother!

 

[KnightVision82]

Reality at this point in the season is that our weakest positions remain at QB and LB. Mikey didn't run well for us yesterday and Memphis run gains showed our weakness at LB.

JRP opens up the running game but isn't as accurate of a passer. I was hoping that Mikey would do better at some short running gains but it wasn't there at all yesterday.

We have one LB who is a difference maker and need 3 or 4 quality LBs who are.

I just don't see us winning all the remaining games this season and championship game this year unless we get a lot of breaks on both sides of the ball. Just not enough there this year to run the table from this point forward.

Great group of players but final season record is either:
>>> 9-3 plus bowl game win for 10 wins OR
>>> Make it into championship game with 10 wins and then losing that game with bowl-game a toss-up.

 

[Guinness_Knight]

I don’t think our QB situation is at the top of the list. I’d say front 4 defense pass rush and db pass def fundamentals are the biggest areas of concern.

 

[PhDee]

Reality at this point in the season is that our weakest positions remain at QB and LB. Mikey didn't run well for us yesterday and Memphis run gains showed our weakness at LB.

JRP opens up the running game but isn't as accurate of a passer. I was hoping that Mikey would do better at some short running gains but it wasn't there at all yesterday.

We have one LB who is a difference maker and need 3 or 4 quality LBs who are.

I just don't see us winning all the remaining games this season and championship game this year unless we get a lot of breaks on both sides of the ball. Just not enough there this year to run the table from this point forward.

Great group of players but final season record is either:
>>> 9-3 plus bowl game win for 10 wins OR
>>> Make it into championship game with 10 wins and then losing that game with bowl-game a toss-up.

I don't see a weakness at QB.

We have a sophomore who has thrown for 76% completion percentage, 3 TDs, and 1 INT over his first 2 games against good opponents. I think QB is a strength

 

[Wings0fred]

Let’s hope the damage isn’t repairable. Choosing JRP seemed to be a mistake. Still only a small sample size but passing is better and he can real off 11 yard runs in occasion.

In my view, JRP was the better choice early on when the Oline could block at all and Keene is the better choice going forward given how they’ve settled in.

 

[CBlackwellRN]

the biggest thing for me is how he responded after the bad interception. once he did that it felt comfortable with him at QB. He has won me over. Also it is hard to make comments about locker room dynamics and personalities without a true source …but JRP seems like the loud ‘look at me’ guy while Keene is calm and stays level

it definitely makes me question Gus’s judgement ..this isn’t the first time he has made a bad decision at QB . And the Tulane game puts him in a very tough spot

I thought the same— Was worried he wouldn’t shake off the INT; but Mikey did great.

 

[HammerB08]

Can only appear in 2 more games without burning the redshirt. What is the gameplan here? He's got to start the Tulane game at this point - the offense is working better with him in and JRP's style of play is one you definitely slow walk back after a head injury.

 

[jtGoldenKnights]

The entire offense is more dynamic with Keene. It's no surprise Harvey had a monster game when you have a passing attack. Gus better not march JRP out next week.

 

[PositYourself]

I wanna know where all the Keene haters went.

 

[muckdawg24]

I did see a few times where Mikey could have tucked and run to get a few first downs. Maybe he'll work on that this week for Tulane. I mean it's 5/6 yards. Ain't looking to break one wide open. Just keeping the defense honest.

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

I did see a few times where Mikey could have tucked and run to get a few first downs. Maybe he'll work on that this week for Tulane. I mean it's 5/6 yards. Ain't looking to break one wide open. Just keeping the defense honest.

He ran a couple times for first downs.

 

[PhDee]

Can only appear in 2 more games without burning the redshirt. What is the gameplan here? He's got to start the Tulane game at this point - the offense is working better with him in and JRP's style of play is one you definitely slow walk back after a head injury.

Gus calls Mikey into his office and gives him a firm handshake, they take a seat.

Gus tells Mikey that the coaching staff, players, and fans want to continue to see the type of success we have when he is at QB.

Gus asks, will you be out QB1 going forward this year?

Mikey gives his answer.

Both exchange a firm handshake, and Mikey leaves the room.

 

[PhDee]

I wanna know where all the Keene haters went.

All I hear are crickets from the JRP fanatics.

 

[muckdawg24]

MK should start against Tulane even if JRP is ready to go. If MK plays poorly, then pull him.

 

[Central Floridave]

"Can only appear in 2 more games without burning the redshirt."

