Play Johnny O’Brien

Fanaticat98

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
9,636
1,161
113
We’re out of the playoff race. Bowl seeding doesn’t really matter. Nicco is a complete scrub. See what we have.
What? We rarely had WRs open and when we did Nicco was running for his life. You realize he had a 75% completion rate and did not turn the ball over or mishandle and snaps or handoffs? Our star starting offensive players couldn’t get open or break tackles either. He’s clearly not Aiden Chiles but Iowa played by far the best defense that we’ve seen all year in terms of the trenches and making the first tackle every time.
 

Baz = Heisman

Senior
Aug 15, 2025
712
444
63
What? We rarely had WRs open and when we did Nicco was running for his life. You realize he had a 75% completion rate and did not turn the ball over or mishandle and snaps or handoffs? Our star starting offensive players couldn’t get open or break tackles either. He’s clearly not Aiden Chiles but Iowa played by far the best defense that we’ve seen all year in terms of the trenches and making the first tackle every time.
Everything was a check down. Can’t win without taking chances.
 
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Medill '03

Junior
Nov 22, 2001
4,422
397
82
What? We rarely had WRs open and when we did Nicco was running for his life. You realize he had a 75% completion rate and did not turn the ball over or mishandle and snaps or handoffs? Our star starting offensive players couldn’t get open or break tackles either. He’s clearly not Aiden Chiles but Iowa played by far the best defense that we’ve seen all year in terms of the trenches and making the first tackle every time.
Nicco played very well.
 

leathercat

Redshirt
Oct 3, 2001
17
4
1
I agree. If Chiles can not go play O’Brien. He was a stud passer in HS. Nico did alright running for his life, but could not get anything down field. Time to use try a QB on the roster that can play for a few years instead of going to the transfer portal every year for a 1 year player.
 
Aug 31, 2003
15,252
626
113
I agree. If Chiles can not go play O’Brien. He was a stud passer in HS. Nico did alright running for his life, but could not get anything down field. Time to use try a QB on the roster that can play for a few years instead of going to the transfer portal every year for a 1 year player.
I worry about putting resources into developing players only for them to jump into the portal themselves, like Tre Singleton on the BB team.
 
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Medill '03

Junior
Nov 22, 2001
4,422
397
82
I agree. If Chiles can not go play O’Brien. He was a stud passer in HS. Nico did alright running for his life, but could not get anything down field. Time to use try a QB on the roster that can play for a few years instead of going to the transfer portal every year for a 1 year player.
O’Brien will not be the QB next year.
 

Jaguar 88

Sophomore
Oct 1, 2021
1,186
126
63
If he does, they’ll take another proven transfer. Very low odds that JOB beats out a transfer they pay big money to bring in.
You keep taking in transfers, you will never recruit a decent qb again. This is why the portal needs to be revisited and abolished. If the current state of CFB is not reversed, it will die off eventually if not suddenly. I am losing interest in CFB little by little each year. It is quite boring. The ever increasing number of empty seats in college football stadiums and the $$$$ loss because of economic reasons also doesn't help the game. If the economy really does tank at some point CFB will be hurting. The product isn't worth the $$$$$ for most fans. Shoot, NU can't fill a reduced seating new Ryan Field.
 

KikitheCat

Redshirt
Sep 24, 2026
22
29
13
I agree. If Chiles can not go play O’Brien. He was a stud passer in HS. Nico did alright running for his life, but could not get anything down field. Time to use try a QB on the roster that can play for a few years instead of going to the transfer portal every year for a 1 year player.
Second and third the idea of giving Johnny O' Brien some reps, at least as a backup. Had the opportunity to see him play at Northwest suburban Fremd (rival high school) and his dual threat skills and heady game management remind me a lot of gentlemam Dan Persa. He's going to be fun to watch when/if he eventually gets his opportunity.
 
