Spring Game Delivers Action

I had been looking forward to the Spring Game ever since Coach Pelini’s hiring. When I watched this glorified practice, I tried to see from the coaches eyes. This is a scrimmage, a learning tool, a way to tell who needs work, and who may be ready for fall ball. You’re now getting a glimpse of the mental notes I had in my head from beginning to end. There were some pleasant surprises, but most observations of the game were expected.

doombob.com    

Me and 80,000 of some of my good friends got to enjoy the perfect football weather that Nebraska doesn’t always have. The first thing I noticed on this beautiful day was Bo shaking hands and high-fiving with his players before the game. It felt really good to see players and coaches in such a relaxed way. The previous regime never acted like that. Watching the kicking in the pre-game festivities was also interesting. Both Henry and Kunalic were kicking 50+ yarders in practice with somewhat relative ease. Granted, there was no wind, but they hit almost everything they went for - and not just a line driver. They were high and had plenty of distance.

Before the players came out for warm ups, the “recruit parade” was at least 100 strong. These recruits got to see the split backs and various spread formations it looks like we’re going to be favoring this year. But once the game actually got started, the offense promptly lined up in a Power-I. A good way to let people know the triple option is dead is by fumbling the pitch on the first play. Granted, Tyler Wortman knew the play was coming and got in there to disrupt it.

As the Red team offense got going, we witnessed what may be the best executed long bomb I’ve ever seen. Ganz hit Curenski Gilleylen in perfect stride for a 77 yard touchdown. It’s good to see a young guy stepping up in the receiver spot. Unfortunately, the secondary looked like they made a bad read and were caught out of position, but you cannot diminish what Ganz did in this game. If I could have one adage for the game, it would be “If it hits your hands, you are required to catch it.” This goes for Defense and Offense.

When Castille dropped that ball, some guys were knocking his abilities, saying he should be a fullback - that sort of thing. But what I liked seeing was his reaction to that tough spot. Later on, in one of his scampers, he was smart enough to move the ball to the outside hand as he skirted the sidelines - he looked solid with the ball the rest of the game. As much as I like Castille, Wortman may be one of my new favorite guys. He was always in the right spot with impact - didn’t just stand up Castille, he knocked him down in a later play.

This game had plenty of big impacts to wow the crowd, and some good offensive action. At the end of the game, there was still about a 75% full crowd watching Spano and Ebke lead the teams. I thought I might leave early but was pretty riveted until the very end. Just goes to show you how much Husker fans miss the regular season.