Spring Game Analysis

Jul 9, 2009
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We have had a drought in the QB department for a while. We've struggled to get a complete QB with no glaring faults. Hopefully these younger guys will turn that around. I do have high hopes for Gebbia. How refreshing would it be to have a QB that can throw an accurate pass with above average consistency.
 

Husker.Wed._rivals

All-Conference
Feb 13, 2004
17,442
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I didn't get depressed about how a guy who should be getting his prom tux fitted did with the fourth string O his first time out in front of 70K (especially since BTN cut away after he ran one play and I couldn't see for myself how he looked). Rather, I was encouraged by how far AJ has come. He seemed a bit quick to bail on his passing options and run, but he moved the offense well.
 
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LHNEAGLE

Redshirt
Apr 16, 2016
36
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Anyone who knows anything about football would have seen that POB was the only quarterback out there today. He didn't even have to throw to see that. Take a look at his footwork.
 
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dockentwo

Senior
Aug 13, 2004
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I didn't get depressed about how a guy who should be getting his prom tux fitted did with the fourth string O his first time out in front of 70K (especially since BTN cut away after he ran one play and I couldn't see for myself how he looked). Rather, I was encouraged by how far AJ has come. He seemed a bit quick to bail on his passing options and run, but he moved the offense well.
POB makes 20 yard passes look absolutely effortless; very encouraging. See above comments as too any lack of productivity. He is the real deal; I didn't like this format in multiple ways. POB definitely was in the " mop-up " position......... T A ran extremely well; he really found seams and showed speed, more of a straight line runner as compared to A J. A J was simply amazing as a runner - the D couldn't handle a 6' 4" version of a strong running waterbug. He needs to see the field ( like tOSU played two ); maybe as a wingback type position - seriously made moves and broke tackles - lots of YAC and would wear down a D. A lot of designed qb runs or run/pass option; harder to evaluate A J's passing or judgement - but he has ability ( shows his youth ) - if we didn't have T A; he would be " that guy "; the running qb alternative; he is athletic and hard too bring down.
I was there; and with a running clock and family its difficult; but here is a cliff's opinion:
*** T A looked great and his running in the Spring game is going to have D's sitting in place to close gaps; he rips into seams and creases. He had passes dropped, and threw well in a difficult wind - Reilly dissapointed me as a receiver; he slowed for a sec on the first deep pass and then it went long in the wind, T A would have hit him in stride. When T A plays within the system and shows good judgement, he is really going to shine. I know I have not liked his weaknesses, but he shows his talent - scary, its now his choice.
*** Fyfe, great personality and team player, shows very good ability at times, was given a great deal of playing time - seriously, A J and POB were left on bench until well into 3rd quarter ( didn't like this format in that regard ). For a variety of reasons ( even the youth of some ); if A J is passing well in practice ; Fyfe is my 4th - he is a level below T A overall ( who isn't in many areas ).
*** A J, see my comments above - he is large and has lots of moves - simply plays like a difference maker - really hurts a D / reminds you to Braxton that way. I hope he is getting the system down - he has gotten a bad rap IMO; a few passes he threw into traffic , previous to this game; were called " fades ", that he forced, because it was called for evaluation. Comments from some at practice ; have A J and POB as best in going through progressions, and not throwing into traffic.
*** POB is the real deal; makes 20 yard passes into the traffic of receivers look effortless and quick as an open 5-yarder. I believe the coaches know what they have and hope all develop a great deal over the summer. No personality " applecarts", were overturned in a Spring game; a nod was given to current depth chart rankings - the current top two got the majority of the playing time. I have not seen the replay yet; but still feel these comments are pretty valid; especially when addressing their strengths. GBR
 