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Catmandoo78

Junior
Nov 12, 2025
490
283
63
You keep taking in transfers, you will never recruit a decent qb again. This is why the portal needs to be revisited and abolished. If the current state of CFB is not reversed, it will die off eventually if not suddenly. I am losing interest in CFB little by little each year. It is quite boring. The ever increasing number of empty seats in college football stadiums and the $$$$ loss because of economic reasons also doesn't help the game. If the economy really does tank at some point CFB will be hurting. The product isn't worth the $$$$$ for most fans. Shoot, NU can't fill a reduced seating new Ryan Field.
The vast majority of schools recruit HS QBs and also take transfers and let them compete. The days of throwing a young QB out to learn on the job are basically over except for the bluest of blue chip HS prospects (and generally, that hasn’t been a good investment).

This is the market today. The kind of QB prospects we pursue will not be scared off by competition. These are kids who know they aren’t starting Day 1 in the Big Ten regardless.
 

hdhntr1

All-Conference
Sep 5, 2006
38,828
1,534
113
We’re out of the playoff race. Bowl seeding doesn’t really matter. Nicco is a complete scrub. See what we have.
Nicco played reasonably well starting his first game here, Chiles had tho whole off season to prepare as QB! plus 8 games starting, Nicco had all of three days. I don't recall him making any big mistakes and hard to say he was helped much during the game. OL not good, No real run game, WRs not getting open. Dropped passes etc, Iowa could concentrate on making him (Nicco) beat them. Chiles would have had issues if under similar circumstances, Give him a couple games
 

Fanaticat98

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
9,636
1,161
113
Maybe because those primary options were not open. And the one thing that we could not have was a turnover
Yes. In all the replays where you could see the routes developing it sure did not look like anyone was open. I suspect that Nicco was told not to force anything because you’re right, turnovers were not something we could afford. At least with the check downs you have the possibility with our excellent backs and receiving options of getting yards after a catch, but Iowa simply did not allow that.
 
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hdhntr1

All-Conference
Sep 5, 2006
38,828
1,534
113
Yes. In all the replays where you could see the routes developing it sure did not look like anyone was open. I suspect that Nicco was told not to force anything because you’re right, turnovers were not something we could afford. At least with the check downs you have the possibility with our excellent backs and receiving options of getting yards after a catch, but Iowa simply did not allow that.
They had to be more conservative with him, It was his first start after 8 games with another QB, It was his first time as #1 with the #1s in practices and he had all of 3 days of practice. It was his first time this year at game speed this year so he had to be sure receiver was open, He is left hander so receivers might be just a little off on where to expect the ball and the spin. Everything says they had to not take too many chances. And with all that, we were only a couple plays away. Under the circumstances, he did as well as could be expected.

A lot of BIG teams have had to deal with backup QBs this year because of injuries to the starter, In general the results are not usually very good the first couple games
 

Baz = Heisman

Senior
Aug 15, 2025
712
444
63
You keep taking in transfers, you will never recruit a decent qb again. This is why the portal needs to be revisited and abolished. If the current state of CFB is not reversed, it will die off eventually if not suddenly. I am losing interest in CFB little by little each year. It is quite boring. The ever increasing number of empty seats in college football stadiums and the $$$$ loss because of economic reasons also doesn't help the game. If the economy really does tank at some point CFB will be hurting. The product isn't worth the $$$$$ for most fans. Shoot, NU can't fill a reduced seating new Ryan Field.
Bingo. The development of players from 2-3 stars to legit players was one of the best parts of college football. That’s basically gone now because coaches are so terrified to lose their jobs that they’re not willing to play young players, especially QBs. It’s sad. It’s so transactional now. (But pLaYeR eMpOwErMeNt… lol.)
 

Baz = Heisman

Senior
Aug 15, 2025
712
444
63
Yes. In all the replays where you could see the routes developing it sure did not look like anyone was open. I suspect that Nicco was told not to force anything because you’re right, turnovers were not something we could afford. At least with the check downs you have the possibility with our excellent backs and receiving options of getting yards after a catch, but Iowa simply did not allow that.
There were definitely guys open. I was there and saw the routes. Nicco was hesitanting… because he’s not good lol.
 
