No News is Good News

April 16, 2006 by Steve Hanway

While I'm no fan of the starter versus reserves format to the Spring game, I am generally pleased by the outcome. Of course, the outcomes I'm most pleased about are the ones that didn't happen. Namely:

• No one got hurt. You hate losing guys in practice, and thankfully there have been no reports of a two-deep player suffering anything more than a minor injury.
• The starters did not turn the ball over. Great to see. Taylor had one fumble but was able to recover it. Even the reserves took pretty good care of the ball (especially considering that the lone interception came from what appears to be the 4th string quarterback)
• No big plays against the starting safeties. Granted the front seven was making so many plays that the safeties almost weren't needed, but still you like to see the shakiest part of the team avoid errors.
• No shanked punts and no big punt returns. Sure, you'd like to know that you had a strong punt return game but just as important (if not more important) is getting 45 yards of field position when NU punts the ball.
• No points and only 4 yards against the starting defense

Not everything was ideal. I didn't want to see:

• The starting kick coverage unit give up a touchdown on a kickoff return
• The starting offensive line give up two sacks to a bunch of reserves
• Matt Herian drop a touchdown pass (though I liked seeing him get in position to snag one)
• Jordan Congdon miss a field goal.
• The reserve quarterbacks' lack of accuracy

Beyond just the non-stories, there were some genuine highlights:

• Two sacks apiece for the starting defensive tackles
• Good accuracy from Taylor
• Octavien playing like he's healthy
• The offense putting together long drives and running well
• A full stadium and a bunch of recruits there for the event

I'm ready to declare Nebraska ready for Nicholls State. Bring on the season!

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