Why Pick on the Scrubs?
6 comments so far
March 29, 2007 by
Who'd like to see what Nebraska's starting offensive line can do facing Ndamukong Suh? Or what happens when Steve Octavien tries to take down Marlon Lucky or Sam Keller tries to zip one past Andre Jones into Terrence Nunn? I'd but most Husker fans would like to see that, but we probably won't.
I appreciate the value of the spring game for recruiting. It's an exhibition. It might even help the reserves show what they can do against the starters. But can't they sort that out at practice?
With a brutal schedule facing Nebraska in 2007, wouldn't it make more sense to let the top offensive and defensive units sharpen their skills against each other? Not only would it be tremendously more watchable, but it would be a chance to test these guys against real competition.
Instead, we'll get another predictable walkover a la Louisiana Tech. Betcha can't wait.
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Nick Mar 29 07
Questions: Is there tape of the spring game that can be disseminated to other schools if they desire it? Can opposing schools buy tickets for the spring game and come and watch? I agree with BRN in wishing the 1s still faced up against each other, but is there some sort of "playing cards close to chest" thing that I might be missing? I know that ESPN will put out the scores of these spring games so we junkies will have a morsel in the offseason -- does our football braintrust want to make sure we look intimidating with our big numbers?
Steve Mar 30 07
Hi Nick,
Seemingly nothing could stop an opponent from scouting a spring game. For that reason, they're not going to use any plays or formations that they don't want opponents to know about. At the same time, you could run your plays with any set of players. Whether the 1's face each other or not would seem independent of that. Likewise, no opponent (outside Ball St.) is going to be frightened by how much better the top units are than the second units.
Bob Apr 01 07
I agree with Nick about not giving away too much information on the offensive or defensive schemes. Think Southern Cal isn't going to have some coach looking at the Huskers spring game film anyway? Besides, it's good for the reserves (especially the corners) to get a little extra work against the starters.
HuskerMan Apr 01 07
I just don't see how having 1's vs 1's in the Spring Game would do any good. The 1's go against the 1's during spring practice all the time, so having one more scrimmage with them going against each other wouldn't make that big of a difference. What it would do is set up lots of bitching by the fan base. Say Keller/Ganz/whoever really lights it up against our #1 defense. Then all anyone will talk about is how bad the defense is. Conversely if a QB struggles, all anyone will talk about is how they aren't ready and how the offense is going to struggle. Neither of these assesment would be fair from only watching one scrimmage, but you can bet your bottom dollar that lots of people would make those assumptions.
Having the 1's vs. 2's, etc may not make for the most excitment for the fans, but you can bet that those second string guys are going to play their asses off to show that they can perform. The past few years we haven't had the depth for the 2nd string to really give much of a challenge. but at most positions that is starting to change.
Everyone needs to remember that while it is a fun event and gives us a much needed "football fix" it is still a practice. Having one extra practice with 1's vs 1's isn't going to make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. What it does do is set up alot of unnecessary worrying and doubting that would come with good/bad performances on either side.
doombob Apr 03 07
HuskerMan has a good point. It's good to change up who you are playing against in the spring game (since 1's v. 1's happen every day in practice). It may get someone out of a rut, and we could see the potential breakout players this game.
Steve Apr 03 07
I don't see the benefit to 1 vs. 2. This is the closest thing you have to see guys in "game mode". Do you want to evaluate how they'll look against Ball State or would you rather see how they might fare against Missouri.
One other thing is that Hall of Fame-type coaches like Osborne and Jimmy Johnson swear by going 1 vs. 1.