Public Enemy #1: The case for Colin Kaepernick
by Kevan Lee on Jun 16, 2009 7:38 AM PDT
in WAC rivals
37 comments
Boise State football's Public Enemy #1 is a coordinated effort by OBNUG to decide which loathsome individual has the distinct privilege of us making fun of him (or her!) all year. Today: Colin Kaepernick. Tomorrow: Robb Akey.
Colin Kaepernick is a joke, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in another joke.
He's 6'6" with the body of a sixth grader, a unique offensive weapon that few teams have an answer for, and a prancing runner of a quarterback whose greatest plays are made when he's not actually throwing the ball.
Why do I hate him? Because the only part anyone ever cares about is the middle part.
People gloss over the fact that Kaepernick looks like a giant Elmo doll and throws like the ball should have been there yesterday. They simply love, love, love all that unbridled athleticism.
And there is certainly a lot of athleticism to love. Kaepernick has a skill set that is unique to nearly every other college quarterback. In addition to being able to cross a football field in five strides, Kaepernick is quick, elusive, and capable of the big play at any moment. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands (less so when the ball leaves his hands in a vain attempt to reach a receiver) as evidenced by his gaudy statistics: 2849 yards through the air, 1139 yards on the ground, 39 total touchdowns.
Colin Kaepernick is as dynamic a player as there is in the West.
Whether you agree or disagree, this statement really gets at the heart of the Kaepernick paradox: How exactly do you describe him? Note that the above sentence does not call him a quarterback. It does not use an adjective that assumes consistency. It is a broad, general statement that says a lot without saying much at all.
Colin Kaepernick is good by the looks of his statistics and he's noticeable by the looks of his lanky, woman legs. You can't help but think something special's going on there. So if you're anyone with a journalism degree and Internet access, you're declaring him the most "dynamic" player in the West, all the while having no idea what you mean by "dynamic."
This is how over-hyped, overrated players are born.
And what better credentials can you have for being Public Enemy #1 than those of an over-hyped, overrated conference rival?
One thing's for sure: I don't fear Kaepernick any more. The kid was terrifying all last offseason and leading up to the Nevada game, but then a funny thing happened. The Bronco defense studded up, Kaepernick went 19-for-50, and the aura of invincibility was gone. When faced with an athletic, disciplined defense, Colin Kaepernick is Diondre Borel but with name recognition.
And I know I'm not alone in feeling this way.
Seeing a human Kaepernick put up Nathan Enderle-type numbers makes it that much harder to hear all the effusive praise that the gawky Kaepernick receives. It makes it insanely difficult to stomach the fact that Kaepernick, and not our beloved Kellsy, was named WAC Offensive Player of the Year. It makes the Vince Young comparisons laughable, the drooling of Sean McDonough ridiculous, and the lionizing from Nevada fans oddly amusing.
Everyone loves them some Colin Kaepernick. But they're only loving the good parts.
There's a whole 'nother gangling, mediocre side that everyone ignores, despite the plaintive cries of Bronco Nation.
He's average at times. He's inconsistent. He's no Kellen Moore. And that's why he gets the nomination for Public Enemy #1.
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Hear, Hear!
Kapi is no Kellen Moore, nor is he an effective ball thrower. He is effective at prancing about with those long, hairless legs. He’s built for either baseball or being a leg model for super-smooth ladies’ razors or possibly ballet. Good luck this year Kapi. I’m sure The Hout is looking forward to meeting you on the blue this year
"The brothers, they don't think I know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I DO." -Nacho
by BroncoFever on Jun 16, 2009 8:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
BTW
I voted Kapi my personal public enemy #1 this year and blame everything that goes bad in my life on him, including the cold Chicken Baja chalupa I got last week from Taco Smell.
"The brothers, they don't think I know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I DO." -Nacho
by BroncoFever on Jun 16, 2009 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I further nominate Kapi as the unofficial nickname of the man-child
"The brothers, they don't think I know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I DO." -Nacho
by BroncoFever on Jun 16, 2009 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heck No He's Not Kellen Moore
On behalf of all Nevada Fans,
Kaepernick is 523 yards of total offense and 13 touchdowns with 3 less interceptions on the season, better than Kellen Moore. Stop bringing Kaep’s name down by mentioning him in the same write-ups please.
