Spring Game Expectations - Offense

[TwinsRRUs_rivals79748]

I have been wondering how Frost will do implementing his offense this spring and what kind of format he will use in the spring game. I came up with the idea of Googling the 2016 UCF spring game and found some highlights and interesting info:





Notes:
- Final Score: 21-10. Where's all that offense?
- Only 50% of the playbook was implemented
- Getting the snap off in 27 seconds left on the play clock
- Team bought into the uptempo offense
- Spring game teams were made as even as they could.
- Biggest crowd in spring history. Former players being around.
- Open door policy with Scott Frost.

- Quote from QB Justin Holman after the game:

"We don't get a lot of time in between plays. Recover and get back to the huddle and make adjustments. It's the same thing in the weight room. Same thing even in the film room. When they ask us questions, they want us to respond quick. That shows that you are picking everything up."
​

- Quote from Frost after the game:

"When you're learning the new offense, it's toughest on the QB. They have to know everything. Sometimes, until you get familiar with this offense, it's hard to really be productive because you have to be one step ahead mentally. You have to process things so quickly. You don't have time to sit in a huddle and think about a play and think about what you do verse certain coverages and think about protections. It's all just got to happen."​

- Some of Frost's responses to questions after the game:

- "I think talking depth chart is probably premature at this point. Probably more so than anything because we are installing. When you are installing new things offensively and defensively, it's hard to judge someone too much until everybody is familiar with the scheme and the system and then you can just look at them based on how they are playing... We will probably make most of those decisions in the fall."​

- "I hope that with the spring these guys had and the off-season these guys had, that they're enjoying it again. It's hard to work really hard at something if you don't love it... The more we can realize that we are doing something we love, the better off we will be."

- "There were some plays out there that we didn't make that we should have, just because the QBs aren't familiar enough yet; not just to understand what they need to do, but why we are doing it and where a ball should go based on a coverage or a look."

- "Playing QB in this offense is one of the hardest things to do in sports in my opinion because after a play is over you have to look at a sideline, get a signal, decipher what a signal means, get everybody lined up, check the secondary for coverage, check the front to see if anybody's coming, change protection if you need to, know what your job is, snap the ball and go through a read. It all happens in about 12 seconds."

- "I think it would have been real easy to put our best guys on offense on one side and put them on the same team as our best defense and watch the number one offense go up and down the field, watch the number one defense have great plays. I want our guys to learn to compete, to love to compete. We made it as even as we could."

- "Our coaches are very competitive. (The spring game) got competitive with the two staffs on either side. I wanted to (the players) to play it out and compete against each other. It made it tough on me as I was standing their with my hands in my pockets wanting to help and call plays and do other things."​

- Frost says the depth chart will usually take care of itself in the fall after all of the repetitions. The depth chart becomes pretty clear to everybody, including the players, who the best guys are.

My thoughts:

Depth Chart: With this info in mind, (unless the spring game wasn't at the end of UCF's spring practice) I would guess that we will not have much of a depth chart following our spring game as well. Might be hard for Husker Online, OWH, and LJS reporters to inform us of a depth chart as well because of this.

This is going to leave a lot of room for summertime speculation with the addition of the incoming freshman.

QB Play: Don't expect great things in the spring game at QB. I bet we see some INTs. We may struggle at the QB position in the first year because of the expectations of the position from the quotes above.

Spring Game Score: If Frost splits the teams evenly for our spring game too, I wouldn't expect much scoring. Hopefully we get a good sense of the offense and the players in it from the game.

WR: I have a hunch that this group will get a ton of reps and we won't have a clue about the "starters" after spring. IMO, the starters won't matter anyway as the top 6 WRs will play a lot.

OL - I think we will get good idea of some of the blocking schemes from the spring game and whether or not the schemes really are completely different than the pro-style schemes implemented by the previous coaches. Hopefully we have good depth on the interior and can figure out how to get depth at the OT positions. Could be a lot of shuffling.

After watching the videos, I have tempered my 2018 season hopes a little bit. When Frost said that his offense has simple concepts to learn, I took it as it would not take long for the players to pick it up and for it to produce yards and points.

