Very interesting statistic put up by ESPN....

[CJFisJoePaII]

Bo Nix has recorded the following home and away stats as a starter at Auburn:

Home versus Away

Record 12-2 versus 5-7
Comp Pct 64% versus 55%
TD/INT 20/1 versus 13/12
QBR 75 versus 63


So much for playing on the road not being that big a deal - especially when he's going into probably the most difficult road environment in college football.

 

[Midnighter2]

Bo Nix has recorded the following home and away stats as a starter at Auburn:

Home Away

Record 12-2 5-7
Comp Pct 64% 55%
TD/INT 20/1 13-12
QBR 75 63


So much for playing on the road not being that big a deal - especially when he's going into probably the most difficult road environment in college football.

This is Auburn's second visit ever to a Big Ten stadium. The last time was 90 years ago. They say they see an atmosphere like the White Out every week in the SEC. We shall see.

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

Bo Nix has recorded the following home and away stats as a starter at Auburn:

Home Away

Record 12-2 5-7
Comp Pct 64% 55%
TD/INT 20/1 13-12
QBR 75 63


So much for playing on the road not being that big a deal - especially when he's going into probably the most difficult road environment in college football.

Whereas I don't think it would change your general conclusion, it would probably be best to remove home-game patsies when doing these or any other kind of statistical comparison. Lopsided games against weak competition always tend to skew the stats. Maybe keep it to in-conference games. Or better, have a look at games against top-20 teams if you're trying to infer something about this week's game.

 

[NittPicker]

It seemed to me Nix has been the QB at Auburn forever. So I looked it up and it turned out I was conflating him with his father who was the Auburn QB in the 90s. I was thinking, "Dang. This Nix just won't go away."

 

[Obliviax]

Bo Nix has recorded the following home and away stats as a starter at Auburn:

Home versus Away

Record 12-2 versus 5-7
Comp Pct 64% versus 55%
TD/INT 20/1 versus 13/12
QBR 75 versus 63


So much for playing on the road not being that big a deal - especially when he's going into probably the most difficult road environment in college football.

we'll, happy valley seems to be a place where mediocre QB's go to have the best games of their lives.

I agree with the other poster, the home schedule is much easier. I wonder what that looks like for SC? Does anyone know?

 

[hazeydave]

Listening to some podcasts this week, multiple Auburn sports media folks have said that Nix has been up and down over the past couple of years, that he has not done well on the road especially in high pressure games and that many thought it was possible he might lose his spot to the transfer from LSU, TJ Finley.

It was also said that their former coach, Gus Malzahn, was very controlling, QBs did not have the option to check down on their own and audibles were called in from the sideline- that it was a rigid "high school" type offense. The commentators indicated that Nix would lock into a receiver and not consider 2nd and 3rd options often enough leading to forced throws and turnovers.

The Auburn fans seem to be hoping that, with the new staff and new offense, Nix has been and will continue to play much better than in the past.

Just like PSU fans, Auburn fans are hopeful that they will get better QB play this year with the changes that have been made in the offseason. We will see on Saturday night- I'm happy that the game is being played in State College- that may prove to be a big factor in QB play for both teams.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

we'll, happy valley seems to be a place where mediocre QB's go to have the best games of their lives.

I agree with the other poster, the home schedule is much easier. I wonder what that looks like for SC? Does anyone know?

His away game stats suck - he has 7 away game losses versus 2 home game losses. You take away all the home game wins you want there genius and it isn't going to change that he has a losing record on the road. Ditto the INTs - none of your laughable claims will change the fact that 12 of his 13 CAREER interceptions were in road games. BTW, the SEC plays home-away series just like other conferences - to suggest that Auburn doesn't play bottom-half SEC teams on the road is just plain dumb.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

Listening to some podcasts this week, multiple Auburn sports media folks have said that Nix has been up and down over the past couple of years, that he has not done well on the road especially in high pressure games and that many felt it was thought possible that he might lose his spot to the transfer from LSU, TJ Finley.

It was also said that their former coach, Gus Malzahn, was very controlling, QBs did not have the option to check down on their own and audibles were called in from the sideline- that it was a rigid "high school" type offense. The commentators indicated that Nix would lock into a receiver and not consider 2nd and 3rd options often enough leading to forced throws and turnovers.