Thank You
by Packfan7 on Jun 16, 2009 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And yet
And yet Nevada still loses… that really sucks
"The brothers, they don't think I know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I DO." -Nacho
by BroncoFever on Jun 16, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Selective stat comparison...
It took Kaepernick 100 more offensive touches to get those extra yards. Moore takes the lead on yards per offensive attempt. (total offense/(pass att + rush att)
Add in a higher completion percantage and far better QB rating and I will take Moore any day.
"...he could have run for 500 yards if only the end zone hadn't kept getting in the way"
by MKingery on Jun 16, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giving BSU Credit
where credit is due. Moore did great as a Freshman last year and Boise will continue to do well for awhile. Hopefully the Pack can step up their defense and win this year so the WAC will have 2 top 25 teams.
by PackPride on Jun 24, 2009 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That may be true but
from now on you may refer to him as “The reigning Offensive Player of the Year AND 1st Team All Conference QB: Mr. Colin Kaepernick…as coached by the great, the legendary, the Hall Of Fame enshrined Chris Ault” when you talk about our quarterback.
by Packfan7 on Jun 16, 2009 10:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s right…our non Hall of Fame coach has whipped the ass of your great (laugh), legendary (snort), HOF (chortle) coach for 3 years running. Including twice at our home-away-from-home!
by MiketheTransplant on Jun 16, 2009 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot...
..to add “semi-retired” prior to Ault’s name.
"You know where i'm from, a little suspicion about one's true identity and motives is considered good manners."
-- Nale
by Loque on Jun 16, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will
when Nevada beats us. Until then, it aint gonna happen.
"The brothers, they don't think I know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I DO." -Nacho
by BroncoFever on Jun 16, 2009 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So that would be
Nov 27th of this year around 9:00 PM?
Don’t worry, PWtW will accept the blog bet again with OBNUG.
by Packfan7 on Jun 16, 2009 10:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Salutation
You know Packfan, at least you can say you’re not a bandwagon fan. And for that, I salute you! There’s nothing better than a true fan that can always find the good in your team… I think Utah State could use a fan like yourself.
but I think we can both agree that using legendary as an adjective for Chris Ault is reaching just a bit…
Someday I hope to look in a mirror and see something special... something like a coach pete protoge'.
by BigBaloo on Jun 16, 2009 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Next Nevada Win Over BSU Will Be........
this year? no.
this decade? no.
this century? nope. keep trying
never? correct. give PackFan a cee-gar!
by MiketheTransplant on Jun 16, 2009 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am all over that blog bet like Nair on Kaepernick's legs
It is on, packfan. Have I told you yet today how much I appreciate you? spartanfan is not nearly as loyal …. or cool.
"Did you eat your Wheaties this morning, Phillip? Thank God you ate your Wheaties. Alright, Simms, way to hustle." - Tim
by Kevan Lee on Jun 16, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kapi is still playing football?
I thought that after being drafted #1,310 (snicker) in the 43rd round (gasp… how many rounds do they need?) of the MLB draft last week he would realize that his future really isn’t with football… actually, the ironic thing is his future would be with the Chicago Cubs farm team in… wait for it… Boise, with the Hawks.
That sucks for him. He’s never going to make it in life. He should probably take up leg modelling for the QVC.
by forum8usa on Jun 16, 2009 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's really sad
That you guys are so afraid of one individual player (yet so in love with him at the same time) that you would bribe your local farm club’s organization to waste a late draft pick just to both A. not have to face him in football and B. get him to come live in your city.
The kid hasn’t even touched a baseball in 3 years!
Disgusting!
by Packfan7 on Jun 16, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kinda Schizophrenic Post
how can someone be “public enemy number 1” if they aren’t frightening, and are simply overhyped?