What are your expectations for the spring game?

 

[TwinsRRUs_rivals79748]

I can't wait for the QB battle.

Like usual, that will probably be the best battle on offense.

 

[dand84]

I suspect playing in front of a sold out 85k+ stadium might change some aspects of whatever was planned. Imagine all these new signings, walk-ons and jucos doing that tunnel walk.

 

[firm_bizzle]

Packed house. Offense will be a disaster. 14-14.

 

[HuskerBorn]

I suspect playing in front of a sold out 85k+ stadium might change some aspects of whatever was planned. Imagine all these new signings, walk-ons and jucos doing that tunnel walk.

isn't capacity over 90K seats with the last expansion?

 

[CC_Lemming]

I have been wondering how Frost will do implementing his offense this spring and what kind of format he will use in the spring game. I came up with the idea of Googling the 2016 UCF spring game and found some highlights and interesting info:





Notes:
- Final Score: 21-10. Where's all that offense?
- Only 50% of the playbook was implemented
- Getting the snap off in 27 seconds left on the play clock
- Team bought into the uptempo offense
- Spring game teams were made as even as they could.
- Biggest crowd in spring history. Former players being around.
- Open door policy with Scott Frost.

- Quote from QB Justin Holman after the game:

"We don't get a lot of time in between plays. Recover and get back to the huddle and make adjustments. It's the same thing in the weight room. Same thing even in the film room. When they ask us questions, they want us to respond quick. That shows that you are picking everything up."
​

- Quote from Frost after the game:

"When you're learning the new offense, it's toughest on the QB. They have to know everything. Sometimes, until you get familiar with this offense, it's hard to really be productive because you have to be one step ahead mentally. You have to process things so quickly. You don't have time to sit in a huddle and think about a play and think about what you do verse certain coverages and think about protections. It's all just got to happen."​

- Some of Frost's responses to questions after the game:

- "I think talking depth chart is probably premature at this point. Probably more so than anything because we are installing. When you are installing new things offensively and defensively, it's hard to judge someone too much until everybody is familiar with the scheme and the system and then you can just look at them based on how they are playing... We will probably make most of those decisions in the fall."​

- "I hope that with the spring these guys had and the off-season these guys had, that they're enjoying it again. It's hard to work really hard at something if you don't love it... The more we can realize that we are doing something we love, the better off we will be."

- "There were some plays out there that we didn't make that we should have, just because the QBs aren't familiar enough yet; not just to understand what they need to do, but why we are doing it and where a ball should go based on a coverage or a look."

- "Playing QB in this offense is one of the hardest things to do in sports in my opinion because after a play is over you have to look at a sideline, get a signal, decipher what a signal means, get everybody lined up, check the secondary for coverage, check the front to see if anybody's coming, change protection if you need to, know what your job is, snap the ball and go through a read. It all happens in about 12 seconds."

- "I think it would have been real easy to put our best guys on offense on one side and put them on the same team as our best defense and watch the number one offense go up and down the field, watch the number one defense have great plays. I want our guys to learn to compete, to love to compete. We made it as even as we could."

- "Our coaches are very competitive. (The spring game) got competitive with the two staffs on either side. I wanted to (the players) to play it out and compete against each other. It made it tough on me as I was standing their with my hands in my pockets wanting to help and call plays and do other things."​

- Frost says the depth chart will usually take care of itself in the fall after all of the repetitions. The depth chart becomes pretty clear to everybody, including the players, who the best guys are.

My thoughts:

Depth Chart: With this info in mind, (unless the spring game wasn't at the end of UCF's spring practice) I would guess that we will not have much of a depth chart following our spring game as well. Might be hard for Husker Online, OWH, and LJS reporters to inform us of a depth chart as well because of this.

This is going to leave a lot of room for summertime speculation with the addition of the incoming freshman.

QB Play: Don't expect great things in the spring game at QB. I bet we see some INTs. We may struggle at the QB position in the first year because of the expectations of the position from the quotes above.

Spring Game Score: If Frost splits the teams evenly for our spring game too, I wouldn't expect much scoring. Hopefully we get a good sense of the offense and the players in it from the game.