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Husker.Wed._rivals

All-Conference
Feb 13, 2004
17,442
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POB makes 20 yard passes look absolutely effortless; very encouraging. See above comments as too any lack of productivity. He is the real deal; I didn't like this format in multiple ways. POB definitely was in the " mop-up " position......... T A ran extremely well; he really found seams and showed speed, more of a straight line runner as compared to A J. A J was simply amazing as a runner - the D couldn't handle a 6' 4" version of a strong running waterbug. He needs to see the field ( like tOSU played two ); maybe as a wingback type position - seriously made moves and broke tackles - lots of YAC and would wear down a D. A lot of designed qb runs or run/pass option; harder to evaluate A J's passing or judgement - but he has ability ( shows his youth ) - if we didn't have T A; he would be " that guy "; the running qb alternative; he is athletic and hard too bring down.
I was there; and with a running clock and family its difficult; but here is a cliff's opinion:
*** T A looked great and his running in the Spring game is going to have D's sitting in place to close gaps; he rips into seams and creases. He had passes dropped, and threw well in a difficult wind - Reilly dissapointed me as a receiver; he slowed for a sec on the first deep pass and then it went long in the wind, T A would have hit him in stride. When T A plays within the system and shows good judgement, he is really going to shine. I know I have not liked his weaknesses, but he shows his talent - scary, its now his choice.
*** Fyfe, great personality and team player, shows very good ability at times, was given a great deal of playing time - seriously, A J and POB were left on bench until well into 3rd quarter ( didn't like this format in that regard ). For a variety of reasons ( even the youth of some ); if A J is passing well in practice ; Fyfe is my 4th - he is a level below T A overall ( who isn't in many areas ).
*** A J, see my comments above - he is large and has lots of moves - simply plays like a difference maker - really hurts a D / reminds you to Braxton that way. I hope he is getting the system down - he has gotten a bad rap IMO; a few passes he threw into traffic , previous to this game; were called " fades ", that he forced, because it was called for evaluation. Comments from some at practice ; have A J and POB as best in going through progressions, and not throwing into traffic.
*** POB is the real deal; makes 20 yard passes into the traffic of receivers look effortless and quick as an open 5-yarder. I believe the coaches know what they have and hope all develop a great deal over the summer. No personality " applecarts", were overturned in a Spring game; a nod was given to current depth chart rankings - the current top two got the majority of the playing time. I have not seen the replay yet; but still feel these comments are pretty valid; especially when addressing their strengths. GBR
Nice summary, I have been waiting for a review from someone who was at the game. On that first play Reilly definitely pulled up and should have caught it in stride. The play I really noticed was Avery Anderson dislodging the ball from Cotton, Avery rocks. Another interesting play was Wilbon not handing off to Reilly on the reverse, choosing to run it instead. That pissed the coaches off and earned MW some time on the sideline. Maybe stuff like that is why he disappeared after the beginning of the season last year. I was very angry BTN cut away and we missed the whole 4th Q. I would have liked to see POB play. I wish AJ and POB would have alternated after half, but I guess the two-deep need their reps.
 

LHNEAGLE

Redshirt
Apr 16, 2016
36
13
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Nice analysis but no, A.J. Bush does not need to see the field as an "athlete" and please don't compare him to Braxton Miller.

Secondly, Tommy Armstrong isn't fast. Yes, he has decent speed but nothing more than we should expect from an "athlete" playing quarterback.
 
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Nebraska Fan

Senior
Sep 1, 2004
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The thing about Bush is he's a winner and not a ton of experience. This might be the first time in his career where he's had the same coach for two years.
 