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phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
19,296
1,398
113
Everything was a check down. Can’t win without taking chances.
He threw it downfield to Eligon (a fave of mine) and he let the guy step in front of him. I think Wilde dropped a TD but my view was blocked.

We went from the best QB in the B1G to about 15-20th best, I don't want to go to 50th best.

Anyone confirm if Chiles is out?
 

Baz = Heisman

Senior
Aug 15, 2025
712
444
63
He threw it downfield to Eligon (a fave of mine) and he let the guy step in front of him. I think Wilde dropped a TD but my view was blocked.

We went from the best QB in the B1G to about 15-20th best, I don't want to go to 50th best.

Anyone confirm if Chiles is out?
Yes, he made a few of those throws but 80% were within 1-4 yards of the LOS. That’s awful.
 

Catmandoo78

Junior
Nov 12, 2025
490
283
63
He threw it downfield to Eligon (a fave of mine) and he let the guy step in front of him. I think Wilde dropped a TD but my view was blocked.

We went from the best QB in the B1G to about 15-20th best, I don't want to go to 50th best.

Anyone confirm if Chiles is out?
The best QB in the conference?!?

He is very good, the best we have had in ten years. But best in conference? He’s like #8 in conference in passing yards (and several of the guys ahead of him have missed multiple games) and same for TDs.

I love what Chiles has done for us but let’s be real.
 

prez77

Senior
Dec 27, 2024
871
409
57
The best QB in the conference?!?

He is very good, the best we have had in ten years. But best in conference? He’s like #8 in conference in passing yards (and several of the guys ahead of him have missed multiple games) and same for TDs.

I love what Chiles has done for us but let’s be real.
I don't think he is the best in the conference but his and Sayin's QBRs were 1&2
 
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phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
19,296
1,398
113
The best QB in the conference?!?

He is very good, the best we have had in ten years. But best in conference? He’s like #8 in conference in passing yards (and several of the guys ahead of him have missed multiple games) and same for TDs.

I love what Chiles has done for us but let’s be real.
Who's better
 

Catmandoo78

Junior
Nov 12, 2025
490
283
63
Who's better
Sayin and Maiava are both very good and I feel comfortable saying they’re in a clear Tier 1.

Chiles is also excellent, and in Tier 2. Probably the best of the rest, given the threat he poses with his legs.

Hot take, but I think Malik Washington is fantastic too. He’s asked to do a ton and is in a terrible spot (his team stinks and his coach was fired), and in spite of that he’s putting up good numbers.
 

phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
19,296
1,398
113
Sayin and Maiava are both very good and I feel comfortable saying they’re in a clear Tier 1.

Chiles is also excellent, and in Tier 2. Probably the best of the rest, given the threat he poses with his legs.

Hot take, but I think Malik Washington is fantastic too. He’s asked to do a ton and is in a terrible spot (his team stinks and his coach was fired), and in spite of that he’s putting up good numbers.
That's fair. Although Sayin (before injury) would have gotten crushed on our team. He's a Statue of Limitations. He's not a guy that can carry a team like Chiles. He's good at OSU though.
 

Catmandoo78

Junior
Nov 12, 2025
490
283
63
That's fair. Although Sayin (before injury) would have gotten crushed on our team. He's a Statute of Limitations. He's not a guy that can carry a team like Chiles. He's good at OSU though.
Well he’s certainly not mobile. But he’s “carried” OSU in the sense that their passing offense is really the only way they can move the ball. And despite opposing defenses knowing that and being able to bias towards the pass, he was still picking teams apart. (Yes, he’s also got a stable of great WRs and a good line in front of him). But he’s darn good as a college QB regardless of the circumstances around him.

Obviously circumstances and coaching matter. Before this year with Chip, I think Chiles was probably a consensus bottom half QB in the conference. He’s flipped the script this year, likely due to coaching and the system.
 

Fanaticat98

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
9,636
1,161
113
Sayin and Maiava are both very good and I feel comfortable saying they’re in a clear Tier 1.

Chiles is also excellent, and in Tier 2. Probably the best of the rest, given the threat he poses with his legs.

