Why Bo Nix Is The Future. Now.

I’m going to discuss three key aspects of the young QB’s game and the significance of these. I’ll put some things into perspective and help you to see the light. Like I have before you. My sources within the athletic program and close to the football team have informed me that Bo’s father, Patrick, also played QB for Auburn back in the 90s. You might have heard the ESPN broadcast mention it a few hundred times. So, naturally, he was born with “Big Nix Energy” (h/t: @IAMBARNINGHARD/Twitter). The sole purpose of this column is to send your expectations to the moon. I’m going full send on this one. Let it be known as I, Pablo Escobarner, hereby proclaim: Auburn has a damn superstar in Bo Nix.

POCKET PRESENCE

We in the business, as armchair QBs, like to reference it as the “internal clock.” It’s the concept of feeling pressure, knowing when to escape the pocket, recognizing a play breaking down, and consequently making the best out of the situation. For the millionth time: Bo Nix is 19-years-old. A true freshman. And he already does this at an elite level. There were a couple instances of him leaving the pocket a little too early in the Oregon game but the game will slow down. He’ll be more and more comfortable in these situations as the season progresses.

ESCAPING PRESSURE

This piggybacks off of the first point. Think about how often the Oregon pass rush broke through the protection and they were after Bo’s ass. It happened numerous times. The kid was running for his life seemingly play after play in the first half. The good news, it really wasn’t too detrimental in terms of negative yardage. Nix already handles pressure better than Jarrett Stidham ever did in an Auburn uniform. He doesn’t take sacks, gets the ball out, and the offense lives to see another down without a drive killer of a play. I don’t know about you (yes I do) but it’s refreshing to see.

Bo was 13/31 passing against Oregon. That’s a 42% completion percentage – gasp! And quite frankly this worries me not in the slightest. He had 7 (SEVEN!) throwaways because of pressure and having to get the ball out. He had a couple throws that are easily chalked up to being a freshman in his first big game. And none of it mattered. He stepped up, maintained his poise, and remained completely calm and collected when he needed to be. Leading the team on that game-winning drive while seemingly unfazed, taking control of the offense, commanding the huddle, and getting the W are the take home points from the Oregon game.

PLAYMAKING ABILITY

Bo Nix is a bonafide athlete. A gamer. A gunslinger. A fiery competitor. Has moxie. He possesses all the clichés of a budding star. He is a true dual threat QB but due to his natural arm talent, he doesn’t have to rely on his legs to make big plays. This allows him the ability to read the defense and make the smart play. Throwing his first career TD to Eli Stove after recognizing the defense wasn’t set is Exhibit A of him just seeing things and making something happen. Even when it’s not a called or designed play. When one hears the term “dual threat QB” their mind naturally thinks of guys like Cam Newton, Nick Marshall, RGIII, or Tim Tebow. But Bo Nix is more of a Baker Mayfield or young Aaron Rodgers type dual threat QB.

And to refute this you may be dismissing my notion by saying things like, “but Baker won the Heisman”, “Baker was the #1 overall pick in the draft”, “Aaron Rodgers is a two-time NFL MVP.”  You’re damn right. You know where Baker Mayfield was at 19? Walking on at Texas Tech and eventually transferring to another school before becoming the ridiculous talent we all know today. You know where Aaron Rodgers was at 19? Playing community college football. I don’t say these things to suggest that Bo Nix is inevitably going to be as good or better than these guys. I say these things to put into perspective just how ridiculous it is that he started the season opener. Against a ranked opponent. For an SEC power. At 19-years-old. It’s ridiculous.

Bo Nix is just going to make things happen, but he is so talented throwing the ball that passing will typically be the first option a la Baker and Aaron. Having said that, some designed QB runs could realllllly help to alleviate some pressure off the offensive line and WRs. Defensive ends have to be more conservative on the edge, linebackers can’t fully commit to the RB, and safeties will have to come up and honor these running lanes.

When these defensive adjustments occur, you’ll then see the whole offense open up. It causes hesitation, second-guessing, and eyes moving all over the field. These are the things that create big play opportunities. One missed assignment can be the difference in a 10 yard pass for a first down and 50 yard pass for a TD. Incorporating this element is what is going to take this potentially dangerous Auburn offense into a potentially deadly one. The sky is the limit.

And I’ll be damned if it isn’t a 19-year-old true freshman spearheading the charge. Appreciate what Auburn has in Bo Nix. Enjoy the ride. Bo Nix and Chill. This kid is truly special.

War Damn Eagle from yours truly,

Pablo Escobarner