@Tulane, Navy, @usf, AAC Champ game, Bowl Game.

Possible 5 games left, 4 worse case.

JRP will have to come back and play an entire game if that is true to be 'strategic on protecting redshirts'.

But, the way he runs probably will get hurt again. I think we noticed that early on in the season that JRP can't run like he does and not get hurt.

Who's redshirt do you burn? Keene or TC? It's good we have potent options. We don't know the agreements the Coach and the Qb has. I'm also glad we have a pretty good head coach to make these decisions.

In Gus We Trust...

 

[PhDee]

"Can only appear in 2 more games without burning the redshirt."

@Tulane, Navy, @usf, AAC Champ game, Bowl Game.

Possible 5 games left, 4 worse case.

JRP will have to come back and play an entire game if that is true to be 'strategic on protecting redshirts'.

But, the way he runs probably will get hurt again. I think we noticed that early on in the season that JRP can't run like he does and not get hurt.

Who's redshirt do you burn? Keene or TC? It's good we have potent options. We don't know the agreements the Coach and the Qb has. I'm also glad we have a pretty good head coach to make these decisions.

In Gus We Trust...

I utterly do not trust Gus with our QB.

The best completion percentage starting QB in the country, the Fresno QB, is throwing 74%. Gus is benching the #1 completion passer in the country? Keene is throwing 76%. Obviously it's a small sample size, but I am pissed. Why are we benching someone who puts up THE TOP passing stats in the FBS????

If Keene plays the way he has been against Louisville, we win. ECU is a lot closer.

 

[muckdawg24]

Agree, I don't care what JRP brings to the table, right now he DOES not give us the best chance to win. I don't see an upside to burn TC's redshirt, if anybody let's burn MK, he already knows the offense and Then TC can compete for the starting job next year.

 

[Guinness_Knight]

Yep. Mikey is the hot hand and should start now and compete with TC next season for the starting spot. There's no doubt JRP is a great athlete. The offense just doesn't seem to flow consistently when JRP is in command of it.

 

[Yaes]

Gus calls Mikey into his office and gives him a firm handshake, they take a seat.

Gus tells Mikey that the coaching staff, players, and fans want to continue to see the type of success we have when he is at QB.

Gus asks, will you be out QB1 going forward this year?

Mikey gives his answer.

Both exchange a firm handshake, and Mikey leaves the room.

 

[Knight59]

MK should start against Tulane even if JRP is ready to go. If MK plays poorly, then pull him.

We need to score early in the game to put Tulane under pressure from the start. A balanced offensive attack will keep their D more honest than a run heavy attack would. So start Mikey and let him try a couple downfield shots right away. Some slants across the middle and more throws to our tight ends with break it open more as well.

 

[muckdawg24]

I don't know why we don't do more quick slants. Let our skill players make a move. Unless the box is heavy and they clog up the middle the last few games but I haven't seen it.

 

[PositYourself]

Most of you should be kissing @AuburnLegacy_1 's ring for being the only one on here who wanted Keene to start at the beginning of the season. Ya'll thought he was nuts. Now you're all about some Keene. Shame on you for not giving props.

Nice call @AuburnLegacy_1

 

[Yaes]

Most of you should be kissing @AuburnLegacy_1 's ring for being the only one on here who wanted Keene to start at the beginning of the season. Ya'll thought he was nuts. Now you're all about some Keene. Shame on you for not giving props.

Nice call @AuburnLegacy_1

More that willing to give @AuburnLegacy_1 credit for wanting Mikey to start the season but he was by far not the only one.

 

[akahotsizzle]

I am very pleased with him. Loved his HS tape, just thought he was still a "kid" physically. Came from a tremendous program and was an academic stud as well. Just checked a ton of boxes coming out of HS but as I said, still a kid physically last year. He's still on the smaller side but he makes up for it. Honestly, I haven't seen back-to-back TD throws like the Kobe and Baker throws look so pretty in a very long time. I have been eager to see him throw since he added some mass in the off-season. His power is better than last year but I'm comfortable saying he still cannot put tons of zip on a ball, yet. That said, his timing and accuracy have been there.

It was either someone here or on Twitter that said it best when comparing JRP and MK; JRP is a playmaker, whereas MK is one to put the ball into our playmakers' hands. And I think that's a pretty good way to sum up their opposing styles.

