Early take... Cook/Pribula

[Basil Shabazz]

I know it was just one game — and yes, it was against Central Arkansas — but it’s clear that Pribula looks like an upgrade over Brady Cook in virtually every aspect of quarterback play.

For someone many claimed couldn’t throw the ball 20 yards downfield, Pribula showed he can throw a better deep ball than Cook. But it wasn’t just the deep throws — it was his ability to progress through reads and find second or third options in the passing game. Too often over the past few seasons, we saw Cook lock onto his primary receiver and take off at the first sign of pressure. Pribula didn’t do that. He kept his eyes downfield, moved well in the pocket, and only ran when he needed to.

He’s also clearly a more dynamic runner than Cook, even though Cook was no slouch in that department. What stood out most to me, though, was Pribula’s poise under pressure. He consistently avoided negative plays and found positive yardage, even if it meant checking down for a short gain.

This isn’t meant as a knock on Brady Cook — he’ll be remembered as one of Mizzou’s better QBs thanks to his winning record and leadership. He also had the benefit of playing with a strong supporting cast.

That said, the real test for Pribula will come when he faces SEC defenses. Can he maintain that poise and decision-making under greater pressure? Can he stay healthy with his style of play? We’ll find out soon enough. But based on what we’ve seen so far, Pribula looks like a quarterback capable of leading a 10-win team.

[edwin drood]

The opponent was Central Arkansas, not Georgia. Cook led the Tigers to a 20-5 record in his last 2 seasons with wins over Iowa and Ohio State.

[Basil Shabazz]

The opponent was Central Arkansas, not Georgia. Cook led the Tigers to a 20-5 record in his last 2 seasons with wins over Iowa and Ohio State.

You missed my first sentence, I guess.

[Armchair QB]

I thought they were similar QB’s. I thought our offense looked much the same as the past couple years.

The exciting thing though, is this was Pribula’s 1st game here. He might wind up being a significant upgrade. The thing about Cook was, he’s a winner and an unbelievable competitor. So that’s hard to measure until you see Pribula over time. So far so good.

[passthebuck]

I think it's potentially a good sign. Pribula looked fairly poised even though that o line is in shambles. They can find a serviceable left tackle, might have something. If not, Pribula or anyone else they put in there is not going to even come close to surviving an SEC schedule. He took a lot of hard bits last night.

[doctor doctor]

Pribula looks like a more on-target passer than Cook.
82% completion rate in Game 1, not too shabby.
Running speed, fairly similar.

When a QB runs there is higher risk of injury, as the Sam Horn situation illustrates.
Please stay healthy Mr. Pribula.

[edwin drood]

The opponent was Central Arkansas, not Georgia. Cook led the Tigers to a 20-5 record in his last 2 seasons with wins over Iowa and Ohio State.

You missed my first sentence, I guess.

Not at all. I was responding to your conclusion in the second half of the first sentence. I do think Beau played very well, although both his long passes to Johnson were underthrown and he needs some blind-side help on the O-line. Hopefully that will happen in these next few days. He's got a great, quick release and great legs. Like a lot of young QBs he kind of telegraphs the primary receiver. But I like what I saw.

[abnerdoubled]

The opponent was Central Arkansas, not Georgia. Cook led the Tigers to a 20-5 record in his last 2 seasons with wins over Iowa and Ohio State.

You missed my first sentence, I guess.

Not at all. I was responding to your conclusion in the second half of the first sentence. I do think Beau played very well, although both his long passes to Johnson were underthrown and he needs some blind-side help on the O-line. Hopefully that will happen in these next few days. He's got a great, quick release and great legs. Like a lot of young QBs he kind of telegraphs the primary receiver. But I like what I saw.

yeah and cook never telegraphed his reciever. I guess you are right, cook locked on his

[ClassicO]

The opponent was Central Arkansas, not Georgia. Cook led the Tigers to a 20-5 record in his last 2 seasons with wins over Iowa and Ohio State.

Cook was not accurate downfield. That limited what the offense could do. And going 20-5 doesn't change reality, which is that Pribula was far more accurate than Brady on short and long throws -- and in getting rid of the ball under pressure -- than I ever saw from Cook.
I have no idea what Pribula will do against very good competition. But...

Cook stats vs. the best teams, where accuracy and ability to get passes off quickly are paramount:
In part or all of four games vs. Georgia, Cook averaged 122 YPG with 2 TDs, 2 INTs and a total of 50 yards rushing.
In his only game against Bama, he was hurt after throwing for 30 yards (7/12) with -8 rushing and no TDs.
Against Auburn, he had 186 yards (7/12) with -8 rushing (again) and no TDs and 1 INT.
He had a good game vs a J. Daniels' LSU team with 411 yards, but still was -7 yards rushing, 2TD/2INT - horrible pick-6.

[winonsports]

Pribula 82% completion rate in Game 1, not too shabby.

Eerily similar to Cook vs So Dakota St a couple of years ago.

[Web7]

Bo accomplished in one game things Brady didn’t do in his entire career…. 280 yards passing with two touchdowns…… And 65 yards rushing with two touchdowns……

[dhsux]

Not sure just yet, it's one game I have seen him play but after watching that game there is at least a chance he can be a better qb than Brady.

You are going to get a lot more done staying in the pocket, remaining focused, than you are making passes on the run or scramble.

The O line had some issues last night but it sure seemed Prib kept kept a level head even under pressure.

[Red Bird Classic]

Pribula looks like a more on-target passer than Cook.
82% completion rate in Game 1, not too shabby.
Running speed, fairly similar.

When a QB runs there is higher risk of injury, as the Sam Horn situation illustrates.
Please stay healthy Mr. Pribula.

Cook was often late with his throws, That's either being overly cautious or slow making reads.

Pribula seemed far more decisive: Read, throw, or scramble. Huddle up.

I was greatly impressed although on long patterns Pribula mostly underthrew his receivers. That won't work as well against a top-notch team.

[winonsports]

For someone many claimed couldn’t throw the ball 20 yards downfield, Pribula showed he can throw

By definition the vocal minority can't be many.

At best they are the very few

[dugoutrex]

that early deep ball looked better than anything we saw last year - MIZ

[Red Bird Classic]

that early deep ball looked better than anything we saw last year - MIZ

It was underthrown. The WR had to come back and get it.

Pribula was really good at the short and intermediate throws though.