One of the biggest question marks heading into the season hinges on the leadership/performance of first year quarterback, Brandon Wimbush. Obviously Kelly puts way too much pressure on his QB's given his run/pass ratio over the years, but I would question this trend in years that he is breaking in a new QB. He seemed to have a nice balance in 2012 with a freshman QB. Kelly's winning percentage during years that he is breaking in new QB's seemed to indicate that '17 may not be as gloomy as some are predicting. Hopefully this will force him to rely on his road graders and talented plethora of running backs this year.
1st half of 2010 (Dayne Crist/1st year starter): 3-5
2nd half of 2010 (True Freshman Tommy Rees/1st year starter): 5-0
2011 (More experienced Tommy Rees/2nd year starter): 8-5
2012 (RS Freshman Everett Golson/1st year starter): 12-1
2013 (Senior Tommy Rees/3rd year starter): 9-4
2014 (Experienced Everett Golson/2nd year starter): 7-5
2014 (RS Freshman Malik Zaire/1st year starter): 1-0
2015 (RS Sophmore Malik Zaire/still a 1st year starter with 1 start under his belt): 1-0
2015 (RS Freshman Deshone Kizer/1st year starter): 9-3
2016 (RS Sophmore Kizer/2nd year starter): 4-8
1st year starting QB record under Kelly: 31-9 (.775) 28-4 not counting Dayne Crist (.875)
2nd and 3rd year QB record under Kelly: 28-22 (.560)
Total Record under Kelly: 59-31 (.656)
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falling back in year two.
Because he changed the way he called the games. More emphasis on running and safer passes. Also often enough, better D's. This advantage for him of first year starters may not be the same this year if he isn't calling the plays. The new OC might not be as hesitant to unleash a new QB, or Wimbush might prove more ready than most 1st year starters.
ND's 2 most talented teams (by far) were 2012 and 2015. Both years a redshirt freshman was QB. The 2017 team is loaded on offense, but also starting a 1st year QB. The 2017 defense is unlikely to be as good as 2012 but could be as good as 2015 with Elko coaching.
QB who eventually feels he can't do anything right / perfect enough. Give em the basics and let em go play and use their athleticism.
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was in a mediocre bowl vs a mediocre oponent.
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