I will say that I thought the running game was more creative after the new coordinator took over. Brown was getting stuffed early in the year trying to pound directly up the middle, with the SIU game being the epitome of the failure. I sadly attended that one.

Not talking about the triple option, but zero doubt to me that NIUs existing offense works better with a QB who can run. Even with Rocky's diminished athleticism and other issues last year, he was still dangerous with his feet in the redzone with 7 rushing touchdowns.

Just looking at Macon's stats last year he broke off some long runs in his last few games. I also like the good 66% comp. last year too, though limited sample.

Whether it's him or Hampton, if the offense is (God forbid) stalling out game 1 against Western, we probably see the other guy get a chance.

(04-19-2024 01:47 PM)Lynchpin Wrote:  I will say that I thought the running game was more creative after the new coordinator took over. Brown was getting stuffed early in the year trying to pound directly up the middle, with the SIU game being the epitome of the failure. I sadly attended that one.

Not talking about the triple option, but zero doubt to me that NIUs existing offense works better with a QB who can run. Even with Rocky's diminished athleticism and other issues last year, he was still dangerous with his feet in the redzone with 7 rushing touchdowns.

Just looking at Macon's stats last year he broke off some long runs in his last few games. I also like the good 66% comp. last year too, though limited sample.

Whether it's him or Hampton, if the offense is (God forbid) stalling out game 1 against Western, we probably see the other guy get a chance.

Agreed. A mobile running QB is what we always needed. But, the real key is a stellar O-line (like we used to have). The hogs are key to opening up running lanes and protecting the QB should he decide to pass (for which Hammock says God forbid!).

We were 2nd in the MAC in total offense last year with 2,467 yards passing and 2,335 yards rushing per game. The numbers are similar. If the QB doe snot drop the ball we win 2 more games. If we had a better rushing game we win more as that would open up some passing lanes. Im expecting a another good year in 24, the skills have to execute to get back to the MACC game.

(04-19-2024 03:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  We were 2nd in the MAC in total offense last year with 2,467 yards passing and 2,335 yards rushing per game. The numbers are similar. If the QB doe snot drop the ball we win 2 more games. If we had a better rushing game we win more as that would open up some passing lanes. Im expecting a another good year in 24, the skills have to execute to get back to the MACC game.

Exactly right. Highlighting the major issue here…Rocky and his ability to hand games to the other team.

Whomever takes over is going to have to protect the rock. I hope Hampton has learned, or Macon just knows, how to protect the ball. I don’t care who wins the QB battle but I hope they can protect the ball and take the starting QB role and not give it up.

(04-19-2024 03:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(04-19-2024 03:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  We were 2nd in the MAC in total offense last year with 2,467 yards passing and 2,335 yards rushing per game. The numbers are similar. If the QB doe snot drop the ball we win 2 more games. If we had a better rushing game we win more as that would open up some passing lanes. Im expecting a another good year in 24, the skills have to execute to get back to the MACC game.

Exactly right. Highlighting the major issue here…Rocky and his ability to hand games to the other team.

Whomever takes over is going to have to protect the rock. I hope Hampton has learned, or Macon just knows, how to protect the ball. I don’t care who wins the QB battle but I hope they can protect the ball and take the starting QB role and not give it up.

I hope the same. With Hampton history of turnover issues are not my biggest concern, as in theory that’s easier to fix on its own. He hasn’t shown play making, put up passing yardage or decent competition % and negative career rushing. So I guess that’s why I feel pessimistic on the position going in.

Hopefully he does make the MAJOR leap or Macon is the guy and whoever it is takes the job and runs with it.

(04-19-2024 06:13 PM)Lynchpin Wrote:  

(04-19-2024 03:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(04-19-2024 03:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  We were 2nd in the MAC in total offense last year with 2,467 yards passing and 2,335 yards rushing per game. The numbers are similar. If the QB doe snot drop the ball we win 2 more games. If we had a better rushing game we win more as that would open up some passing lanes. Im expecting a another good year in 24, the skills have to execute to get back to the MACC game.

Exactly right. Highlighting the major issue here…Rocky and his ability to hand games to the other team.

Whomever takes over is going to have to protect the rock. I hope Hampton has learned, or Macon just knows, how to protect the ball. I don’t care who wins the QB battle but I hope they can protect the ball and take the starting QB role and not give it up.

I hope the same. With Hampton history of turnover issues are not my biggest concern, as in theory that’s easier to fix on its own. He hasn’t shown play making, put up passing yardage or decent competition % and negative career rushing. So I guess that’s why I feel pessimistic on the position going in.

Hopefully he does make the MAJOR leap or Macon is the guy and whoever it is takes the job and runs with it.

Im with you on Hampton. IDK what you say his strength is? When your game plan for the QB starts with - don't throw an int and just make the easy throws - I think the bar is pretty low. He looks more like a good back up.

Really pulling for this Macon kid to emerge.

Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

(04-22-2024 09:34 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

He was probably told, this is yours but you have to keep it because others want it.

He's never been in the position to protect his spot. He also is, for lack of a better term, the incumbent so for him to move into that makes sense especially since no one else comes from a high profile team or program.

But, I think the fact you said "penciled in" and not "written in ink" says about all you need to know.

(04-22-2024 09:41 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:34 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

He was probably told, this is yours but you have to keep it because others want it.

He's never been in the position to protect his spot. He also is, for lack of a better term, the incumbent so for him to move into that makes sense especially since no one else comes from a high profile team or program.

But, I think the fact you said "penciled in" and not "written in ink" says about all you need to know.

Yeah, Hampton has been here 3 years now so it makes sense why he’s “penciled” in as the leader. The fact they’re making him compete for it though should tell you all you need to know. There was no competition when Lynch took over.