Hot take, but I think Malik Washington is fantastic too. He’s asked to do a ton and is in a terrible spot (his team stinks and his coach was fired), and in spite of that he’s putting up good numbers.
Maybe Washington would like an opportunity to have a Chiles-level boost by Jerry and Chip?
 

Zazzy

Junior
Aug 21, 2009
460
331
63
There were definitely guys open. I was there and saw the routes. Nicco was hesitanting… because he’s not good lol.
Nico was sacked 6 times and if not for his athleticism it would’ve been more. If We life hadn’t dropped the TD he would’ve had two TDs and the running yards and over 290 years passing. If JOB was that good now they’d be playing him.
 
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phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
19,296
1,398
113
Nico was sacked 6 times and if not for his athleticism it would’ve been more. If We life hadn’t dropped the TD he would’ve had two TDs and the running yards and over 290 years passing. If JOB was that good now they’d be playing him.
Obvious trolling from Baz. Nicco did fine. He doesn't have Chiles pocket presence, awareness or escapability, but who does?,Chiles is our best QB since Persa
 
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hdhntr1

All-Conference
Sep 5, 2006
38,828
1,534
113
The best QB in the conference?!?

He is very good, the best we have had in ten years. But best in conference? He’s like #8 in conference in passing yards (and several of the guys ahead of him have missed multiple games) and same for TDs.

I love what Chiles has done for us but let’s be real.
He has also scored 10 tds running the ball in. And he has only had 1 turnover in 8 games, That is pretty good, Not saying #1 but definitely nothing to be ashamed of. Probably in top 5
 

phatcat_rivals223240

All-Conference
Nov 5, 2001
19,296
1,398
113
I’m not trolling at all. His YPA had to be like 3 yards. He stinks. The season is over - we aren’t making the playoff - play JOB.
Did you used to be Wicker Park or Wrestler? Question 2: did you watch the game? Dude was under siege every play. Six sacks and escaped from half a dozen more. He's not Chiles, but he's a damned good backup.

I assure you, O'Brien is 4th or 5th string for a reason. Remember the Cole Freeman game? That's what it would look like.

Final question: do you get a dime per view or a dollar per reaction/response? Because this is laughable. O'Brien is behind Boe and probably Frakes/others as well. It could be 100-0 and he ain't seeing the field
 
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Catmandoo78

Junior
Nov 12, 2025
490
283
63
He has also scored 10 tds running the ball in. And he has only had 1 turnover in 8 games, That is pretty good, Not saying #1 but definitely nothing to be ashamed of. Probably in top 5
No doubt. Nobody is saying he’s not been a very good QB. I’m just saying that he’s not the best in the big ten. He’s undoubtedly top 5.
 

Fanaticat98

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
9,636
1,161
113
No doubt. Nobody is saying he’s not been a very good QB. I’m just saying that he’s not the best in the big ten. He’s undoubtedly top 5.
If you’re considering everyone who started the season. Amongst those who are no longer out for the season (which we really hope Chiles isn’t) and excluding those backups with only a couple games, Chiles may be the best or maybe second to Maiava.
 

Catmandoo78

Junior
Nov 12, 2025
490
283
63
If you’re considering everyone who started the season. Amongst those who are no longer out for the season (which we really hope Chiles isn’t) and excluding those backups with only a couple games, Chiles may be the best or maybe second to Maiava.
Haha yeah probably. But that trims the list to, like, 8 QBs at this point.
 

Baz = Heisman

Senior
Aug 15, 2025
712
444
63
Did you used to be Wicker Park or Wrestler? Question 2: did you watch the game? Dude was under siege every play. Six sacks and escaped from half a dozen more. He's not Chiles, but he's a damned good backup.

I assure you, O'Brien is 4th or 5th string for a reason. Remember the Cole Freeman game? That's what it would look like.

Final question: do you get a dime per view or a dollar per reaction/response? Because this is laughable. O'Brien is behind Boe and probably Frakes/others as well. It could be 100-0 and he ain't seeing the field
Freeman was a PWO. O’Brien was a pretty highly touted player. Not at all similar.
 
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