Yes, it seems that way.
The BIG stats tell a lot but obviously not the whole story. Nelson ranked at or near the bottom in many passing categories in the BIG and completed just 50% of his throws. More alarming is his 5.1% INT:attempts ratio which was by far the worse in the conference. I didn't look at his rushing stats but, at best, he does not have the wheels to match the top running QB's. I realize he was a true FR and he should get better with better and more experienced players around him. Can we expect his completions to improve to approach 60% and INT ratio around 3% and better yd/carry? I think the whole scenerio is much more than just giving Nelson a good OL.
Our running game is a reflection on the OL and it ranked #9 in total yds but just 3.6 yd/carry. Compare that to OSU 5.2, Wisky 5.1, NU 5.3. Do we have the makings to up that to 4.0-4.2 range? Assuming everyone will improve their performance and stay healthy, IMO the best we can expect is a mid-pack ranked BIG offense.
BTW, the pass protection and rushing was better last year. But the offense only managed 17 ppg which was #11 in the BIG. And we ranked last in 3rd down conversions and first downs. Much work to be done here.
The good news is this is still a young offense and "should" be stronger in 2014. But the OL could still be very young in 2014 if guys like Persig, Hayes, Lauer, Bush, Mayes, Bobek, etc. step-up and earn starting spots. And possibly Edwards, Harbison, Carter and other FR wide receivers or other QB's may be better than what we now have.
It seems as if the depth on offense has improved greatly. And the system is stable. But, the question remains, when will the #1 guys have the makings to compete with the top BIG teams?