The Auburn fans seem to be hoping that, with the new staff and new offense, Nix has been and will continue to play much better than in the past.

Just like PSU fans, Auburn fans are hopeful that they will get better QB play this year with the changes that have been made in the offseason. We will see on Saturday night- I'm happy that the game is being played in State College- that may prove to be a big factor in QB play for both teams.

Well he has been all that impressive this year either - last week against Alabama State he was 9-17 for 108 yards.

 

[Obliviax]

His away game stats suck - he has 7 away game losses versus 2 home game losses. You take away all the home game wins you want there genius and it isn't going to change that he has a losing record on the road. Ditto the INTs - none of your laughable claims will change the fact that 12 of his 13 CAREER interceptions were in road games. BTW, the SEC plays home-away series just like other conferences - to suggest that Auburn doesn't play bottom-half SEC teams on the road is just plain dumb.

their home schedule, just like PSU's, is littered with home patsies that play away games to get the payday. This season, they've played Akron and Alabama State. They play GA state the week after. I don't see those schools playing home - away. The point is, Nix can pad his stats against Akron, AL St and GA state before hitting the SEC home - away games.

 

[UGADawg1988]

This Auburn team is a mystery to me. You can't depend on their excellent statistics based on them beating two junior college teams. Maybe they shock the world?

But in my experience, Bo Nix folds under the pressure of playing on the road against good opponents.

Maybe Auburn's best chance is to somehow take an early lead, and take the crowd out of the game? But the issue is that I've never seen him/them do that with Nix at QB. Also, I suppose Auburn has been holding back some, and saving up a few special plays/formations for Penn State? No idea, but maybe that's worth a little something.

 

[CJFisJoePaII]

their home schedule, just like PSU's, is littered with home patsies that play away games to get the payday. This season, they've played Akron and Alabama State. They play GA state the week after. I don't see those schools playing home - away. The point is, Nix can pad his stats against Akron, AL St and GA state before hitting the SEC home - away games.

Again, you can take away all the wins you want from his home record, it isn't going to change THE FACT that he has a losing road record of 5-7. Especially when you consider that several of those road losses are probably against mediocre-to-bad SEC teams.

 

[jmorovich]

Not sure it matters it’s a whiteout at night on the road for Auburn. According to their fans, and I quote, “It’s cute they think the whiteout plays a part in this outcome. It’s just a gimmick. This will basically be like a noon kickoff at Ole Miss. They have no idea what SEC football is all about”.

So…should I even bother showing up Saturday?

 

[Obliviax]

Again, you can take away all the wins you want from his home record, it isn't going to change THE FACT that he has a losing road record of 5-7. Especially when you consider that several of those road losses are probably against mediocre-to-bad SEC teams.

we are in agreement. I am simply saying his home stats are better, just as is with PSU's QB, due to patsies. But when you look at B1G games, or SEC games, the stats tell a different story. And there is a reason why the staff was fired by Auburn last year.

There isn't much to go on, to be honest. Nix is in a new program with new coaches but they've played very weak teams. The key to making a QB play poorly is to put him under pressure. I would think Nix comes in confident but that confidence will be fragile. First two series will be important

 

[PSU20]

Not sure it matters it’s a whiteout at night on the road for Auburn. According to their fans, and I quote, “It’s cute they think the whiteout plays a part in this outcome. It’s just a gimmick. This will basically be like a noon kickoff at Ole Miss. They have no idea what SEC football is all about”.

So…should I even bother showing up Saturday?

Not knowing what SEC Football is about is what they said when we played Tennessee, and LSU in Bowl Games. If it was for 5 intereceptions we would have easily beaten Florida in the other Bowl. Same with Georgia if McSorely would have started.

 

[ouirpsu]

Not sure it matters it’s a whiteout at night on the road for Auburn. According to their fans, and I quote, “It’s cute they think the whiteout plays a part in this outcome. It’s just a gimmick. This will basically be like a noon kickoff at Ole Miss. They have no idea what SEC football is all about”.

So…should I even bother showing up Saturday?

Maybe the talent on the field is somewhat better in the SEC than the BIG, but the atmosphere in the stadium is not.

