There is no way you didn’t see this coming. Look at AR’s behavior and demeanor during his time at UF. He didn’t play in last year’s bowl game. He is more distressed with a bad performance than a loss. Never once uttered the words, SEC title, NC, etc. Those who have a pulse on the program knew that he would turn pro and he would skip the bowl game.
I don't think Miller is the worst QB in the world or anything, but we absolutely should be working to bring in McCall/Pratt/Leary to compete for the job.
Based on what we saw today, this team is years away from contending for an SEC championship... Regardless of who plays QB next year.
AR’s mind was made years ago. Before he ever set foot on a college campus, the plan was always 5 semesters then go pro. The Kitna situation just happened to coincide with his announcement to forego the rest of his college eligibility.
Why? It was clear he was protecting himself all year hence the reason he so often refused to run. Why would he suddenly change that for a meaningless bowl game?
LOL what film at OSU? The dozen passes he threw in mop up duty? He got beat out by a Heisman finalist....so what? It's still wayyyyyy too early to judge Miller. I'm not saying he is the answer for us, but it's silly to suggest anyone has seen enough of him to say one way or the other. Joe Burrow was "passed up" by two other guys at OSU. How did he look after a full SEASON at LSU? Look at the insane jump he made in his second year.
Wasn’t just a Heisman finalist at OSU though. Yes, he has limited film but between his sparing game time, spring games at both schools, etc. I’ve seen enough to know he’s not the answer for us. Quote me, write it down, and throw it in my face if I’m wrong.
I think we need two graduate QB's for next year to bridge the gap at QB before Rashada takes over. We might have to see which one is the best two experienced QBs for next year. Miller is a nice guy but he might not survive the cut if we get the right two QBs. But if we decide to keep Miller then we need the best possible available QB and that's McCall.
You very well could be right. I think it's a moot point anyway, because he's likely to be a backup here again next year. I think (hope) we land one of the top guys in the portal.
I said plenty of times this year that this was AR's team. If he wasn't transcendent, or the defense did not win the turnover battle by a nice margin, we weren't going to win against a SEC-caliber team (although the opponent could lose it). It is what it was. Unless some players are going to have some major changes in their makeup, I think the team's success (or lack thereof) is still going to have to rely on a transcendent-capable QB in the near future. Miller is a stopgap QB. I know this sounds like heresy, but he is sort of like Stetson Bennett, albeit with a LOT less experience. What I mean is, give him an elite team and his management skills are capable (obviously Bennett went to a lot higher gear), whereas put him on a much lesser team and he won't strap the team on his back and overcome it. I will say that Miller has a mental glitch that wants to read an open receiver that was not. But again, he does not have experience. I wished that folks did not believe that transcendent-level (even one after a one-year training effort) is just waiting in the portal. If you want an example, TJ Daniels is about the highest level of expectation. Miller is not Daniels - yet - but not that much worse. I say let's get one who is looking for a better gig and let all the QBs compete for the starting position in the spring. And let's get behind the winner. And if they look pretty bad, I hope Napier gives the next guy a chance, if for only a half. He never did this season. This isn't going to be an easy fix. Napier is a long-range focused coach. He wants an elite team. He isn't trying to win by grabbing a transcendent QB in the portal, mainly because they just don't exist. Getting a Burrows is like winning the lottery. It happens but you don't make real plans on it.
Does anybody think transcendent level is waiting in the portal? We need a guy, Billy will get the best one he can, and then we'll see how it shakes out. QB isn't the only position that needs upgrading, and we're not magically going to be world beaters next year. But as we continue to add quality pieces the team will improve.