WR: I have a hunch that this group will get a ton of reps and we won't have a clue about the "starters" after spring. IMO, the starters won't matter anyway as the top 6 WRs will play a lot.

OL - I think we will get good idea of some of the blocking schemes from the spring game and whether or not the schemes really are completely different than the pro-style schemes implemented by the previous coaches. Hopefully we have good depth on the interior and can figure out how to get depth at the OT positions. Could be a lot of shuffling.

After watching the videos, I have tempered my 2018 season hopes a little bit. When Frost said that his offense has simple concepts to learn, I took it as it would not take long for the players to pick it up and for it to produce yards and points.

What are your expectations for the spring game?

Great work, thanks!

 

[BigRedBeliever]

Nice job. Good research and findings. Keep it going.

 

[Crushinator]

Serious thank you for the research.

A couple thoughts from the quotes above:
1- This staff doesn’t just preach a culture, they seem to try to live it. His quote about the desire for competition and evenly matched teams fighting for a win play into this idea.

2- He expects a lot out of his QBs. May look rough the first year but I expect with the reps he wants to get the whole team that even the backups will look good in year two and beyond. Just may be a little inconsistent in the first year. JMO

 

[Jost Van Dyke]

I am very excited to see this all unfold. There has been much talk about Recruiting lately (and rightfully so) but there’s no doubt Nebraska’s biggest “recruiting success” was to bring this coaching staff intact.

 

[Mack In Motion]

Great info.

“I want our guys to learn to compete, to love to compete.”

 

[Maui2022]

Who's Nebraska playing?

 

[TwinsRRUs_rivals79748]

So far the staff seems good. We will find out in the coming years and whether there is a position group not doing well and whether or not Frost will feel the need to make adjustments on his staff.

Keeping the staff together has got to make this transition easier and trying to teach the players the schemes. It always sucks when the coaches have to learn the scheme before they can teach it. That didn't go so well with Diaco...

Seeing how Milton came in and started after the first few games, if Martinez doesn't start, I can definitely see Frost going to him if the other QBs aren't getting the job done.

I can see the coaches possibly having issues with Gebbia or POB in the run game. Bunch's video looks good. I just hope they get at least one of these QBs to understand and be able to handle the load this year to make a decent season in year 1.

2019 is going to be fun to watch with having everyone in the system understanding what to do. We have so many weapons on offense. Hopefully Frost can make a little magic happen in his first year. Keeping the whole staff together has got to help improve those odds.

 

[inWV]

I can see the coaches possibly having issues with Gebbia or POB in the run game. Bunch's video looks good. I just hope they get at least one of these QBs to understand and be able to handle the load this year to make a decent season in year 1.

Frost puts a serious premium on an innate ability to play the position, then athletic ability. "You have to be a good enough athlete that when the read tells you to pull the ball and run it, you have to at least be an efficient enough runner to get us some yards," Frost said. "Otherwise, it takes some of the teeth out of the offense."
The starter will be the QB who most efficiently gets the ball to the playmakers.

http://journalstar.com/sports/huske...cle_8f810287-48d2-59e3-a602-37902eba820e.html

 

[DudznSudz]

I think the Spring Game is going to be a blast, but it is going to feature a bunch of kids learning, in some cases, their third system, right? Or are 100% of the Pelini-era recruits gone? That may spell a crazy game and a bunch of doo doo ca ca playing.

 

[TwinsRRUs_rivals79748]

I think the Spring Game is going to be a blast, but it is going to feature a bunch of kids learning, in some cases, their third system, right? Or are 100% of the Pelini-era recruits gone? That may spell a crazy game and a bunch of doo doo ca ca playing.

All of the seniors except those that didn't red-shirt... Ozigbo, Morgan, Young, Reed, & Williams.

 

[barney44]

Seeing how Milton came in and started after the first few games, if Martinez doesn't start, I can definitely see Frost going to him if the other QBs aren't getting the job done.

I think this is the likely case if Martinez does get the nod. Seen an article last night where Walters said he’s worked his butt off, is athletic and easy to coach so hopefully that is a positive. I honestly dont think we have enough to go off of right now so it’s difficult to see how things will play out. True dual threats are our future though so it wouldnt surprise me if Martinez got the job considering we’re basically starting a greenhorn any way you swing it.