Kapi (way easier to type!) is the only player in the WAC who really worries me at all. For that reason alone he should be at the top of the list.
by killtacular on Jun 16, 2009 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I see your point. I would say that you don’t have to be frightening to be nominated as Public Enemy #1 (see Akey, Robb). I think any player, coach, or personality who is annoying, frustrating, or inherently evil would deserve a nom.
Interesting that he really worries you. Is this worry relative to the rest of the WAC being void of worrisome players? Is it because of his potential for big plays? Is it the 2007 BSU-UNR game? I’d be curious to find out. My feelings have changed quite a bit on him, but I still despise him like the plague.
"Did you eat your Wheaties this morning, Phillip? Thank God you ate your Wheaties. Alright, Simms, way to hustle." - Tim
by Kevan Lee on Jun 16, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting...
I, too, have a curious distaste for Kapi and all associated with him, but I only fear the 2007 Kapi, not the 2008 version. I think The Hout and Swyk are not afraid of Kapi, and that makes me very happy.
"The brothers, they don't think I know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I DO." -Nacho
by BroncoFever on Jun 16, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the less rational side of me, it is absolutely because of the 2007 game. I was SO excited when we finally won that game (perhaps because I got a little drunker than I was planning because it took so long), but immediately afterwords I was like: wait, nevada/this stupid quarterback did this to us?
For the more rational side of me, its just that I can’t think of anyone else in the WAC who even comes close to worrying me. Kapi might not get things done through the air, but he can put up yards and points. I’m not all that worried – we are more than stacked at defense – but compared to the rest of the WAC, I can’t think of anyone else who even makes me pay all that much attention.
But your point is good that you don’t have to be frightening to be public enemy #1. I can’t imagine Akey’s ever scared anyone other than a barber in his life.
by killtacular on Jun 16, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The good news
I relate my feelings for Kapi like those of Kobe Bryant. I hate the guy, but I sure do respect him.
1) The guys original intent was to play for BSU. He may play for the ’Pack now, but his heart bled Blue prior to the staff rejecting him.
2) If Washington had Kapi and no Locker, I think they would have had better success… until a USC linebacker broke both the twigs he stood on.
My gut feeling this year for Kapi is not good, however. With Lippincott back, they say Kapi is working on his passing. I have this feeling that that will not go so well. When you see QB’s try to reform their game to something other than they’re not familiar with (in this case, B-ing a quarterback), they typically have horrible seasons following the adjustment. I’m predicting a less-than-previous version of Kapi this year. Unfortunately, that means a loss to ND and a demotion to BSU’s SOS.
"You know where i'm from, a little suspicion about one's true identity and motives is considered good manners."
-- Nale
by Loque on Jun 16, 2009 5:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Drafted?
HWMBS (He Who Must Be Sacked) got drafted by MLB? That kid can’t hit the ground with a football and they want him to throw strikes??? :) Maybe with that arm, they think they can teach him.
"I'd rather be a smartass than a dumbass."
by Belexes on Jun 16, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kapi is just a big kid
Aw, c’mon guys! How can you make an enemy out of a kid playing ball? It’s times like this that we need Hal Mumme back in the WAC. And ONLY in times like this! He was a natural made-to-be-hated kind of guy, I thought.
I just don’t feel right about making Kapi our #1 Public Enemy. Those feelings should be held silently. He’s just a kid!
by TitoRay on Jun 16, 2009 8:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Correction, “Man-child”
"You know where i'm from, a little suspicion about one's true identity and motives is considered good manners."
-- Nale
by Loque on Jun 17, 2009 6:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously...?
Who is “afraid” of Kapi? Keep this in mind folks. All the prancing and wiggling he did last year. Even the awards and Graham Watson lovefests he received. Only got the Wolf Pack a 7-6 record and an embarassing bowl loss to…Maryland?
Public Enemy #1? To his own team maybe. As much praise as he receives, He is not winning football games consistently. Maybe its his supporting cast, but last year HE WAS the supporting cast. I don’t see him getting anymore wins this year regardless of what Graham Watson would have me believe.
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." -Colonel Sanders (look it up)
by Mikrino on Jun 17, 2009 6:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Give him better credit
The loss to Maryland was hardly embarrasing. Kaep did very good at attempting a comeback even with playing 3 quarters with a sprained ankle. The only embarassing part is that the WAC should have done better as a whole in the bowl games.
by PackPride on Jun 24, 2009 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly...
