overviews on Cornhole Football:
HuskerNKingwood
5000+ posts
04/14/07 04:18 PM
Nebraska spring game overview....
Greetings, my burnt orange friends.
Just returned home from Nebraska's spring game, which, I believe, will air on NFL Network later this evening. For those who might tune in, here is what I saw in the spring game, and what you can expect to see. For those that aren't interested, you don't have to read it, but I'm posting this for those like HHD, who requested I do this. So, without further adieu, here are my thoughts on NU's spring football game.
First, understand that Nebraska's spring game is composed of the Red and White teams. The Red team contains most of the starters, including Keller. I'll talk about Keller's performance later. He was very good, but that's not the main thing for me.
No player was allowed to return punts in the game. For as physical as the game was, I'm actually glad about that. I don't need to see key players getting hurt during dangerous special teams plays.
The #1, 2, and 3 things you will see are a very intense, physical scrimmage. i say that's #s 1, 2, and 3 to look for because it's what I was hoping to see, and that's exactly what happened. Nebraska's defenders, whether they be Red or White, were flying around to the football and delivering some big-time hits during the game.
Nebraska's secondary is going to be a lot tougher this year. I will go ahead and say they are probably going to be the most improved unit within this ballclub. Better technique, more aggressiveness, good hits at good times, and just more intensity than last year, when the secondary was little more than apathetic. There were a couple times when they could have been more aggressive, but they were a lot better for the most part
Andre Jones is going to be one of the better DBs in the Big XII...after what I saw today, I'd be surprised if he doesn't make at least second team all Big XII.
keep an eye on #3 Ricky Thenarse for those that can watch the game tonight. it seemed like he was all over the field, even though he didn't play with the starters (Red team).
NU's defensive line is going to be not so much a run-stopping unit (although they can be good at that) as a sack unit. They can stop the run, but they'll get after the passer just as much if not more. As a matter of fact, Nebraska's Red team had more sacks today than they had in last year's spring game with the defensive line that included Carriker and Moore (six this year, five last year).
Keller, you ask? LOVE the guy. Love him. Guy's got a mad set of skills. What I like best about him is that he makes quick decisions on where he wants to go with the ball. With Keller, it was one, two, three, BAM...the ball was out. That occurred for the most part. What I like most is that Callahan is giving Joe Ganz (the backup) a fair chance to win the starting job. I think he knows Keller is the better QB (or at least he should), but he's going to make him earn it on the field.
Along those lines, Joe Ganz is a nice backup, but he won't beat out Keller. Keller makes quicker decisions, and I think he also gives Nebraska a vertical passing threat that they didn't have last year with Taylor.
Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn are going to be Nebraska's two best backs. Unfortunately, Lucky got hurt late in today's game. How serious it is, we're not sure yet. Overall, I think the jury's still out on how good the Husker running game will be. they got beat upfront at times today, although I guess i might give them a pass because both teams were getting after it.
Kicking off for Nebraska is going to be a problem. NO kickoff went into the end zone today. You always like having that kicker who can get at least a few touchbacks per game. NU doesn't have that yet. As a matter of fact, on most kickoffs, the White team started from the 30 yardline or better.
Execution also was an issue at times. There were just a few notable penalties...only one procedure penatly and 1 DOG penalty (delay of game) according to my calculations, but they fumbled snaps on several different occasions (Keller did it at least twice). That MUST be resolved before the season starts.
overall, I liked what I saw today. Keller was outstanding, better intensity, physical play, especially by the defensive lines. this has a chance to be a VERY good team.
i will say it now, I will say it all summer, and I will say it the week of the game...NU can upset Southern Cal at home if what I saw today was any indication. the game is at home, no Jarrett or Smith for Southern Cal, better secondary for the Huskers, better defensive intensity, and Nebraska was at least somewhat competitive last year in the game in LA.
fire away, guys.
