Still on board with Mateer

[CougPatrol]

I'm always willing to give great athletes the benefit of the doubt. Mateer is in the process of transitioning from a running back who plays QB to a dual threat QB. His pre-snap reads (or lack thereof) are killing us. He is fundamentally and situationally undisciplined. We play behind the chains too much. I'm old enough to remember Rosey going through a lot of the same growing pains. Mateer needs to set his feet and consistently hit the check down. He's dangerous in 3rd and less than 5.

I'm not panicking with Mateer. This was a bridge season, and we have the opportunity to finish 11-1 with an Apple Cup win and a win over Texas Tech. On the other hand, Hawaii has the best defense in the MWC, San Diego State and Oregon State will be tough road games, and even Utah State can put up points. We need to play better offensively.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

I'm always willing to give great athletes the benefit of the doubt. Mateer is in the process of transitioning from a running back who plays QB to a dual threat QB. His pre-snap reads (or lack thereof) are killing us. He is fundamentally and situationally undisciplined. We play behind the chains too much. I'm old enough to remember Rosey going through a lot of the same growing pains. Mateer needs to set his feet and consistently hit the check down. He's dangerous in 3rd and less than 5.

I'm not panicking with Mateer. This was a bridge season, and we have the opportunity to finish 11-1 with an Apple Cup win and a win over Texas Tech. On the other hand, Hawaii has the best defense in the MWC, San Diego State and Oregon State will be tough road games, and even Utah State can put up points. We need to play better offensively.

Agree 100% with your post. Although Nevada-Reno and I had a good laugh at the OSU comment.

 

[CougPatrol]

Agree 100% with your post. Although Nevada-Reno and I had a good laugh at the OSU comment.

Nevada-Reno has lost some games this season, but they're not as bad as their record indicates. I'm glad we play New Mexico and Wyoming instead of them.

Lost 29-24 to SMU
Lost 27-0 at Minnesota
Lost 35-31 at San Jose State
Beat Oregon State 42-37.

 

[95coug]

I'm always willing to give great athletes the benefit of the doubt. Mateer is in the process of transitioning from a running back who plays QB to a dual threat QB. His pre-snap reads (or lack thereof) are killing us. He is fundamentally and situationally undisciplined. We play behind the chains too much. I'm old enough to remember Rosey going through a lot of the same growing pains. Mateer needs to set his feet and consistently hit the check down. He's dangerous in 3rd and less than 5.

I'm not panicking with Mateer. This was a bridge season, and we have the opportunity to finish 11-1 with an Apple Cup win and a win over Texas Tech. On the other hand, Hawaii has the best defense in the MWC, San Diego State and Oregon State will be tough road games, and even Utah State can put up points. We need to play better offensively.

I’m not disagreeing, but from what I recall we heard that there was a battle for the spot in camp. There were times yesterday where I felt like Mateer might benefit from a series off to get calmed down and composed. I’m not saying we should give Eckhaus the job, but there are times I think we maybe should give him a look.

 

[Coug90]

I’m not disagreeing, but from what I recall we heard that there was a battle for the spot in camp. There were times yesterday where I felt like Mateer might benefit from a series off to get calmed down and composed. I’m not saying we should give Eckhaus the job, but there are times I think we maybe should give him a look.

Favorite player on every team is the backup QB.

It’s not time yet but if Mateer plays like this and we lose to Hawaii or something, F it, yank his ass. At some point you’ve got to figure it out, you have QB after your name, play the position…you aren’t a RB.

 

[UberCougars]

My favorite player on this 5-1 team is Mateer hands down.

Dude has 2100 yards pass+run which puts him #1 in the country for a non-Sr.

Its unfortunate that he didn’t play better, on the road, coming off a bye, after only six games as a starter but, at least he beat the spread in another win.

Sorry he couldn’t win good-er for some of our fans bathed in delusion and coors light but, so what? Mateer is a winner.

Do you honestly think he cares?

 

[moxeecoug]

My favorite player on this 5-1 team is Mateer hands down.

Dude has 2100 yards pass+run which puts him #1 in the country for a non-Sr.

Its unfortunate that he didn’t play better, on the road, coming off a bye, after only six games as a starter but, at least he beat the spread in another win.

Sorry he couldn’t win good-er for some of our fans bathed in delusion and coors light but, so what? Mateer is a winner.