Should be interesting though..

 

[TwinsRRUs_rivals79748]

I think this is the likely case if Martinez does get the nod. Seen an article last night where Walters said he’s worked his butt off, is athletic and easy to coach so hopefully that is a positive. I honestly dont think we have enough to go off of right now so it’s difficult to see how things will play out. True dual threats are our future though so it wouldnt surprise me if Martinez got the job considering we’re basically starting a greenhorn any way you swing it.

Should be interesting though..

Yep.

Almost no reason not play Martinez and take your lumps early and work towards the future. Still would be nice to have a decent season this year though.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

yep we need to play for the future. No need to play to win now. The 2018 schedule is too tough and the kids will all be learning totally new schemes. I would only play freshmen and transfers. Bring on 2019!!

 

[TwinsRRUs_rivals79748]

yep we need to play for the future. No need to play to win now. The 2018 schedule is too tough and the kids will all be learning totally new schemes. I would only play freshmen and transfers. Bring on 2019!!

Its about time you post something that's 100% serious! :Cool:

 

[Harry Caray]

In Frost's first year at UCF, they actually had one of the worst offenses in the country (113th in yards/game). People expecting that we will have an offense next year resembling 2017 UCF will probably be very disappointed. I expect it'll be a lot like Tom Herman's first year at Texas.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

**** I forgot about the walk ons. Only true freshmen, transfers and walk ons FROM NEBRASKA. The other walkons may not have the necessary heart.

 

[barney44]

Yep.

Almost no reason not play Martinez and take your lumps early and work towards the future. Still would be nice to have a decent season this year though.

I’d like to see a decent season as well and I think things will turn out ok but we’ll certainly see some lumps. Hopefully our offense isnt too terrible this season.

 

[barney44]

In Frost's first year at UCF, they actually had one of the worst offenses in the country (113th in yards/game). People expecting that we will have an offense next year resembling 2017 UCF will probably be very disappointed. I expect it'll be a lot like Tom Herman's first year at Texas.

I dont know what we’ll resemble but it sure as hell wont be that UCF offense. Stastically I doubt we ever see that in the B1G.

 

[Mack In Motion]

I dont know what we’ll resemble but it sure as hell wont be that UCF offense. Stastically I doubt we ever see that in the B1G.

Now you’ve done it.

We will be seeing a 13 year old UCF fan in here any minute now letting us know that the AAC isn’t a P-5 conference only because they’re better than anything in the P-5 cartel. Danny white said so.

 

[barney44]

Now you’ve done it.

We will be seeing a 13 year old UCF fan in here any minute now letting us know that the AAC isn’t a P-5 conference only because they’re better than anything in the P-5 cartel. Danny white said so.

We can be at peace until morning when they have to get up for school. I’m sure they’re tucked in for the night..

 

[inWV]

**** I forgot about the walk ons. Only true freshmen, transfers and walk ons FROM NEBRASKA. The other walkons may not have the necessary heart.

So that WO from TX can forget about ever seeing the field.

 

[davecisar]

While Frost and Co want to win now Im guessing this turnaround will look similar to what worked for them at UCF. They won a lot more than the year before- but they struggled on offense a bit. They werent afraid to turn their roster over- preparing for the big breakout in year 2.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

While Frost and Co want to win now Im guessing this turnaround will look similar to what worked for them at UCF. They won a lot more than the year before- but they struggled on offense a bit. They werent afraid to turn their roster over- preparing for the big breakout in year 2.

Considering they rarely, if ever, sold out that venue, the fan expectations at UCF are no where near what they are at Nebraska. Every coach since Devaney was expected to win immediately. Osborne inherited a solid team, Solich a national championship team, Callahan a 9 win team, Pelini a team with talent and Riley a 9 win team. If Riley’s coaching ability is so poor, the next coach, a national coach of the year, should be able to come in and at least win the games they are supposed to and steal a win or 2.

 

[inWV]

We have months to beat this to death, but I think Frost will do just fine. I think the Oline plays with a chip on its shoulder and the front 7 on D will fit better in Chins defense.