 

[Keyser Soze 16801]

Auburn is a middle of the pack SEC team with a new coaching staff

If PSU can't win this one....

 

[AWS1022]

Auburn is a middle of the pack SEC team with a new coaching staff

If PSU can't win this one....

How is being top 4 or 5 in a 14 team conference being middle of the pack?

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

There isn't much to go on, to be honest....

That's kind of the point I was trying to make.

I prefer to set the statistics aside and watch what they do on the field. Haven't seen Nix play, so I have no expectations this week.

Maybe he's a great QB playing behind an awful OL, or vice versa.

It's a team game where individual statistics can get skewed by the supporting cast, play-calling, etc.

 

[blion72]

we are in agreement. I am simply saying his home stats are better, just as is with PSU's QB, due to patsies. But when you look at B1G games, or SEC games, the stats tell a different story. And there is a reason why the staff was fired by Auburn last year.

There isn't much to go on, to be honest. Nix is in a new program with new coaches but they've played very weak teams. The key to making a QB play poorly is to put him under pressure. I would think Nix comes in confident but that confidence will be fragile. First two series will be important

Based simply on this QB's record, my guess is that Auburn is going to try and win this by grinding the run right at us. I would not be surprised to see them say we can do what Wisconsin did to PSU......run, TOS, FDs, etc and do not depend on QB. Auburn probably feels if they have zero TOs and can run, they will win.

I think they may also feel that they can stop our deep passing, and therefore our big plays. Auburn may feel they can contain our running. Do they think their D has better jimmys and joes than Wisky?

 

[Beachwineguy]

This Auburn team is a mystery to me. You can't depend on their excellent statistics based on them beating two junior college teams. Maybe they shock the world?

But in my experience, Bo Nix folds under the pressure of playing on the road against good opponents.

Maybe Auburn's best chance is to somehow take an early lead, and take the crowd out of the game? But the issue is that I've never seen him/them do that with Nix at QB. Also, I suppose Auburn has been holding back some, and saving up a few special plays/formations for Penn State? No idea, but maybe that's worth a little something.

Good insight Dawg! And welcome to the board.

That’s the thing about the White Out: Even when you think you’ve got Penn State on the ropes, it only takes a big play or two to wake up the crowd. In 2016, Ohio State was dominating most of the game. Then Penn State blocked a punt, and the crowd woke up. Then they scored again, and the crowd grew louder. Then the blocked punt, which led to a Big Ten title.

Just looking at the overall record in White Out games, Penn State may be only so-so. But when you consider it’s typically saved for the toughest team on the schedule, they play up to or above the competition.

 

[Rjyoung317]

Based simply on this QB's record, my guess is that Auburn is going to try and win this by grinding the run right at us. I would not be surprised to see them say we can do what Wisconsin did to PSU......run, TOS, FDs, etc and do not depend on QB. Auburn probably feels if they have zero TOs and can run, they will win.

I think they may also feel that they can stop our deep passing, and therefore our big plays. Auburn may feel they can contain our running. Do they think their D has better jimmys and joes than Wisky?

They are in the SEC so of course they do. Nobody can really say they know anything about Auburn yet but Bo Nix should still be Bo Nix

 

[lazydave841]

With Nix's penchant for turnovers, poor play on the road, and erratic throwing, I have to wonder if we stack the box early and try to swallow the run and force some throws?

How much pressure do we try?

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Hoping we avoid the past propensity to make average quarterbacks look exceptional (simultaneous lack of pressure and tight coverage). This year's D looking much better so I don't think Nix is going to be in any Heisman discussions after tomorrow night.

 

[Keyser Soze 16801]

How is being top 4 or 5 in a 14 team conference being middle of the pack?

5th in their 7 team division is more like it

USA Today SEC predictions

Most predictions are for a 7-5 season

 

[AWS1022]

5th in their 7 team division is more like it

USA Today SEC predictions

Most predictions are for a 7-5 season

They’ll finish ahead of LSU and Ole Miss and possibly A&M. Those predictions are likely based on them having a new coach, but that’s not always a bad thing. And were those predictions made before LSU lost to UCLA or A&M squeaked one out against Colorado?