(04-17-2024 05:07 PM)7 Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 04:56 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 04:52 PM)7 Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 01:08 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  It's interesting that Justin Lynch played a number of games at QB before he came to NIU and Hammock will put him on the field but not even let him attempt a short pass. So when he's on the field everyone in the county knows who is getting the ball.

Did he not throw a TD pass in the opener last year?

Against the BC team that almost beat FSU

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/pla...elog/2023/

And he only played in 4 games last year because he redshirted lol

My mistake - 1 pass in 4 games.

(04-22-2024 10:44 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 05:07 PM)7 Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 04:56 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 04:52 PM)7 Wrote:  

(04-17-2024 01:08 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  It's interesting that Justin Lynch played a number of games at QB before he came to NIU and Hammock will put him on the field but not even let him attempt a short pass. So when he's on the field everyone in the county knows who is getting the ball.

Did he not throw a TD pass in the opener last year?

Against the BC team that almost beat FSU

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/pla...elog/2023/

And he only played in 4 games last year because he redshirted lol

My mistake - 1 pass in 4 games.

Made sure that pass counted for something good

(04-22-2024 05:09 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

They seem to mention WR Keyshaun Pipkin often, hope he comes through for us.

(04-22-2024 05:09 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

He loves the transfer backer. Who was our last “good” Mike backer?

(04-22-2024 06:34 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 05:09 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

They seem to mention WR Keyshaun Pipkin often, hope he comes through for us.

Right? Big kid - the mentions of Barnes - pipkin - Rudolph was nice to hear. Those are real weapons. Whomever the QB is this season I promise they throw a more catchable ball than Rocky. Be curious if we use these guys this season.

(04-22-2024 09:41 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:34 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

He was probably told, this is yours but you have to keep it because others want it.

He's never been in the position to protect his spot. He also is, for lack of a better term, the incumbent so for him to move into that makes sense especially since no one else comes from a high profile team or program.

But, I think the fact you said "penciled in" and not "written in ink" says about all you need to know.

I still think it should be labeled "open competition.'' But I guess it really doesn't make much difference. I just hope Macon outshines Hampton in the spring game because I think we all have a pretty good idea about what's going to happen if Hampton becomes our full time starter.

(04-24-2024 09:20 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:41 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:34 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

He was probably told, this is yours but you have to keep it because others want it.

He's never been in the position to protect his spot. He also is, for lack of a better term, the incumbent so for him to move into that makes sense especially since no one else comes from a high profile team or program.

But, I think the fact you said "penciled in" and not "written in ink" says about all you need to know.

I still think it should be labeled "open competition.'' But I guess it really doesn't make much difference. I just hope Macon outshines Hampton in the spring game because I think we all have a pretty good idea about what's going to happen if Hampton becomes our full time starter.

I don’t think that’s fair I think Hampton *can* take a step. And if he legit beat guys out good for him. Remember this is a Covid kid. Missed a year of football. So this is his year, if Hammock picks him. If he’s bad - then that’s what he is.

(04-24-2024 09:52 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(04-24-2024 09:20 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:41 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:34 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

He was probably told, this is yours but you have to keep it because others want it.

He's never been in the position to protect his spot. He also is, for lack of a better term, the incumbent so for him to move into that makes sense especially since no one else comes from a high profile team or program.

But, I think the fact you said "penciled in" and not "written in ink" says about all you need to know.

I still think it should be labeled "open competition.'' But I guess it really doesn't make much difference. I just hope Macon outshines Hampton in the spring game because I think we all have a pretty good idea about what's going to happen if Hampton becomes our full time starter.

I don’t think that’s fair I think Hampton *can* take a step. And if he legit beat guys out good for him. Remember this is a Covid kid. Missed a year of football. So this is his year, if Hammock picks him. If he’s bad - then that’s what he is.

The concern is he needs to take multiple steps. If he wins the job so be it, I’ll have my fingers crossed and hope he finds some magic. But right now the only comp I can come up with for Hampton is Ryan Graham.

(04-24-2024 09:59 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(04-24-2024 09:52 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(04-24-2024 09:20 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:41 AM)Big Red Wrote:  

(04-22-2024 09:34 AM)badmoonrising13 Wrote:  Honestly, I don't know why Hampton is penciled in as the starter. When he has played, he was the MVP for the opposition and didn't really help us. I'm already ready to see Macon. If Macon proves he's not a starter hopefully someone else is. I just don't see Hampton having improved leaps and bounds. We would've seen progress last year and I didn't see any.

He was probably told, this is yours but you have to keep it because others want it.

He's never been in the position to protect his spot. He also is, for lack of a better term, the incumbent so for him to move into that makes sense especially since no one else comes from a high profile team or program.

But, I think the fact you said "penciled in" and not "written in ink" says about all you need to know.

I still think it should be labeled "open competition.'' But I guess it really doesn't make much difference. I just hope Macon outshines Hampton in the spring game because I think we all have a pretty good idea about what's going to happen if Hampton becomes our full time starter.

I don’t think that’s fair I think Hampton *can* take a step. And if he legit beat guys out good for him. Remember this is a Covid kid. Missed a year of football. So this is his year, if Hammock picks him. If he’s bad - then that’s what he is.

The concern is he needs to take multiple steps. If he wins the job so be it, I’ll have my fingers crossed and hope he finds some magic. But right now the only comp I can come up with for Hampton is Ryan Graham.

I think he’s talented. He throws a nice ball. He also throws it to the other team. Legit one thing to fix. If he was what he was and didn’t turn it over he would be fine.

I don’t known that he can fix it, but if he wins the QB derby he deserves every chance to do so. And if he wins the QB battle and I am Hammock I am having him throw 40 times vs WIU. See what he is.