Big Red Roundtable - Post Spring Game Edition

The Big Red Roundtable (pictured) is a group of Husker bloggers who get together every so often to discuss Husker football. This week, the crew discussed the Spring Game, Marlon Lucky's injury, and walking in Steve Pederson's shoes.

Keller or Ganz? Pick one, then give three reasons.

Darren Carlson: Keller. Reasons - Experience as a starter, arm strength, and, frankly, politics. The guy didn't transfer for his last season of eligibility to be on the bench. And, he's legitimately a better QB. He's the guy you give the ball to at the end to go win you the game.

Steve Hanway: He's been a starter, he's got more tools (i.e. size, arm strength), and he's flat out better. There's the added plus that if he gets drafted high, it will put to bed the former issue of Husker QB's never being pros.

The most impressive guy at the Spring Game?

Steve: I'll take Keller. 193 yards on only 13 passing attempts is awesome, and he didn't take a sack.

Darren: Suh on defense. Granted, it was against #2s, but he was simply unblockable. Carl Nicks on offense, for a similar reason. Those guys completely dominated the line of scrimmage.

If you were the Athletic Director, what would you do with the proceeds?

Darren: Pay off some debt on the stadium project.

Steve: I like the idea of some of it going to charity, but I know they've got bills to pay as well.

Do 54,000 people show up at Nebraska's Spring Game because there is really nothing else to do in Nebraska OR because we're more in love with our Huskers than anyone else is with their team?

Steve: A little from column A and a little from column B. Miami's got the ocean and good weather so I don't blame them for skipping a practice to hit the beach.

Darren: Both. Nebraskans are in love with football, and prefer to spend their Saturdays that way. It was a great weather day, and a lot of people who wouldn't normally take in a Husker game (families with young children) made the most of it. And, 54K is not nearly as ludicrous as it was a few years ago. Now, you have 'Bama drawing 92K and OSU pulling in 72K. So, we're not the only crazies.

When you heard or saw Marlon Lucky was injured, your first thought was?

Darren: Honestly... "Crap, crap, crap, crap. There is NO reason he should be in there this late!" [As I hit my pocket guide against my chair in frustration]

Okay, seriously now, two players got hurt playing 1s vs. 2s. What difference would it make to go 1s against 1s for at LEAST one quarter? None, in my mind.

Steve: You never like to see that, was glad to hear it's just a sprain. You need three good running backs in college anymore. Two in each game and a third for injuries.

Were you at all concerned by the fairly modest rushing performance overall by the Red team or is that a sign there's some depth on the defensive front seven?

Steve: Considering that defensive line is not the deepest place on the team, I'd have liked to have seen the offense have an easier time running. But you can't read too much into one scrimmage.

Darren: Neither. The rushing performance was a function of trying to get two QB's adequate enough reps throwing to have something for fans to see and coaches to evaluate. That, and they were trying to "save" Lucky and Glenn a little bit too (not that it worked. See above). We'll have a good front seven. And, the running game will be fine (almost regardless of backs) because we have some real road graters up front (*cough, Slauson, cough*).

Callahan called the receiving corps the strength of the team. Would you tend to agree with that or would you choose another aspect?

Darren: Agree. Of course, Callahan is thinking primarily of the offensive side of the ball because that is his thing. But, even as deep and talented as the LB corps is, the WR spot might be better. Or at least more important. They have top-end talent (Mo P), scads of experience (how long has Nunn been here?!) and a phalanx of players ready to break out (Peterson...seriously). That, and WRs knowing the routes and reads will be a huge help to whomever is quarterbacking this team. They have many decisions to make at the line of scrimmage. And, when they choose correctly, QBs can look very smart.

Steve: I'd go with linebackers because I expect they'll do more to carry their unit than the receivers. Plus, all we're hearing (and seeing) about dropped passes tells me those guys need to improve more than the linebackers.

Related: Be sure to read responses from Husker Mike, MidwestCoastBias, Double Extra Point, Corn Nation and newcomers Husker Faithful, Husker Guy, HiPlainsDrifter& Guerilla Spot

You don't have to be invited to join the round table. Just jump in and share your thoughts on your blog or in the comments below.