 

[davecisar]

Considering they rarely, if ever, sold out that venue, the fan expectations at UCF are no where near what they are at Nebraska. Every coach since Devaney was expected to win immediately. Osborne inherited a solid team, Solich a national championship team, Callahan a 9 win team, Pelini a team with talent and Riley a 9 win team. If Riley’s coaching ability is so poor, the next coach, a national coach of the year, should be able to come in and at least win the games they are supposed to and steal a win or 2.

The sellout is more like a celebration of freedom type thing. Like the French being liberated by the Allies after WWII. They were living a horrific existence under terrible leadership with zero hope. Being liberated from the evil tyrants, they knew things were going to be tough- but most likely better- but knowingly much better than living under the yoke of their previous leaders. They werent expecting new homes, lavish 7 course meals every day and new cars in the driveway- but they were expecting a little fuller bellies and the framework for greatness being put in place.

I thought you admitted your man Riley was awful and your defending him- you were just "kidding"- that doesnt look like it was true. Hey- you didnt make a good decision and your opinion was way off. Maybe it was a poor football knowledge thing- dislike of the NU program, not understanding NU football- who knows, it is what it is. Im glad I dont have that track record to have to live down.

At the end of the day thanks primarily to your boy Mike Riley- NU is in the worst place it has been for 56 years= over a half century.

Your buddy Riley came here on the heels of a coach who had won 9/10 games for 7 years in a row. Frost is coming in on the heels of a LUCKY 4 win season (could have just as easily been 2) and 2 losing seasons out of 3. The abyss

The staring points are MUCH different. Riley started a 400 meter race at the midpoint, Frost has to run the full 400 meters, with a 40 lb backpack of weights- thanks to your guy Riley.

No reasonable NU fan or supporter is expecting a 9/10 win season. None of the season ticket holders I've talked to- not a single one. The paying fan- the ones who consistently buy the tickets and the donors are the only votes the University really cares about.

Stablizing the program- kids getting stronger, playing more physical, playing more fundamentally sound, improving and setting the tables for year 2 is the goal

I would consider winning 50% MORE games with the kids your Mike Riley left him with- would be a very good starting point. Especially when you consider how lame the 4 wins NU got last year really were.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

I am not defending Riley in my post. I simply said if the reason Nebraska only won 4 games last year is because of poor coaching, then the next coach should be able to turn things around quickly.

The rest is just you beating the dead horse and making excuses for Frost. Excuses that he would not use or accept as legitimate.

 

[davecisar]

I am not defending Riley in my post. I simply said if the reason Nebraska only won 4 games last year is because of poor coaching, then the next coach should be able to turn things around quickly.

The rest is just you beating the dead horse and making excuses for Frost. Excuses that he would use or accept as legitimate.

Really simple to see through this smoke and mirrors
Your new mantra is Frost needs to win 9 games to consider year 1 a success.
That's all youve got. Because you supported and defended Riley right to and past the bitter end- you have to pivot to something else.

By setting that unreasonable bar, you get an "out" see Frost failed- just like your friend Mike Riley.

The difference being the crapfest the NU program left on Scott Frosts lap thanks to the guy you supported- Mike Riley vs all the 9/10 win teams Riley inherited

Your boy Riley got the keys to a decent Toyota Tundra
Frost, thanks to your friend Riley was given the keys to a Chrysler K car with 400,000 miles on it.

Frost and those who were away that are now back around the program- cant believe what they are seeing- how inept the previous coaching staff was- how mentally and physically weak our kids are. Kids that have lived that life for 3 years- some it's all they know- takes time to get them right. Some never will- they get punched in the mouth and look for a soft place to land. Something goes wrong and the look in their eyes is that of a loser- they KNOW they are going to lose. That's a real tough one to turn around. See Frost go to a lot of Juco kids and even true Freshmen- to solve some of that.

 

[inWV]

The players that are ready to play will play. The players who make plays will continue to play. Spring is going to be a great chance for kids to make a bid for the 2 deep.
These kids didn’t come to NU to lose. Have a little faith in them. The ones that are loving the hard work now will surprise us.

