Tommy Armstrong - Dare I say he's the best QB in the B1G?

[chicolby]

Tommy has had such an amazing start to the season, I think it should be worth considering that he is the best QB in the conference.

Cardale Jones: 57% passing, 622 passing yards, 147 rushing yards, 4 TD passes, 4 INTs, 1 TD Run - 129 QBR
Connor Cook: 58% passing, 838 passing yards, 16 rushing yards, 9 TD passes, 1 INT, 0 TD Runs - 151 QBR
Wes Lunt: 60% passing, 856 passing yards, 0 rushing yards, 6 TD passes, 2 INTs, 0 TD Runs - 120 QBR
Christian Hackenberg: 52.8% passing, 668 passing yards, 0 rushing yards,4 TD passes, 2 INTs, 0 TD Runs - 114 QBR
Tommy Armstrong: 58.9% passing, 1,266 passing yards, 118 rushing yards, 11 TD passes, 5 INTs, 1 TD Run - 146 QBR

It's hard to argue with the numbers and his success through four games. And he's a junior! If somehow, the defense can get shored up and maybe an influx of talent for next season, he could be a Heisman candidate and while the schedule flips a bit next year, we could be set to have a special season.

Also, before people jump on me, no, I didn't look at every QB in the B1G - focused my research on the top "name" QBs from teams that are expected to compete. I threw in Lunt because he's our next opponent.

 

[huskerbaseball13]

At this point...I would go with Cook for sure, but other than that...I think Tommy is next in line. And the good news is that he can still get better.

 

[timnsun]

Very nice breakdown... How many TDs passing and rushing? This is also a factor.

I also think Cardale's numbers are skewed a little since he split time with Barrett the first couple of games... But even if he didn't, he wouldn't have the passing stats Tommy has.

 

[Cornicator]

Very nice breakdown... How many TDs passing and rushing? This is also a factor.

I also think Cardale's numbers are skewed a little since he split time with Barrett the first couple of games... But even if he didn't, he wouldn't have the passing stats Tommy has.

When you add the TD numbers, no other Big Ten QB is even close to Tommy.

 

[Tulsa Tom]

If Tommy will take care of the ball, I would take him over all of those guys. Cook is probably the best of the rest but he simply has never impressed me all that much. I would have to look back to be sure but in his games against us I think he has been under 50% completions every time.

 

[otismotis08]

That's pretty amazing, considering there are 3 guys on that list who are NFL-bound.

 

[suhnami]

Still rather have Cardale Jones.

 

[jeans15]

Tommy is the best Qb in the B1G right now.

I don't see another QB in the conference that can carry a team when nothing else is working like he can so far.

 

[jeans15]

I like Tommy but this is more telling of how bad the Big 10 is moreso than how good Tommy is.

Considering there are 3 potential 1st round Qbs in the B1G, yeah your post makes sense.

Considering he is number 10 in the NATION in total offense. I guess every conference sucks...

Terrible post sir.

 

[StrongArm517]

Agree his improvment is amazing. Can't even imagine our team without him. Hope he is named all B1G

 

[jflores]

I think Dienhart had him as the best O player in the B1G to this point.

 

[suhnami]

Tommy is the best Qb in the B1G right now.

I don't see another QB in the conference that can carry a team when nothing else is working like he can so far.

Tommy has made AMAZING improvement and had a huge jump this year and I love him for it and am glad he's our QB and am tickled he's made everyone STFU about Ryker Fyfe.

He'd still be number 3 at Ohio State, probably.

 

[Nate004]

What's even more amazing, is that Tommy is just scratching the surface of his potential. He has been in this system now for what, 9 months and he is playing really good. Imagine with a full season and an offseason under his belt next year how good he could be.

 

[jeans15]

Tommy has made AMAZING improvement and had a huge jump this year and I love him for it and am glad he's our QB and am tickled he's made everyone STFU about Ryker Fyfe.

He'd still be number 3 at Ohio State, probably.

You're probably right. But I'm just going off of play so far on the field.

 

[suhnami]

You're probably right. But I'm just going off of play so far on the field.

Do you think there is a game that Tommy has had as good as Cardale Jones at V-Tech?

 

[timnsun]

Do you think there is a game that Tommy has had as good as Cardale Jones at V-Tech?

Jones was 10-19, 189 yards and 2 TDs, 1 int, 13 rushes for 99 yards and a TD.

I didn't see the game, so don't know how he looked, but those stats do not compare with Tommy at all... Was there more to see than just the stats?

 

[chicolby]

When you add the TD numbers, no other Big Ten QB is even close to Tommy.

Added TD numbers and TD/INT rates in the original post. Honestly, when looking at these numbers alone, it's hard to argue anyone, outside maybe Cook that is having a better year than Tommy. I hope the team can start to rack up some wins so that he can get more of a spotlight on the actual performance he's having. It's hard to draw much attention when your team is 2-2 but should they get to 5-2 or even 7-2 is within range, he should start to get a lot more attention. Also hoping Michigan State stays clean as the atmosphere in Lincoln for the #1 or #2 team in the country coming to town could be electric.