I know he can scramble when there's space but he's a mere mortal when chased down. JRP can scurry away and make something out of nothing whereas MK is likely taking a sack. And I am totally fine with that so long as he continues to make the throws.

Mentally I agree, he reminds me of a maturing KZ. I love this aspect of him.

Just think about this kid's last three games;
vs UF - win
vs UC - win
vs Memphis - win

All three, to me, were must-win, big-pressure games. All he's done is put the ball in his teammates' hands, and win.

Bottom line, he needs to keep playing until he proves otherwise.

 

[Chargeon2020]

I am very pleased with him. Loved his HS tape, just thought he was still a "kid" physically. Came from a tremendous program and was an academic stud as well. Just checked a ton of boxes coming out of HS but as I said, still a kid physically last year. He's still on the smaller side but he makes up for it. Honestly, I haven't seen back-to-back TD throws like the Kobe and Baker throws look so pretty in a very long time. I have been eager to see him throw since he added some mass in the off-season. His power is better than last year but I'm comfortable saying he still cannot put tons of zip on a ball, yet. That said, his timing and accuracy have been there.

It was either someone here or on Twitter that said it best when comparing JRP and MK; JRP is a playmaker, whereas MK is one to put the ball into our playmakers' hands. And I think that's a pretty good way to sum up their opposing styles.

I know he can scramble when there's space but he's a mere mortal when chased down. JRP can scurry away and make something out of nothing whereas MK is likely taking a sack. And I am totally fine with that so long as he continues to make the throws.

Mentally I agree, he reminds me of a maturing KZ. I love this aspect of him.

Just think about this kid's last three games;
vs UF - win
vs UC - win
vs Memphis - win

All three, to me, were must-win, big-pressure games. All he's done is put the ball in his teammates' hands, and win.

Bottom line, he needs to keep playing until he proves otherwise.

Agreed. JRP might get the nod if there was less talent at WR and RB because he would be needed to make plays by himself. All we need the QB to do is get the ball to the right people. I also understand that both are young in their own way (age and experience).

 

[KnightLife1]

I wanna know where all the Keene haters went.

In two years of playing them, the highly revered DG went 0-4 against Cincy and Memphis, excuses be damned. So far, Keene is 3-1 against them, with that one loss being against a Cincy team that makes the CFP. Merely an observation.

My general QB analysis: A nice deep ball capability is good to have but I don't care about your deep ball IF you can't remain composed AND drive us to the house when the game is on the line. Only one in 15 passes is a deep ball, (30+ yards in the air), and half of those are incomplete.

Some may criticize Keene's arm strength (whether right or wrong in their assessment) but he has shown a solid ability to maintain his composure and lead sustained drives down field.

Just win baby! And that's what Mikey has been doing against teams we couldn't defeat for two years before he stepped in.

 

[sk8knight]

I think we’ve got a QB room full of really good young men who care about each other and the team. With JRP, I can’t help but be reminded of GOL saying that you don’t QBs look out there and see “a bunch of spiders skittering around.” Then the switch flips and everything slows down and they become a real QB. I think the game is slower for MK and that’s why he makes the plays he does and has the confidence that he has.

Gus has some decisions to make; for the rest of this season and for next season. Gus seems like a good man that takes this stuff to heart. He’s going to put a lot of thought into the decision and, however it turns out, he’s going to make the decisions that he makes for the right reasons.

 

[hemightbejeremy]

Reality at this point in the season is that our weakest positions remain at QB and LB. Mikey didn't run well for us yesterday and Memphis run gains showed our weakness at LB.

JRP opens up the running game but isn't as accurate of a passer. I was hoping that Mikey would do better at some short running gains but it wasn't there at all yesterday.

We have one LB who is a difference maker and need 3 or 4 quality LBs who are.

I just don't see us winning all the remaining games this season and championship game this year unless we get a lot of breaks on both sides of the ball. Just not enough there this year to run the table from this point forward.

Great group of players but final season record is either:
>>> 9-3 plus bowl game win for 10 wins OR
>>> Make it into championship game with 10 wins and then losing that game with bowl-game a toss-up.

If the play we saw from Keene continues, I’m not sure how you think QB is a weakness. His QBR would rank top 10 in the country if he had enough qualifying games. It’s a 2 game sample, but it certainly isn’t evidence of a weakness. Rather the contrary.

 

[Poolside Knight]

 

[Shark19]

Whoever goes out Saturday should be on a short leash…..this is a make or break game and we can’t afford for the starter to go through the whole game struggling.