Husker Spring Game: A View from the End-Zone

I was a little bummed at the idea of watching the 2015 Husker Spring Game from the end-zone. But once I entered Memorial Stadium I was reminded that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. 79,881 Husker fans turned out to watch the annual scrimmage between Red and White in what was Mike Riley’s inaugural spring game. I feel fortunate that I could attend these scrimmages with my daughters, the men in their lives, and with my father. The Spring Game is kind of like a family reunion of sorts where your Husker family joins with other Husker families in an electric atmosphere of program loyalty all for the love of Husker football.

Now to my thoughts of the game. Personally, the team draft does not thrill me that much. I would really rather see the number one Husker offense going against the number one Husker defense like the Spring Games of old. It is what it is though which leads me to this question, who in the heck picked the teams? How on earth did the red team end up with Westerkamp, Pierson-El, Newby, and Taylor on offense (not that it mattered much because the QB’s could only hit the receivers 50% of the time), and Collins, Valentine, and McMullen on defense? The White team was doomed from the get go.

I understand this is a new offense and the Husker QB’s were recruited for a different style of offense, but the QB’s were probably the most unimpressive players on the field. Darlington certainly won the hearts of many fans, but he never had to go against the likes of the personnel Bush did. I hope 7 on 7 drills, summer camp, and fall camp will be a time that they can grow and a leader emerges because Armstrong didn’t stand out either.

Darlington drops back to pass by Brent Craig

The QB position scares me the most going into the 2015 season, but the Huskers do have the Quarterback Whisperer on staff now, so if anyone can turn these boys around, it is Coach Danny Langsdorf. Another thing that I wasn’t impressed with was the center to QB exchange, but Mike Riley already told us this was a work in progress.

Enough of the bad stuff though, there was plenty that impressed me. First of all I was very impressed with the Red team defensive line. They put a lot of pressure on the white team quarterbacks, pressure that I hope the opposing teams feel this fall. The Red team O line did a pretty good job of opening up some holes for Terrell Newby, who showed flashes of his potential. Imani Cross showed that he is a force to be reckoned with as well with his sheer brute strength while defenders tried to tackle him. Check out all the stats here.

More from Husker Corner

Husker Spring Game Offensive MVP goes to De’Mornay Pierson-El for his 46 yard long punt return, his 37 yards receiving, and his 39 yards rushing performance. How will the opposing teams defend him? It’s good to be the King!

Husker Spring Game Defensive MVP goes to Josh Banderas for his team leading 10 tackles (4 solo, 6 assists). If anyone deserves a second chance, it is Banderas. For reasons unknown he was sidelined by Pelini more than he deserved, and I hope Coach Trent Bray can help Banderas become all that I believe he can be.

Sam Foltz punts by Brent Craig

Husker Spring Game Special Teams MVP goes to Sam Foltz for his total of 408 yards punting, with the longest of 71 yards with two ending up inside the 20 yard line. With the wind or against the wind, it didn’t seem to matter much when Foltz was kicking the ball.

It was a successful Nebraska Spring Game. The units played pretty vanilla football but it was exciting to get a glimpse of the running backs in the receiving game, the wide receivers in the running game, and how about Cotton’s 24 yard reception. I believe the tight ends will be a big part of the games this fall. As the Huskers coaches evaluate and head out to recruit, watch for Husker Corner’s recruiting and camp coverage preparing us the the fall season. Go Big Red!

Add us as a preferred source on Google