With all the negativity (not saying it's not partially deserved), there is still a lot for this team to accomplish.

 

[Lincoln100]

Tommy has made AMAZING improvement and had a huge jump this year and I love him for it and am glad he's our QB and am tickled he's made everyone STFU about Ryker Fyfe.

He'd still be number 3 at Ohio State, probably.

You mean behind the 2 guys that have been really pedestrian?

 

[suhnami]

Jones was 10-19, 189 yards and 2 TDs, 1 int, 13 rushes for 99 yards and a TD.

I didn't see the game, so don't know how he looked, but those stats do not compare with Tommy at all... Was there more to see than just the stats?

You should've watched to see how he helped blow it open in the 2nd half. Remember VT was ahead at half time.

 

[suhnami]

You mean behind the 2 guys that have been really pedestrian?

You think Cardale Jones and JT Barrett are pedestrian? What did you take before you made this post? Are you willing to share?

 

[1fansopinion]

You think Cardale Jones and JT Barrett are pedestrian? What did you take before you made this post? Are you willing to share?

He said they "have been" really pedestrian, and I assume he's talking about this year alone. And he is correct.

Here are the totals for both OSU QB's this year:
Cmp - 67; Att -119; Yards - 818; Cmp %- 56.3; TD's - 6; Int - 6; Rating -120.6

Here are Tommy's numbers this year:
Cmp -89; Att - 151; Yards - 1266; Comp % - 58.9; TD's - 11; Int - 5; Rating 146.8

It doesn't take a genius to see who's having the better year.
There's a reason that Meyer is having a difficult time deciding who to start. It's because they have both been...pedestrian.

 

[Nebraska Gator II]

TA has always been a terrific QB when his first read is open. If it is not open, he often becomes a serious liability. I still have not seen him work through progressions very well. It should be better for a third year starting QB-although Martinez had the same issues. Maybe he will improve with this coaching staff.

 

[1fansopinion]

Do you think there is a game that Tommy has had as good as Cardale Jones at V-Tech?

Jones vs. Va. Tech:
Cmp -10; Att -19; Yards -187; Cmp% - 52.6; TD's - 2; Int - 1 ; Rating -159.5; Yd's rushing- 99; Rushing TD - 1

Tommy vs So. Miss:
Cmp - 23; Att - 35; Yards - 368; Cmp% - 65.7; TD's - 2; Int - 1; Rating - 167.2; Yd's rushing - 63; Rushing TD -1

 

[suhnami]

He said they "have been" really pedestrian, and I assume he's talking about this year alone. And he is correct.

Here are the totals for both OSU QB's this year:
Cmp - 67; Att -119; Yards - 818; Cmp %- 56.3; TD's - 6; Int - 6; Rating -120.6

Here are Tommy's numbers this year:
Cmp -89; Att - 151; Yards - 1266; Comp % - 58.9; TD's - 11; Int - 5; Rating 146.8

It doesn't take a genius to see who's having the better year.
There's a reason that Meyer is having a difficult time deciding who to start. It's because they have both been...pedestrian.

Now take into acct that Ohio State has a superb running game and has been involved in 2 blowouts... That doesn't make them pedestrian.

 

[suhnami]

Jones vs. Va. Tech:
Cmp -10; Att -19; Yards -187; Cmp% - 52.6; TD's - 2; Int - 1 ; Rating -159.5; Yd's rushing- 99; Rushing TD - 1

Tommy vs So. Miss:
Cmp - 23; Att - 35; Yards - 368; Cmp% - 65.7; TD's - 2; Int - 1; Rating - 167.2; Yd's rushing - 63; Rushing TD -1

I didn't say stats.

 

[1fansopinion]

I didn't say stats.

Good God... If we don't compare stats, then it all depends on random opinions based on many variables. In that case, you are welcome to believe what you want and I will differ from you.

Jones has not been all-world this year, and he wasn't against VaTech either. Potentially, both OSU QB's are very good and, yes, they would probably start over Tommy at OSU.

Tommy is having a better year overall and I believe that 3 of his four games (except Miami) could be deemed as better, or as good as, Jones against VT.

We'll see how it shakes out as the year progresses.

 

[timnsun]

You should've watched to see how he helped blow it open in the 2nd half. Remember VT was ahead at half time.

What I also remember reading is VaTech QB going out in the third qtr... It hindered their offense pretty bad I guess.

I know that jones and Barrett are great players and qbs... Last year was proof of that. But I think a case can easily be made that, for one game, Tommy has had a better game than jones. And on the season, his statistics back that up. Will it remain this way the entire season? We will see. But for now, I would say Tommy has had a better game, yes.

Whether Tommy starts at tOSU is another question entirely.

 

[Lincoln100]

Now take into acct that Ohio State has a superb running game and has been involved in 2 blowouts... That doesn't make them pedestrian.

Which should open the passing game up that much more and make their job that much easier. But alas, their #'s aren't exciting. If TA was at THE Ohio State University, at this point in the year he sure as hell would have had his shot, because Urb couldn't be more obvious with his disappointment in his QB's. I'm not saying TA is the best in the BIG . . . not yet anyway.