Do you honestly think he cares?

You said what I have been thinking. I remember some of the Coug great QB’s who during their first year as starters stumbled all over themselves and it wasn’t until their junior year, they got things figured and to a bowl games. Mateer is still figuring out what it means to be a college level quarterback with a bunch of stumbles but he also has led us to a 5-1 record and into a possible bowl game his first year. I find that remarkable.

 

[Coug90]

You said what I have been thinking. I remember some of the Coug great QB’s who during their first year as starters stumbled all over themselves and it wasn’t until their junior year, they got things figured and to a bowl games. Mateer is still figuring out what it means to be a college level quarterback with a bunch of stumbles but he also has led us to a 5-1 record and into a possible bowl game his first year. I find that remarkable.

I have no problem with Mateer struggling. He’s not going to be a finished product his first year. But FFS if youre the OC put him in the best place to be successful.

 

[chugspig]

There isn’t much wrong with Mateer. He’s been off on some deep balls, but nothing wildly out of usual for a CFB QB. Our receivers also have the most yardage in drops this year. But mainly, the issue is playcalling as far as exploiting our talents and minimize weakness. Less pocket, more roll out. More Parker.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

There isn’t much wrong with Mateer. He’s been off on some deep balls, but nothing wildly out of usual for a CFB QB. Our receivers also have the most yardage in drops this year. But mainly, the issue is playcalling as far as exploiting our talents and minimize weakness. Less pocket, more roll out. More Parker.

Well said. And to add - more Parker and Mateer outside (option, pitchout, etc.).

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

You said what I have been thinking. I remember some of the Coug great QB’s who during their first year as starters stumbled all over themselves and it wasn’t until their junior year, they got things figured and to a bowl games. Mateer is still figuring out what it means to be a college level quarterback with a bunch of stumbles but he also has led us to a 5-1 record and into a possible bowl game his first year. I find that remarkable.

Previous qbs - drop back, look for WR, usually try to fit a pass in somewhere it shouldn't go, either a pick or incomplete.

Present qbs (not just Mateer) - FOR GOD FCKING SAKE, NEVER EVER THROW A PICK. Instead run around for 15 seconds and try your best to not create a negative play by taking a sack, intentional grounding, or still throw a pick.

We see so many qbs who lack either the self-confidence or swagger to sling the ball around, whether it be not knowing the playbook, not seeing the WR's, or the WRs not doing what they are supposed to, there are so many "passing plays" that don't end in a forward pass. What's even more puzzling is that there are safety valves on most pass plays, yet we see those routes being ignored as well (again, not just Mateer.) I'm guessing it has something to do with the scheme that I don't know enough about to speak to, but also there has to be a component of these kids being told "whatever you do, don't throw a pick."

 

[95coug]

Previous qbs - drop back, look for WR, usually try to fit a pass in somewhere it shouldn't go, either a pick or incomplete.

Present qbs (not just Mateer) - FOR GOD FCKING SAKE, NEVER EVER THROW A PICK. Instead run around for 15 seconds and try your best to not create a negative play by taking a sack, intentional grounding, or still throw a pick.

We see so many qbs who lack either the self-confidence or swagger to sling the ball around, whether it be not knowing the playbook, not seeing the WR's, or the WRs not doing what they are supposed to, there are so many "passing plays" that don't end in a forward pass. What's even more puzzling is that there are safety valves on most pass plays, yet we see those routes being ignored as well (again, not just Mateer.) I'm guessing it has something to do with the scheme that I don't know enough about to speak to, but also there has to be a component of these kids being told "whatever you do, don't throw a pick."

There's also a component of greed. I've seen a lot of youth football the last several years, and kids don't want to throw to the check down. They want the long ball downfield, and want a TD on every throw. And there are too many coaches who let them look too deep too long, and don't teach them that if you throw for 5 yard gains, you still move the chains, you still score touchdowns, and your percentages are a lot higher. It's just not sexy.

