Offense Takes a Step Back as the Defense Continues to Dominate in Spring

(Photo – Kenny Larabee)

Scott Frost and Troy Walters were over the moon with the Husker’s response coming back from Spring Break last week, commending their energy and effort at a spot in spring where players normally see a drop-off. On Monday morning though, that drop-off appeared to have reared its ugly head, at least for the offense.

“We want to be the best offense in the Big 10, and today, we didn’t practice like it,” offensive coordinator Troy Walters said. According to Walters, his unit has started to show signs of fatigue, now that they’re at the midpoint of spring practice.

“Now it’s the point of spring where it’s ‘hump’ day, ‘hump’ period. Where you’re halfway over, halfway through and guys can get into a lull and feel sorry for themselves, feel a little tired. We can’t have that.”

According to Ryan Held, the Blackshirts have brought a physicality in practice, especially defensive line coach Tony Tuioti’s group, which has been disruptive to the offensive line and the running backs.

“They’re getting to the edge. They’re making plays,” Held said. “It’s iron sharpening iron.” Walters agreed, saying that the Blackshirts showed up the offense during Monday morning’s practice.

“If we don’t bring our ‘A’ game, they’re embarrassing us,” Walters told reporters at the Hawks Championship Center.

The message from the coaching staff is clear to the players – time to buckle down before April 13th, because their flaws will be exposed at Memorial Stadium if they’re not prepared.

“In two weeks, you’re playing in front of 90,000 (fans),” Walters said. “Get yourselves ready for that game.”

In other news and notes form practice:

*Running back Brody Belt out of Omaha Westside continues to impress the coaching staff. Held said that Belt “knows what he’s doing” and that he’s been “very consistent” during spring practice. Held also said that the running backs have been protecting the ball well.

*Wide receiver Andre Hunt has been making strides this spring. With the hole that Stanley Morgan Jr. has left, Hunt feels that he has what it takes to take the starting job Morgan’s vacancy has caused. “To fill his shoes is going to be a big time thing to do and I’m ready to do it, but I have a long way to go,” Hunt said.