dinglefritz

All-American
Jan 14, 2011
47,846
9,384
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POB makes 20 yard passes look absolutely effortless; very encouraging. See above comments as too any lack of productivity. He is the real deal; I didn't like this format in multiple ways. POB definitely was in the " mop-up " position......... T A ran extremely well; he really found seams and showed speed, more of a straight line runner as compared to A J. A J was simply amazing as a runner - the D couldn't handle a 6' 4" version of a strong running waterbug. He needs to see the field ( like tOSU played two ); maybe as a wingback type position - seriously made moves and broke tackles - lots of YAC and would wear down a D. A lot of designed qb runs or run/pass option; harder to evaluate A J's passing or judgement - but he has ability ( shows his youth ) - if we didn't have T A; he would be " that guy "; the running qb alternative; he is athletic and hard too bring down.
I was there; and with a running clock and family its difficult; but here is a cliff's opinion:
*** T A looked great and his running in the Spring game is going to have D's sitting in place to close gaps; he rips into seams and creases. He had passes dropped, and threw well in a difficult wind - Reilly dissapointed me as a receiver; he slowed for a sec on the first deep pass and then it went long in the wind, T A would have hit him in stride. When T A plays within the system and shows good judgement, he is really going to shine. I know I have not liked his weaknesses, but he shows his talent - scary, its now his choice.
*** Fyfe, great personality and team player, shows very good ability at times, was given a great deal of playing time - seriously, A J and POB were left on bench until well into 3rd quarter ( didn't like this format in that regard ). For a variety of reasons ( even the youth of some ); if A J is passing well in practice ; Fyfe is my 4th - he is a level below T A overall ( who isn't in many areas ).
*** A J, see my comments above - he is large and has lots of moves - simply plays like a difference maker - really hurts a D / reminds you to Braxton that way. I hope he is getting the system down - he has gotten a bad rap IMO; a few passes he threw into traffic , previous to this game; were called " fades ", that he forced, because it was called for evaluation. Comments from some at practice ; have A J and POB as best in going through progressions, and not throwing into traffic.
*** POB is the real deal; makes 20 yard passes into the traffic of receivers look effortless and quick as an open 5-yarder. I believe the coaches know what they have and hope all develop a great deal over the summer. No personality " applecarts", were overturned in a Spring game; a nod was given to current depth chart rankings - the current top two got the majority of the playing time. I have not seen the replay yet; but still feel these comments are pretty valid; especially when addressing their strengths. GBR
IMO the format was set up to show the fans exactly what Riley wanted to show the fans. He wanted POB and Bush to only get time with the lower units so as to not start a QB controversy and cause problems. IMO, that doesn't mean anything. TA will likely be our starter in the fall, but he will have to be better than he was last fall to keep his job. IF Riley had played POB with the 1s and he had looked good for a drive, all we would have heard for the next 4 months was how POB should be the starter. QB playing time will be determined this fall. The way Riley framed it now, there is absolutely no pressure on POB and Gebbia knows he has a shot to play early. Perfect.
 

leodisflowers

Senior
Feb 25, 2011
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Nice analysis but no, A.J. Bush does not need to see the field as an "athlete" and please don't compare him to Braxton Miller.

Secondly, Tommy Armstrong isn't fast. Yes, he has decent speed but nothing more than we should expect from an "athlete" playing quarterback.

Ok? Tommy isn't fast? Disagree here. Is he a Taylor M. burner? Hell no, but he has pretty damn good speed for a QB. I do agree with you on Bush. We need to pump the breaks, and he is nowhere near a Braxton Miller type QB.
 
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jeans15

Heisman
Feb 23, 2011
253,663
59,077
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That was a good looking scrimmage.

Tommy mechanics look good and can still be more consistent.

He could have had a huge day had the receiver not stop running on the first play.

Most importantly. There were no throws where you said, WTH would you throw it there.
 
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newAD

All-American
Oct 14, 2007
15,429
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Ok? Tommy isn't fast? Disagree here. Is he a Taylor M. burner? Hell no, but he has pretty damn good speed for a QB. .

If he aint fast then who is that # 6 out there that had a decent angle on him? Eric Lee? Better move that kid down the depth chart.

 

chicolby

All-Conference
May 3, 2012
4,329
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To say Tommy isn't fast is a complete misrepresentation of fast. He is pulling away from D-1 caliber ATHLETES. This isn't dirt lot football.