 

[Cornicator]

TA has always been a terrific QB when his first read is open. If it is not open, he often becomes a serious liability. I still have not seen him work through progressions very well. It should be better for a third year starting QB-although Martinez had the same issues. Maybe he will improve with this coaching staff.

You're apparently not watching games this season. He is clearly going through his progressions better than ever before. Oh.. Those poor QBs at Ohio State have been Tim Becked... Is there a bigger indictment of a coach in America than the improvement of Tommy Armstrong and the regression of the Ohio State QBs?

 

[gotit2013]

Still rather have Cardale Jones.

Thank you. My gosh, people can spin any number to make it look good for whatever they're trying or wanting to believe. I'm sure folks would take TA over the OSU QBs.

 

[bleedinred1969]

Is there an echo in here?

 

[Lincoln100]

You're apparently not watching games this season. He is clearly going through his progressions better than ever before. Oh.. Those poor QBs at Ohio State have been Tim Becked... Is there a bigger indictment of a coach in America than the improvement of Tommy Armstrong and the regression of the Ohio State QBs?

And as a + for Langs, I don't think Eli's #'s are too hot, but I haven't compared them to last years (just know Eli's #'s were pretty good with him there).

 

[suhnami]

Which should open the passing game up that much more and make their job that much easier. But alas, their #'s aren't exciting. If TA was at THE Ohio State University, at this point in the year he sure as hell would have had his shot, because Urb couldn't be more obvious with his disappointment in his QB's. I'm not saying TA is the best in the BIG . . . not yet anyway.

It should do those things, but also the QB's are not going to be throwing much in the 3rd and 4th quarters against Hawaii and Western Michigan. Urban is NEVER happy - always pushing for improvement which makes them get better and better.

 

[suhnami]

And as a + for Langs, I don't think Eli's #'s are too hot, but I haven't compared them to last years (just know Eli's #'s were pretty good with him there).

When Langsdorf went to the Giants Eli's numbers took a big jump.

 

[Lincoln100]

It should do those things, but also the QB's are going to be throwing much in the 3rd and 4th quarters against Hawaii and Western Michigan. Urban is NEVER happy - always pushing for improvement which makes them get better and better.

Holy sheet, their #'s are that pedestrian against the D's of the Rainbow Warriors and whatever Western Michigan calls themselves? It's a good thing they don't have to throw in the 3rd and 4th, because their #'s from the 1st and the 2nd aren't that good. So he is unhappy with them just because that is what he does, not because they have blah #'s against the Rainbow Warriors and the whatevers of Western Michigan? A vital part of being a good debater is conceding the weakest part of your argument, yet you want to emphasize it. Dude.

 

[Lincoln100]

When Langsdorf went to the Giants Eli's numbers took a big jump.

I didn't think you were into stats.

 

[timnsun]

Thank you. My gosh, people can spin any number to make it look good for whatever they're trying or wanting to believe. I'm sure folks would take TA over the OSU QBs.

Idiotic post. How is posting Tommy's numbers spinning anything? They are what they are. No spin. It stands on its own against decent competition as well.

Tell us what numbers have been spun in favor of Tommy? I would like to know since you are so bent out of shape about the skewing of tommy's numbers just to make him look better than cardale or JT.

Not saying Tommy is better than cardale, but give it a rest. He's having a great year so far in a system he hasn't seen since high school (if at all).

 

[suhnami]

I didn't think you were into stats.

Ahhhahahaha take a post out of context and then play "gotcha." Good one. You should get a job with the MSM and interview GOP candidates.

 

[suhnami]

What scares me about Tommy is I think when we start playing better teams he's going to throw even more interceptions. And 3 of his so far weren't even his fault, but they still count. We'll see if I'm right. He threw some against BYU that should've been picked but their DB's were bad. And let's not act like USM and USA are great defensive teams.

 

[LRob]

I know you were focusing more on the big names, but I'll also throw in a couple of others worthy of consideration are:

CJ Beathard: 68% passing, 962 passing yds, 151 rush yds, 6TD pass/1 INT, 3 TD Run - 158 QBR
Nate Sudfeld: 61% passing, 1143 passing yds, 38 rush yds, 7 TD pass/2 INT, 2 TD Run - 154 QBR

Here's a few more stats:

TA is accounting for 67% of Neb offense and is avg 7.7 yds per play
Beathard is accounting for 63% of Iowa offense and avg 8.1 yds per play
Sudfeld is accounting for 56% of Indy offense/8.0 yds per play
Cook is accounting for 57% of MSU offense/8.0 yds per play

Right now I'd give an ever so slight edge to Tommy over Beathard. But CJB has been very good. There's a reason Jake Rudock is in Ann Arbor. I know Iowa hasn't played as tough a schedule as Nebraska...but TA also has had the benefit of facing a huge 2nd half decifit where Miami softened up their coverage.

BTW...Cook's 9/1 TD to Int ratio is impressive and MSU's offense really doesn't call for him to air it as much...especially against lesser opponents.