 

[ATACFD]

I'm still on board with Mateer, though he still needs some work. Im just not on board with Arbuckle. Mateer has regressed mid season just like Cam last season. Different athletes same problem. Defences are figuring out what to do and Arbuckle isnt countering. If the D is blitzing or rushing 4/5, Short quick passes to space or screens can solve that. Arbuckle is sometimes called an air raid coach. Leach is laughing at that. Id call it “prayer raid” where it seems random stuff is being called that doesnt fit. Leach may have been a stubborn Sob but he would have this exact team doing those short passes into space in 2 seconds or less. He would have had mateer and his receivers practice this a thousand times so its ingrained. Leach wasnt perfect either but THIS team would hang 45 on Fresno with Leach.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

I'm still on board with Mateer, though he still needs some work. Im just not on board with Arbuckle. Mateer has regressed mid season just like Cam last season. Different athletes same problem. Defences are figuring out what to do and Arbuckle isnt countering. If the D is blitzing or rushing 4/5, Short quick passes to space or screens can solve that. Arbuckle is sometimes called an air raid coach. Leach is laughing at that. Id call it “prayer raid” where it seems random stuff is being called that doesnt fit. Leach may have been a stubborn Sob but he would have this exact team doing those short passes into space in 2 seconds or less. He would have had mateer and his receivers practice this a thousand times so its ingrained. Leach wasnt perfect either but THIS team would hang 45 on Fresno with Leach.

I think the "Air Raid" descriptor is used wayyy too much these days. Do linemen take wide splits? Anywhere? If not, then it isn't the Air Raid. Ours don't take wide splits.

To your point, which I agree with, we aren't getting those quick slant passes to counter the pressure we are seeing. Watching a game (forget who) the other day. The LB blitzes, the QB throws a quick slant to the receiver in the LB's vacated spot. Announcers were commenting on it. So who's at fault? Is it Mateer not cluing in, or is the receiver(s) not cluing in and running that route? I'm thinking both. Either way it's on Arbuckle.

 

[CougPatrol]

I'm still on board with Mateer, though he still needs some work. Im just not on board with Arbuckle. Mateer has regressed mid season just like Cam last season. Different athletes same problem. Defences are figuring out what to do and Arbuckle isnt countering. If the D is blitzing or rushing 4/5, Short quick passes to space or screens can solve that. Arbuckle is sometimes called an air raid coach. Leach is laughing at that. Id call it “prayer raid” where it seems random stuff is being called that doesnt fit. Leach may have been a stubborn Sob but he would have this exact team doing those short passes into space in 2 seconds or less. He would have had mateer and his receivers practice this a thousand times so its ingrained. Leach wasnt perfect either but THIS team would hang 45 on Fresno with Leach.

Arbuckle is young, and inheriting Cam and Mateer was a tough challenge for him. Neither of them are system guys. They're adlibbers. Cam had a shot to start for Leach, but Mateer wouldn't have. From what I saw and read about Arbuckle at Western Kentucky, he was a modern air-raid guy. Pocket schemes and quick ball distribution. Mateer is young and will improve. If Arbuckle is any good, he'll adapt his scheme around Mateer's talent.

 

[Coug90]

Arbuckle is young, and inheriting Cam and Mateer was a tough challenge for him. Neither of them are system guys. They're adlibbers. Cam had a shot to start for Leach, but Mateer wouldn't have. From what I saw and read about Arbuckle at Western Kentucky, he was a modern air-raid guy. Pocket schemes and quick ball distribution. Mateer is young and will improve. If Arbuckle is any good, he'll adapt his scheme around Mateer's talent.

Against Texas Tech he looked like a genius. Against Fresno State he looked like an idiot. He adapted his scheme to fit Mateer then proceeded to try and make him Tom Brady in two weeks. Square peg round hole. Truly bizarre. Get back to how you beat Texas Tech and UW. Three games since he should be a better version of that guy.

 

[Cougini5591]

Idiot is when our offense has Mateer try to run up the gut... then up the gut... then up the gut.

I swear it looked like we had 4 guys on offense. Center-guard-guard and Mateer.

Drives me nuts when there is ZERO spread, quickouts, or misdirection.

Don't get me wrong, I believe full heartedly in running up the gut, but you also have to attack where the defense is vulnerable.

That's what I have seen us doing poorly in the last 2 games... after looking pretty good to open up the games

 

[Coug90]

Idiot is when our offense has Mateer try to run up the gut... then up the gut... then up the gut.

I swear it looked like we had 4 guys on offense. Center-guard-guard and Mateer.

Drives me nuts when there is ZERO spread, quickouts, or misdirection.

Don't get me wrong, I believe full heartedly in running up the gut, but you also have to attack where the defense is vulnerable.

