Absent Key Players, Opportunity Knocks for Backups
8 comments so far
April 15, 2009 by
It's a good thing that most Nebraska football fans appreciate watching the running game or quality play along the line of scrimmage. The absence of some important skill position players will likely change the complexion of Saturday's Red-White Spring Game. Fans are even more likely to see a defensive contest, I believe. And while missing projected starters in Spring may reduce the draw or sizzle for the game, it certainly provides opportunity for other players to step in to the public eye.
Missing Pieces
The Huskers will be missing some pretty important offensive personnel on Saturday. Roy Helu, the projected starter at I-back, will likely miss the scrimmage with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Niles Paul will miss the game due to his recent suspension. And now we hear news that quarterback Kody Spano has injured his knee and will need surgery. He's out on Saturday, too.
It's really too bad about Spano. I agree with my BRN colleague Steve in that it really was his time to shine. In the face of this injury, Patrick Witt's departure means even more to NU's quarterback depth. After presumed starter Zach Lee, the Huskers only have true freshman Cody Green (who really should just be getting ready for prom) and converted linebacker LaTravis Washington at quarterback. That's a recipe for some pretty spotty QB play on Saturday.
Getting Defensive
At most places around the country, the defenses tend to be ahead of the offenses at this time of year. Most spring games are dominated by the defense. I suspect that will be the case for NU on Saturday. The Huskers are healthy and talented on D, and they have had another practice period to grow and learn the schemes.
Of course, you have the re-tooled NU offensive line that will have something to say about that. If they can move people out, then there might be some running room on Saturday and some offensive sparks on the ground. On the other hand, the non-contact green jerseys will surely limit how effective quarterbacks will be as ball carriers. And, not very much is known at I-back after Quentin Castille. Points might be at a premium.
Who Will Seize the Opportunity?
For the offense to thrive Saturday, some players will need to step up. The aforementioned Castille is the likely recipient of more limelight with Helu out of the lineup. We all know he is capable. Just consider his Gator Bowl performance as an example. Who else stands to make the most of having their teammates out of the lineup?
At wide receiver, take your pick. There is a gaggle of players looking for opportunity. Will Henry has gotten some nice pub recently. Though, he doesn't play the same spot as Paul. Is this the moment Chris Brooks starts to really fulfill his potential? Can Marcus Mendoza or Curenski Gilleyen make the most of an opportunity in the slot? Coaches have mentioned newcomer Antonio Bell as having flashed good speed. With fewer balls likely in flight Saturday, all of them will need to make the most of the opportunity.
At I-back, fans have not heard a thing about Lester Ward, Collins Okafor or Austin Jones. All three just inherited a handful more of carries. The one that does the most with their opportunity has a leg up on winning a spot on the three deep.
And, to be fair, nobody should expect all that much from either Green or Washington at quarterback. Both are tremendous athletes, but really works in progress. Again, the green jerseys will limit what either could do on the ground.
Not Just Another Practice
Am I overstating my case about opportunity knocking for some players? Maybe. There are dozens of players who showed signs in spring ball that never materialized in the fall. But, I am also not buying in to the "it’s just another practice" mentality, either.
You don't practice in front of 80,000 people. With the public watching and the stakes raised, people respond very differently. Kids who are able to control and summon their talent on the bigger stage are just different - and more valuable - than those who can't. It's called being a gamer. So, opportunity is knocking pretty loudly for some players in Scarlet and Cream on Saturday. I suggest they answer the door.
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JBLING22 Apr 15 09
He do you think SUH can throw the ball too??? Just asking we might need him too>>>
Jamie K. Boguslaw Apr 15 09
Hey Husker fans. What do you guys think about this quarterback situation? Will we have as much offense as last year? What about interceptions? Can I get some thoughts from all a ya'll?
Dwayne Apr 15 09
The quarterback situation right now scares the hell out of me. We'll see how the scrimmage goes.
bnahusker Apr 15 09
The QB quality doesn't scare me as much as the QB quantity.
I wouldn't be shocked to see some "Wildcat" inserted between now and Fall Camp.
GBR!
Bob
tom Apr 15 09
This sort of weird "nervousness" that Husker fans are feeling right now is the same thing I notice almost every year right before the spring game. Nothing but bad news can come out during this time of the off season with player arrests, injuries, etc. Next week we'll have a better picture of what this team actually looks like once the spring game happens.
Mase Apr 15 09
Well, I guess this will make T. Martinez happier with his decision to come to Nebraska. He should get a solid look at QB now!! I mean two QBs are alraedy out (at least for the short term) that were there when he signed. I really think this kid is the real deal and has a real shot to push these guys. I'm also really glad he chose us! I mean, didn't we lose a walk-on QB in addition to Leverson. I mean, we really don't have anyone we can, within reason, even move to QB. Plus, with the strong play of our younger safeties in practice, it looks like we should get used to Martinez in the QB mix for awhile...
Bill in Iowa Apr 15 09
Let's face it, we have an untested starting QB w/ 2 years in the system AND three rookies (Green, Washington, and Martinez). That's a good reason to be nervous. Green's throwing motion is questionable according to pundits and Washington, it's admitted his cannon needs to find its target.
However, that being said, we know these 2 are going to be able to run the zone read and the option better than we have seen it run for some time. We could keep the playbook simple for them and let them play old school NU football. I think Wats will come up w/ a game plan to fit the QB's mental and physical abilities, whoever that might be (if Lee were to do down). We should have a good running game, if we have a running QB that can hit a tight end once in a while, that might be all we need. One thing is for sure, those three "rookies" are going to work their buts off this summer to be named the #2 QB.
JBLING22 Apr 16 09
I think its about time to start looking at (Gasp) Baylors offense from last year.. They did a great job of throwing the easy passes while working with an inexperienced and young qb.. We might not quite have a GRiffin on our team, although green and washington are similar.. The key will be the running game, and giving the qb time to learn... Easy passes, less reads... Plain and simple will be the game.