FanNation - The Republic of Sport

What a beautiful day in Huskerland in what was probably the most anticipated game in years. The Red guys against the White guys. The stadium was packed for the first time in team history for a Spring "Practice".

The feelings in the stands when the team came out to do pregame drills was crazy. It was a dawn of a new era, with new players in the mix, which made it a lot of fun. Watching Adi Kunalic kicking field goals from 40+ yards through the uprights and over the net was incredible. Watching Dan Tichener kicking 50 yard punts was pretty cool too. Then the coaches hit the field. The whole place erupted when Coach Pelini took the field. It happened again when T.O made his way to the field. You could feel the excitement that is Husker Football take hold of the crowd.

The first play from scrimmage for the White Squad was a busted option that ended up a fumble, which the Red team turned into a score 3 plays later. I was almost thinking that they changed the roster to go 1st team against 2nd team for a couple of minutes. But the White squad got things going later in the game and made some impressive drives.

Most of you were either there or have seen the stats, so I won't bore you with the entire breakdown of the game. Only some of my thoughts.

Joe Ganz - No question in my mind that he is the QB this year. OUTSTANDING player.
Zac Lee - Has a lot of potential. Definitely a keeper, probably be backing up Ganz.
Patrick Witt - Good passer underneath. Definitely a WCO QB. Had a couple of balls knocked down, but had some real flashes of brilliance. I'd put him at 3 on the depth chart.
Marlon Lucky - I came out of the game unconvinced that he will be the starter. Once again he showed that he cannot run up the middle.
Roy Helu - LOOK OUT MARLON, Roy has his sights on your position and he looks GOOD!
Marcus Mendoza - Wow! This guy has heart, talent and quicks. Great transition back.
Quenton Castille - Still has to learn how to hang onto the ball, but runs great. Not a lot of rushing yards today, but hard earned. Did catch a bunch of passes underneath for good gains.
Curenski Gilleylen - This guy can fly. He dropped a couple of short passes, but his down the field showing was outstanding.

As for the Defense, things still looked like a work in progress. They started well, with the forced fumble, but later in the game with all of the substitutions it was really hard to make any solid assumptions. The were VERY fast getting to the ball. The D-Line did get some "Sacks", but at least half of them could have been escaped if it weren't touch football on the QB. I was excited by the speed and how well they played while transitioning new players on and off the field constantly. They really made for interesting conversations that will lead up to this Fall.

Things are looking up in Huskerland. The teams are headed in the right direction and this fall should be an exciting time to be a Husker fan!

GO BIG RED!!!