Bo Nix experienced two very different sides of college football during his five-year career at Auburn and Oregon. The Pac-12 (RIP) is a polar opposite environment to the SEC when it comes to Power Five conferences.
He felt that contrast as soon as he left the South and moved out West.
Nix, a four-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2019, was the third-ranked quarterback behind Jayden Daniels and Spencer Rattler. All three guys are set to be drafted into the NFL next month.
While reflecting back on his career, Nix compared his experience on the Plains to his time in the Pacific Northwest. In his eyes, there is an (almost) “unhealthy obsession” with football below the Mason-Dixon Line. Particularly in the Southeastern Conference region. That same feeling did not exist in the Pac-12.
Nix told Ryen Russillo that the biggest difference between the two conference was related to hostility.
In the sense, the hostility and maybe the unhealthy pressure that is added to 18- to 22-year-olds by outside noise and fans.
— Bo Nix
He continued on to explain that growing up in the South led him to believe that football was life or death. Moving out to Oregon made him realize that it is not quite that serious. Nix found it to be more laid back and learned to find a greater joy in his sport.
The math adds up with what Nix is saying. Football, especially college football, is something of a religion in the South. Weeks revolve around game day. Entire communities shut down to support their team.
If you’re not winning, you’re not providing any value. It can feel that way, at least.
Nix played his best season with the Ducks last season and was named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He set an NCAA record for highest completion percentage en route to a 12-2 season with a win in the Fiesta Bowl. It was a great year for someone who struggled to reach the next level while with the Tigers.
Perhaps coaching was the difference. Perhaps it was the roster around him.
Or, maybe, Bo Nix figured things out after getting to the Pac-12 and realizing that having fun along the way is just as important. The hostility might’ve been keeping him down!