 

[barney44]

We need a Mike Riley sticky thread

 

[dand84]

Husker fans managed to give old Bob 8 years for his first national title. We somehow managed our way to 21 years for T.O. As long as husker fans see a successful program being built or executed, then the majority out there are willing to give the coach and program all the time in the world. But then, those of us from the pre-mid-90s era are maybe a dying breed nowadays.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Really simple to see through this smoke and mirrors
Your new mantra is Frost needs to win 9 games to consider year 1 a success.
That's all youve got. Because you supported and defended Riley right to and past the bitter end- you have to pivot to something else.

By setting that unreasonable bar, you get an "out" see Frost failed- just like your friend Mike Riley.

The difference being the crapfest the NU program left on Scott Frosts lap thanks to the guy you supported- Mike Riley vs all the 9/10 win teams Riley inherited

Your boy Riley got the keys to a decent Toyota Tundra
Frost, thanks to your friend Riley was given the keys to a Chrysler K car with 400,000 miles on it.

Frost and those who were away that are now back around the program- cant believe what they are seeing- how inept the previous coaching staff was- how mentally and physically weak our kids are. Kids that have lived that life for 3 years- some it's all they know- takes time to get them right. Some never will- they get punched in the mouth and look for a soft place to land. Something goes wrong and the look in their eyes is that of a loser- they KNOW they are going to lose. That's a real tough one to turn around. See Frost go to a lot of Juco kids and even true Freshmen- to solve some of that.

You are truly a one trick pony. Do you have any more car analogies?

I never said 9, I said 8. I am just using the bar that was set the last 17 years as to what is considered to be a failure.

Secondly I have stated that Frost will meet that bar. You and others like you are the ones pre-excusing a poor year.

As I said Frost won’t make any excuses.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Husker fans managed to give old Bob 8 years for his first national title. We somehow managed our way to 21 years for T.O. As long as husker fans see a successful program being built or executed, then the majority out there are willing to give the coach and program all the time in the world. But then, those of us from the pre-mid-90s era are maybe a dying breed nowadays.

Who said anything about national titles? We are talking about winning 66% of the regular games in year one and going 8-4.

 

[davecisar]

Y

I never said 9, I said 8. I am just using the bar that was set the last 17 years as to what is considered to be a failure.
.

Seems like almost the entire board has finally come to the conclusion that Riley was awful AND that he has dug us a hole deeper than anyone in the last half century and possibly the worst or second worst in 100+ years (excluding the war years)

That's quite an accomplishment by your buddy Mike- who you supported and aggressively defended to and past his bitter end

They got it- I guess you need more information- or to be reminded- or explained in a way that you can comprehend it

Easy to see through your smoke and mirrors- 8 or 9 wins WAS a good standard for a guy like Riley who inherited a team that had won 9/10 games for 7 straight years

Taking over this shattered and lost- lucky to win 4 game team is a completely different story. Most reasonable and well informed true NU fans "get" that.

But then again- your ability to form NU Football opinions that are accurate- your historical track record is pretty weak- so there's that

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

No car analogy? I’m disappointed.

I think you are like the football players you are describing. Your psyche has been beaten down so that you too expect to lose as well. So you lower the bar so that if the expectation is exceeded you will feel better about things and say we are exceeding expectations.

 

[cornhustler]

cant believe what they are seeing

This better not be the case! These guys wont be the answer if they are overwhelmed simply by poor player morale. This goes back to the DB thread, I expect the team to be prepared mentally and physically for the 2018 season, that is the coaching staffs job. How that equates to W's and L's I don't know. Can we stop talking about how weak/unfocused this team was? It's a new day but the expectations have not changed. Scott and Co. made some great progress on the recruiting trail now lets see them make some great headway towards getting this team ready for September 1st and beyond! #GBR!

Edit: As far as the Spring Game goes I want to see joy and passion, and big hits! I have a feeling Gebbia looks pretty good again considering he is a big time student of the game. Can transfers play in the Spring Game? Would love to see Noah Vedral run a series or two just to see how it's done. I think he will be a massive asset for this team. #GBR!