Wistrom Disciple

Although I didn’t like the risk Sims took, especially throwing while on his heels… was the INT catchable if Coleman didn’t slow up on the route and stretch his arms out? Seemed to me like he was surprised the ball was in the area. Doesn’t take blame away from Sims for risking it, but our receivers need to help our QBs out. Ugh

Part of the problem is that the only tangible thing Haarberg is skilled at is running once he gets in the open field. There isn’t anything I can point to that he is excellent, or even average at as a QB. Just seems to be getting worse every week.

Anybody else hold their breath every time Haarberg drops back? Pitiful

MSU blitzed at least three different times in the first half alone, so I'm not sure the PFF stats are quite right. The line played well enough for us to win yesterday. Wasn't pretty, but they were not the reason for the loss. Several of those hurries seemed to be HH being unaware of where the pocket in front of him was and didn't trust his eyes & feet while being in there. The 4:26 mark is a perfect example where the line creates a decent pocket, but by the time HH completes his dropback, he's already thinking scramble and he runs right into a sack.

The defense was ok yesterday, but did give up some frustrating big plays to a Michigan State team that does not have a lot going for it right now. Going into the season, pocket pressure was the key after abysmal results in that regard the past several years. Now that we are finding success with that on occasion, and improved our tackling, the next logical step is building on that to force turnovers consistently. That said, they were not the reason we lost.

I can agree with those points. I just don't know what the "fire Raiola" crowd is expecting from largely the same players we've had for 3+ years and a bunch of unproven underclassmen? The impression I get is that the expectation is that all of a sudden the next coach will turn us into the 80-90s offensive line groups, stocked full of all-conference linemen. I think continuity with staff and scheme are very important to building any kind of sustained success.

Disagree, with nearly your entire post. The line did enough for us to win today. When the QB behind them can't consistently complete passes to wide open receivers or can't sense where they are in the pocket, the line is doomed. I don't exactly know what the fans calling for Raiola's job are expecting, but most teams need years of schematic continuity and player development to be among the best. If you can't see progress this year over last, I don't know what to tell you. The development of Justin Evans-Jenkins appears to be a solid example of Raiola's work which is encouraging. Entering today we were 25th in the country in rushing yards per game and 21st in rushing yards per attempt. Defense should receive criticism when warranted. They were slightly above average today, far from excellent. Our inability to get turnovers is the next big hurdle for the team needs to overcome to move towards that elite status.

I’m not sure how you can firmly say that Sims is worse than what we’ve been seeing from Haarberg. I’d say they’re equal in their carelessness with the ball at best. Early in the year, Haarberg didn’t hesitate running as much and looked more smooth. Now he hesitates and looks lost. Staying with him without at least considering subbing him out for a series once in awhile has to be discouraging to the rest of the team.

Open competition at QB this week. Both starters have been prone to turnovers, team needs to see that the coaches will roll with whoever can make plays and be willing to switch if necessary. Disservice to the team to not make a switch for at least one series with a stagnant offense.

He’d be back home, rehabbing the torn ACL

From my view, Haarberg is just as careless with the football as Sims. With his regression as a runner, save the one 20+ yard run a game, his rushes are usually a couple yards. How long before we swap again?

*Iowa has entered the conversation*

He has regressed as runner. Sims is a better runner and neither of them have been consistently good passing.

Refs sucked, but QB play was the reason we are losing now.

Can we try Purdy or Sims at some point? The whole no fear of failure is great, but no fear of consequence is turning Haarberg into Spencer Petras.

He’s had enough time for most of the game. He’s just struggling to find the right receivers and is too slow in making decisions unless it is the first read. Even with max protect he couldn’t hit the open receivers in the first half. Just need to switch things up or we’re not going to pull this one out.

No, he’s ran out of the pocket into the arms of defenders several times. Doesn’t seem to trust his feet or his eyes. Needs to help the line by completing some passes, defense teeing off every play .

Blocking hasn’t been the issue as much as the QB looking lost back there

Good point, but the JUCOs might become more overlooked now with the portal. Keeping interest in those programs could pay off down the line.

You'd replace him if there is a better player there. This is his third year in the program already and he's not exactly inspiring anyone with his play. Sure he does make some good plays each game, but those seem to be mixed in with several head scratchers and every step forward is followed by steps backwards. We must ride the hot hand this year, but unless HH makes some significant strides the rest of this year and the spring, I would certainly hope we scour the transfer portal. In addition, as we've seen the past several years, we will need multiple QBs in a season so it would be helpful to add depth if nothing else.

Sims didn't look good, but people fail to remember the reason that he came in... HH fumbled again and resulted in another short field for our defense to defend. Leads me to believe that we're winning these games despite our Quarterbacks, not because of them. Going shotgun in 4th & 1 or on the goal line is usually not a successful formula.

Yes, I do believe Sims is better than Purdy in the offense we try running. Chubba has given me very little reason to believe that he should be a Power 5 QB over the past couple of years in his spot duty.

One could argue the same for Haarberg. He looks less decisive while running and opens himself up to punishing tackles far too often. I’m glad we have found the deep ball the past few weeks because he hasn’t been a very reliable runner. I believe we will need Sims again this year (whether due to injuries, poor play, etc.) so hopefully he stays focused to be ready when his number is called.

I wouldn’t go that far. Haarberg has made quite a few boneheaded plays. He has just lucked out that the defense has bailed him out more often than not.

Both QBs are turnover prone. I don’t know if it’s contagious, but man neither look good.