I don't like the way the offense looked it this game. Looked too much like the offense under JJ, HOWEVER, it is very possible that they did that because of AJs inexperience and to assume that the offense will look like this next year is delusional and crazy. We have no idea what AJ will look like next season or what the offense will look like next season. I think under the circumstances of starting a true freshman, getting the win by running it down their throat was probably the safest and best move they could make. It is clear to me he is not yet ready to do what Mett did. Like I said, that doesn't mean he can't, it just means he's not ready yet. Let him get an offseason under Cam and let's see what happens.
It's also important to remember that Iowa had a pretty highly-ranked defense coming into the game (7th nationally in total defense). Their defense was a hell of a lot better than that of UGA, Auburn, Ole Miss, etc. This wasn't some cupcake like UAB.
Most forget that it took him a whole year to get there... he had his best game last year at bama and if not for the overthrown passes in that game, we win... remember what he did against the gators... i don't think he threw for 100 yds in that game... he stared down receivers, overthrew passes all year and lacked pocket awareness most of 2012... hell, he overthrew a wide open player in the chicken bowl on 2nd and 2 which would've iced the game... that was game 13... what most are saying is, don't judge a true freshman qb in his first start in a college game (a bowl game)...
It would be nice just to be able to say a certain player needs a lot of work and not get flamed for it. Jennings needs a lot of work. He looked very "green" for a kid that has has a year under Cam. Anyway, I hope and trust the coaches get him up to speed in the off-season. Geaux Tigers
How are Jennings and Jefferson anything alike? Mechanics? No. Pocket awareness? No. Speed? No. Arm strength? No. They are nothing alike. They play two different games at two different levels. Today Jennings is more similar to Marcus Randall, if you have even been a fan long enough to remember him. He played 2002 to 2004. He was serviceable, but never very good. Jennings is as good as Randall ever was, but has a much higher ceiling.
Jennings was good enough to beat Iowa in his 1st game. Let's hope he's good enough to beat Wisconsin in his 2nd game. He has an entire offseason and fall camp to get ready. We'll be fine.
After re-watching the game and looking at it without the emotion of live action, I agree that the right thing was done with this young man. We did not give him anything overly complex and he managed fine. The up side is he (Jennings) got to see where he is in a real game without the demoralizing damage of a L or injury. All good learning tools and motivation for him to improve. Yes he was holding the ball to long, but I think his mentality is to pass first then run. I think the game was a little quicker than he expected and this caused some second thoughts on his part resulting in "deer in the headlight syndrome". As the game slows down he will improve and his internal clock will tell him when it is time to go. I think all these things are fixable and who better than Cam. Just be glad its not Stud having that responsibility. We are in good hands. Congrats to the coaching staff and the team for another 10 win season.
Hey, Jennings played at least as good in his very first start as JJ played in his very last one. Things will only get better.
Why do people still say this? Have we not learned that the answer is "Yes"? No one is saying that he was a world beater, but he really didn't look bad considering the circumstances either.
