Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Also Calvin Avery carted off field
Please be minor!
Also Calvin Avery carted off field
4.5 months until the first game. Anything that heals within 14-18 weeks will work.Please be minor!
saw alot of lower depth chart guys on the highlights - so hopefully that explains some of it - but yes, we're still in need of large bodies.I certainly hope that most of the big time players were absent from this game because the team looks small and slow with the exception of a few standouts.
I certainly hope that most of the big time players were absent from this game because the team looks small and slow with the exception of a few standouts.
Are you really shocked?Nebraska stadium was sold out for their spring game today.
A lot of hype going in to the seasonNebraska stadium was sold out for their spring game today.
Because there is nothing else to do in Nebraska.Nebraska stadium was sold out for their spring game today.
I wouldn't get too high or too low based on a glorified practice 5 months from the start of the season.
We lost two receivers last year to passes over the middle - they may just be playing it cautious during spring play.Best receiver was Navarro. I had high hopes for MJ Rivers but he greatly disappointed. The running back no. 3 Norwood ripped a stellar run. Our QBs in toto insisted on making desperate throws to the sidelines into double coverage. I don't understand why they didn't let the backup punter punt. We already know Blake has been our team MVP. I had my eye on no. 5 Milo Eifler. Most of the time he was split out to cover a receiver. But one time he did a edge rush and he, without much effort, absolutely levelled an RB pass blocker. No. 17, a wide receiver, committed 2 major errors in 3 consecutive plays. We seldom have anyone running pass routes over the middle, and our QBs spent many passing downs without spotting anyone to throw to. Opposing teams complete passes over the middle against us on a regular basis.
I have a hot take: yesterday's spring game result was about as ideal as it could have been. Here's why...
All in all, I think the defense is better--nothing crazy, likely just a below average P5 unit but much improved nonetheless--and that the offense is now as motivated as it could have been coming out of the spring practices. The sky is not falling and yesterday does nothing to change my feeling that this team will get to 6 wins.
- The team has already been building confidence all spring. They are a year older, they like the coaches, and the recruitment wins have been positive for momentum. It also boosts morale to have players like Ford, Petitbon, and Eifler transferring in from big time programs.
- With that established, one scrimmage will not totally undermine the confidence of either the offense nor the defense.
- However, what was the biggest need going into spring? Without a doubt, an improved defense. We saw that all spring, and most definitely yesterday. The spring game added a bit more momentum to this side of the ball, and they built some depth at LB as well since Hansen has been out.
- The offense that we saw yesterday was nowhere near what it will be in the fall, so alarm bells do not need to be ringing quite yet. Williams, Cumby, Washington, Brissett, perhaps Sidney, maybe some snaps from Beason all have yet to arrive on campus. Players like Carter, Lowe, and Epstein still have to get healthy, but they should be able to do so by the fall.
- With that said... which unit do you think has a fire lit under them for the whole summer after yesterday's performance? The offense! The unit that surprised all of us and carried the Illini last year. The unit we believed to be the stronger of the two heading into spring. We all believe in Rod Smith, and now he will be even more motivated every day to get things figured out between now and Akron. This spring's lackluster performance will force the offense to turn it around and to be at least as good as they were last year by the time the fall rolls around.
I don't think Tate is coming, but if he does...I see 7 or 8.
How is the Smith Football Center looking?
Their fan base is insane and they love their Huskers (good for them) but you do have to remember there really isn't anything, and I mean anything, else to do for 300 miles in any direction.Nebraska stadium was sold out for their spring game today.
Their fan base is insane and they love their Huskers (good for them) but you do have to remember there really isn't anything, and I mean anything, else to do for 300 miles in any direction.
Yes, this practice isn’t very important, many players sat out and I think Lovie has expressed disdain for the spring game.
Please reiterate this to Robert from Illini Board. I love the guy's dedication but dang he needs to get off the edge. It is only spring gentlemen.