Around these parts, we have a vested interest in former Auburn football Bo Nix’s bid to win the starting quarterback role for Oregon under new HC (and former Georgia DC) Dan Lanning and OC (and Nix’s Tigers OC) Kenny Dillingham.
While it was previously thought by several outlets–including the local Eugene publication “The Register-Guard“–that the Pinson product was a shoo-in for the job, Lanning’s recent comments have restructured the narrative.
“We don’t have a starter right now, it’s gonna be a competition.” That is the sound of an ongoing Oregon quarterback competition to this writer.
Even more interesting than that comment, since for all we know it could just be “coach speak” to rally his two redshirt freshman QBs, was his description of what each Ducks passer brings to the table:
"“They’re all unique in their own way. Bo brings a tremendous amount of experience. Ty is really explosive. Jay has a phenomenal arm. They all have their own, unique traits that they’re really good at. So it’d be, it’ll be fun to watch them lead the team and whichever one comes out, comes out as the starter. At the end of the day you want to know you have quarterbacks in your program you think you can win with. I think we have multiple guys that can do that with Bo, Ty and Jay.”"
Maybe Fly War Eagle is reading too much into it, but seeing Nix’s experience being touted by Lanning as his strong suit as opposed to Ty Thompson and Jay Butterfield’s physical traits seems notable.
Former Auburn football Bo Nix backing up a freshman after transferring from the Plains would be a bad look
There is currently a three-way quarterback competition in Auburn because Bo Nix decided to rejoin the offensive coordinator (Kenny Dillingham) he had his best passing numbers with. Nix had every right to make that choice, but boy oh boy that is not a decision that will not age well should Ty Thompson or Jay Butterfield win the starting job.
With Auburn football, Nix had his father’s legacy as a former Tigers starter under center, and several memorable triumphs last season (LSU, Arkansas, Ole Miss) that will have likely given him a longer leash upon return from injury.
Now, he’s a man that may have just given up everything, including a successful sponsorship with Milo’s Tea, to be a Pac-12 backup.