2008 Red-White spring game preview

By Marc Hudgens  |   Sunday, April 13, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Nebraska's annual Red-White spring game will commence this Saturday, and it will one of the most-watched spring games this year (a crowd of over 70,000 is expected). Many are intrigued to see what new head coach Bo Pelini is doing to right the many wrongs of last season under the now-fired Bill Callahan.

What to watch:

1. PASSING GAME: The Huskers ended last season ranked No. 9 nationally in total offense, seventh in the passing category. Quarterback Sam Keller and receiver Maurice Purify are gone now and are being replaced with Joe Ganz under center and Nate Swift, Todd Peterson, redshirt freshman Curenski Gilleylen and upcoming junior Chris Brooks. Talented as they may be, Swift is the only returning starter in the passing game. The Huskers are also hurting at tight end: They have no returning starters and the existing players are injured. If Nebraska is to improve this season, there can't be any drop off from last year.

2. MARLON LUCKY: Of the Big 12's leading rushers last season, only Lucky returns. The guys who ranked higher than him last year won't be back in 2008, so the upcoming senior will be expected to be the conference's leading rusher. This is particularly true given that the offensive line returns four starters from last season. Sophomore Jaivorio Burkes is reportedly coming along nicely at right tackle. With these big, experienced men in front of him, Lucky should do exceptionally well this season.

3. LINEBACKER: The defense as a whole is by far the biggest problem to overcome in Lincoln. The Blackshirts lost a total of six starters, four of them linebackers. However, there was a surprise as former I-back Cody Glenn, who requested to be moved to linebacker, has done a bang-up job thus far. During his first four practices at linebacker, Glenn totaled two interceptions and one forced fumble, so all eyes will likely be on the starting will 'backer this Saturday. It'll also be interesting to see how junior mike LB Phillip Dillard fares after losing 30 pounds since last season.

4. OPTION: The offense has dabbled with this supposedly archaic scheme. Pelini stated the option will be a part of the offense -- it's just a matter of how much -- so expect Ganz and company to run one or two Saturday.

Chances are there won't be any Big 12 North title for Nebraska this year. But with Western Michigan, San Jose State and New Mexico State being the first three games of the year, there is the opportunity to start off 3-0 and build momentum entering the Virginia Tech game. And this spring game will give viewers a peek into how the defense may fare against elusive Hokies quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is highly skilled in the run and pass.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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