That's what I have seen us doing poorly in the last 2 games... after looking pretty good to open up the games

That’s where Parker comes in. And he only got twelve touches and was ignored for 2/3 of the game. Even though he was gashing them. More bizarre shit.

 

[dgibbons]

I'm still on board with Mateer, though he still needs some work. Im just not on board with Arbuckle. Mateer has regressed mid season just like Cam last season. Different athletes same problem. Defences are figuring out what to do and Arbuckle isnt countering. If the D is blitzing or rushing 4/5, Short quick passes to space or screens can solve that. Arbuckle is sometimes called an air raid coach. Leach is laughing at that. Id call it “prayer raid” where it seems random stuff is being called that doesnt fit. Leach may have been a stubborn Sob but he would have this exact team doing those short passes into space in 2 seconds or less. He would have had mateer and his receivers practice this a thousand times so its ingrained. Leach wasnt perfect either but THIS team would hang 45 on Fresno with Leach.

For shits and giggles. In your opinion, who is the last WSU QB that didn't regress?

 

[Coug90]

For shits and giggles. In your opinion, who is the last WSU QB that didn't regress?

Zevi. He’s been consistent.

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Zevi. He’s been consistent.

Swogger.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

For shits and giggles. In your opinion, who is the last WSU QB that didn't regress?

Swogger.

Chad Davis?

 

[CougEd]

For shits and giggles. In your opinion, who is the last WSU QB that didn't regress?

Interesting... Bledsoe did his entire soph year as did Falk, Leaf, Rypien, Rosie and Nrink to name a few. Maybe there is coaching on the other side. Boise was first one to put a spy and didnt let him beat them with his legs.

Also I remember him throwing a pass to Williams in 4th quarter i to double coverage and made that same pass against Fresno.

 

[UberCougars]

Zevi. He’s been consistent.

I think he meant starting qb, not backup.

You aren’t calling for Mateer to be benched are you?

 

[UberCougars]

Chad Davis?

Mateer on that 94 team = NC @ WSU

 

[KRUSTYtheCOUG]

Minshew. That's all I have to say about that

 

[95coug]

Mateer on that 94 team = NC @ WSU

Going through the list of starting QBs we've ever had, I think almost all of them get that team to 9-2. Most of them have a pretty good chance of getting us to 11-0. Our QB Mt. Rushmore candidates probably coast to undefeated seasons.

That team lost 4 games:

@ Tennessee 9-10
Arizona 7-10
USC 10-23
Oregon State 3-21

My memory is that we were robbed at Tennessee, but I don't remember the details.
Arizona was the battle of dominant defenses and inept offenses. Dan White ended up being just slightly more competent than Chad Davis.
Even the Posse didn't really have an answer for Keyshawn.
The offense didn't even get on the bus for that Oregon State game. They were not good that year, but their defense scored twice and our offense couldn't do anything.

 

[ATACFD]

For shits and giggles. In your opinion, who is the last WSU QB that didn't regress?

I get your point that regression can be a normal part of progression, but there's also regression due to a coach not putting the player in a good position to improve. I think both can be operating here. It's not either/or. I'm just not convinced in general that Arbuckle knows what he's doing with the offense or with Mateer.

As for your question: It is a tough one. Aside from Gardner, I'd almost have to say Moscows own: Mike Pattinson. But he was also unique in that he was a senior who paid his dues before starting. He did get progressively better as the season went on (after the whole team sucking against Michigan), throwing for 400+ against Arizona or AZ st (?), but unfortunately he broke his collar bone against Cal. Team was 5-2 and then lost every game after.

 

[Cougini5591]

I get your point that regression can be a normal part of progression, but there's also regression due to a coach not putting the player in a good position to improve. I think both can be operating here. It's not either/or. I'm just not convinced in general that Arbuckle knows what he's doing with the offense or with Mateer.

As for your question: It is a tough one. Aside from Gardner, I'd almost have to say Moscows own: Mike Pattinson. But he was also unique in that he was a senior who paid his dues before starting. He did get progressively better as the season went on (after the whole team sucking against Michigan), throwing for 400+ against Arizona or AZ st (?), but unfortunately he broke his collar bone against Cal. Team was 5-2 and then lost every game after.

Pattinson and Goose. 2 QB's in WSU history that deserve some cred.