It was like Kapi was playing Maryland by himself. If the rest of the UN team showed up… Sorry, just wishing things were different.
"You know where i'm from, a little suspicion about one's true identity and motives is considered good manners."
-- Nale
by Loque on Jun 26, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also of note...
The 2007 game is and will be an anamoly. It was Kapi’s first start and as such, he was an unknown. Hence, the battle that ensued. You may have noticed last year’s meeting went much the way it should have.
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." -Colonel Sanders (look it up)
by Mikrino on Jun 17, 2009 6:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Excuses excuses!
Kaep played in 3 of the 5 previous games, one of which was almost the entire game. And if you watched last year’s game, it was very close to going into overtime as well.
by PackPride on Jun 24, 2009 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would say that
Kaepernick is a stat monster on the blue turf. 2 trips = 613 passing, 192 rushing, 9TD’s. That’s what will make this game interesting.
Think about this: Kaepernick’s huge stats last year were against Fresno (away), UNLV (away), La Tech (away), and Maryland (on the blue). And he had huge stats against you guys in 07 on the blue. I think he just loves to come to an opponent’s city and piss of their fans in their own house. If you shut him down this year, that would be a pretty amazing thing. I think he loves the blue field.
by Packfan7 on Jun 17, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope so.
…Because he’ll be seeing it up close and personal, if you know what I mean.
Oh, you don’t. I meant that he’ll be sacked plenty of times, thus having a closer view of the Blue Turf.
Packfan, I may hate your team, but fans like you are awesome. Keep up the comments!
"You know where i'm from, a little suspicion about one's true identity and motives is considered good manners."
-- Nale
by Loque on Jun 17, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An H-bowl game against Maryland is far from the equivalent of playing the Broncos on the Blue. Nevada essentially had homefield in that matchup. Also there is one glaring detail omitted from all your stats, and your obvious man-crush for spindly legged, 12 year-old, college quarterbacks.
Kapi’s record on Blue Turf; 0-2
Nevada’s record vs. Boise State this decade (home OR away); 0-8
The most important facts are the ones you’re leaving out…
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." -Colonel Sanders (look it up)
by Mikrino on Jun 18, 2009 6:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kaeps record on the blue may be 0-2 but all he needs is a better defense (which is very possible this year) and instead of losing by a TD or less, we may actually be winning those games. Which includes vs. the Broncos.
by PackPride on Jun 24, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
114
Points surrendered in two games. It’s so sad of our defense and special teams. Even more amazing: none of those were defensive scores.
You know how sometimes points can add up quickly and a game can get crazy if a couple of passes are returned for TD’s for a quick 14 points?
Well I guess your QB does anyway….
Can’t wait until Moore see’s Basped and Moch across from him and starts having flash backs. He’ll be cruising Choke highway on his way to Pick City and there goes your unblemished mark.
by Packfan7 on Jun 18, 2009 8:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
92nd and 100th...?
We are talking about the same Nevada team right?
The one that allowed over 400 yards per game, good for 92nd in Total Defense?
The one that allowed 32.3 points per game, good for 100th in Scoring Defense?
As far as Kellen goes, I’m not thinking he’ll be worried at all. More than likely he’ll be giddy and overjoyed when faces the vaunted 120th, (note: DEAD LAST) ranked Pass Defense, giving up more than 300 yards through the air!
Putting up points doesn’t seem to be the Wolfpack’s problem…?
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." -Colonel Sanders (look it up)
by Mikrino on Jun 18, 2009 9:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Must be the same team, because that same defense kept Nevada within 7 for the past 2 years… this year’s pass D and special teams have been upgraded from last year. Maybe we can beat that 69-67 from last time on the Blue? It must really suck to get ranked so high in the season and then have to struggle each year to Nevada’s 6-7 and 7-6 team. No matter how much I want Nevada to win in November, I want Boise to CRUSH Oregon even more.
by PackPride on Jun 24, 2009 12:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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