Big Red spotlight: Nebraska’s Joe Ganz

By Marc Hudgens  |   Sunday, June 29, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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When former Nebraska quarterback Sam Keller suffered an injury late in the Huskers' loss to Texas last season, there was certainly a proverbial lump in backup Joe Ganz’s throat. But the current senior didn’t let that stop him, answering his butterflies by firing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Maurice Purify with just under 2 minutes left in the game. Moreover, Ganz followed up his touchdown pass with a successful toss to Nate Swift that converted a two-point conversion for Nebraska.

Although he Huskers tasted defeat that day, their anticipation turned to confidence because Ganz proved his mettle in a road, high-pressure situation against a traditionally difficult opponent.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Californian subsequently became the starter because Keller’s injury -- a broken collarbone -- ended his season. For the next three games, which were at Kansas, versus Kansas State and at Colorado, Ganz -- despite the fact Nebraska lost twice -- carried the team as best he could. He ended his junior season completing almost 59 percent of his 152 attempts for 1,435 yards and 16 touchdowns against seven picks.

To put it all into perspective, Ganz had four touchdown passes versus eventual Orange Bowl champion Kansas, a whopping seven touchdowns against Kansas State and four against Colorado. His passer rating was 163.38, which is outrageous when you consider he entered a pressure-cooker of a situation and had little prior experience.

"At this point in his career, he's only touched the base of his talent of how good he can be," new Huskers head coach Bo Pelini said. "There's a lot more out there for him, and he certainly understands that."

If that’s the case, fans may see a dark-horse Heisman candidate arise from obscurity in Lincoln this season.
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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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