Paddock didn’t have the pleasure of getting his bell rung 40x due to previous iterations of this OL disaster. Luke doesn’t trust them and I really don’t blame him. He looks scared is all. He can develop into a really good QB.
Illinois 27, Minnesota 26 Postgame
they rushed 3 against our 6. then sent another guy up the middle.
So yes, the pocket was a bit different than most of the game.
I agree with this. While Altmeyer has been fairly serviceable, his inconsistency has killed us at times. He has a lot of potential and ability but his pocket awareness is terrible and his progressions are agonizingly slow. That is probably why he is on a record breaking pace for turnovers. Paddock came in and looked calm, cool and seasoned like he'd been back there all year long. For that final drive he looked as good as any of the top quarterbacks in the country. I don't know what they have been seeing in practice but sometimes the guy that looks great in practice doesn't perform well on game day and sometimes others elevate their play and deal with the pressure a lot better. I'm not saying Paddock should start the rest of the year but Altmeyer has certainly not locked down the position now or for the future imo. Maybe he will settle down eventually but it looks to me like he could have learned some things from Paddock. If a better option at qb came up in the portal next year I would definitely give it some thought.
the national
- the Front Range
I don't think you can justify a switch with three games left in the season. I'm forever grateful for what Paddock did for us but this is Luke's team for the foreseeable future.
He had very little experience going in to this season and is still putting up good numbers. Perhaps he turns the ball over a bit too much but as his career plays out... barring injury I think he will leave with very solid career stats we may not see for a while.
He had very little experience going in to this season and is still putting up good numbers. Perhaps he turns the ball over a bit too much but as his career plays out... barring injury I think he will leave with very solid career stats we may not see for a while.
Is my memory of that finish correct? IIRC, IU had advanced the ball to first-down distance, and all the ball carrier had to do was fall down and they could victory-formation the clock out--BUT--we forced a fumble and went on to score/win.
Anyway, that's my memory from my freshman year on campus. Great game.
Payton Manning led the league in interceptions his first year.
Now, this is probably the worst division in FBS vs. the highest level of football so not a good comparison at all, but just a reminder that cutting bait on a young developing quarterback might not be the best idea.
Williams appears to be a very well grounded, reflective and likable person.
And I thought Luke looked good in the pocket today. We’ve done a better job as a team of shifting the pocket or heck just having a pocket at all the last few weeks.
It’s tough to have much pocket presence when the pocket collapses like a soap bubble play after play. The offensive line has improved a bit recently, from terrible to very bad. Paddock wouldn’t have had a chance with the pockets Luke was dealt most of the season. The 5th observation here is spot on: Writing Illini five observations on win over Minnesota.
BZuppke
- Plainfield
I agree that Luke is our starter. He made a lot of great throws including two great touchdown passes.
Paddock had a special moment which is what college football is all about but I doubt he or anyone could do that consistently.
And Gopher fans are right to be down on their team. They played a role in Paddock’s moment.
Paddock had a special moment which is what college football is all about but I doubt he or anyone could do that consistently.
And Gopher fans are right to be down on their team. They played a role in Paddock’s moment.
The first four are positive and all have recently become quite obvious.
Number four pairs nicely with the IW postgame interview I shared earlier. He’s a remarkable young man. Hopefully we’ll have him for another year.
Retro62
- North Bethesda, Maryland
Technically he had three, although I agree that Feagin's was more about his run (and Reiman's block). In actuality, I would say he should have had four, it's just that Bryant dropped one in the end zone.
I love what Paddock did, and I am comfortable with him starting if Luke is still hurting against IU, but I agree with you, Luke is the starter and deserves to be.
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Even if Paddock offered an edge (unclear based on his earlier snaps this year), starting Luke is an investment in the program’s future. Trade longer term program success for potential additional points in a few games this season? Turnarounds take years. We’re on a good path so stay the course. Patience.
This is his last year, you play who gives you the best chance to win,they will be be looking for another QB in the Portal anyway .Are you playing to win or not to hurt someone's feelings .Paddock has more experience and has better pocket presence and gives you a better chance to win in my opinion.You can't keep turning the ball over. Paddock has the Hot Hand,go with Paddock(I fully expect them to go back to Altmyer if he can play,again I'm just stating my Opinion)
blackdog
- Champaign
Dude it was literally 3 plays what hot hand is that? The smallest sample size you can imagine. Who is to say Altmyer couldn't have made those same throw? Altmyer is 5th in the conference in passing yard and 4th in completion percentage. He's also been sacked 10 more times than any other QB in the conference and that's not his fault. Take out the one bad game against PSU and he is right on line with all the other top QBs in terms of interceptions too.
Altmyer gives you the best chance to win.
Paddock threw 14 picks in the MAC last year
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
I am sorry, but you are out of your mind if you truly believe that Paddock gives the best chance of winning. Paddock had the drive of his career, but it was literally only 3 plays, and I think it was more about terrible Minnesota defensive strategy than anything else. Now if Altmyer has a major injury going into Saturday, then the calculus changes.
The way you talk, one would think that Altmyer had a complete trash game, which is ludicrous. Altmyer went 24/31 for 212 yards and 3 TD passes. Yes, he had that one "bad interception", but it was a good defensive play. Altmyer is a young QB, and as a young QB he makes some head scratching mistakes at times instead of throwing the ball away; however, it is clear as day that the Illini offense has the best chance of success with Altmyer behind center. Period.
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
Agreed. Paddock also had a QBR of 30.0 last year in a full season in the MAC. That is not very good.
Altymer has a QBR of 57.1 this year, and he is running for his life constantly. No QB controversy here. Fans always tend to have a love affair with the backup QB...see Chicago Bears fans.
I disagree,again just my opinion Luke does not step up into Pocket he stays way to deep,if you notice a lot of sacks are after defender has gotten around tackles that's why you step into pocket to avoid those sacks allowing you a little more time to hit those open recievers.If you watch TD Pass he does exactly that giving him time to hit Williams with a rope it comes with experience.