Steve Spurrier mocks Nebraska for 'Husker Games' over spring game

Last week, Nebraska football announced it’s replacing its traditional Spring Game with the “Husker Games.” The event will include football activities in Memorial Stadium, a soccer matchup with Wyoming at Hibner Stadium and a spring volleyball match against Kansas at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Nebraska football will do several events similar to the NFL’s Pro Bowl games, including skill contests and 7-on-7 games. While some fans are excited about the fresh take on the Spring Game, others aren’t happy with the new format. Former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier belongs to the latter group.

“They’re gonna have passing and kicking contests,” Spurrier said on Another Dooley Noted Podcast while shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t think I’m gonna go to that.”

Nebraska isn’t only diverging from the traditional Spring Game to entertain fans. It’s also making the adjustment due to other teams’ ability to scout the former event and reach out to players who impressed during the spring transfer portal window.

This isn’t an irrational fear for head coach Matt Rhule, it’s a reality. After announcing the program wouldn’t be holding a Spring Game, Rhule defended his decision.

“Our game last year was televised,” Rhule explained. “A ton of people watched it, and then on Monday, it was, ‘Hey coach. I got a call from so and so.’ You think about the risk-reward when we’re paying players already, and then with the portal in spring, some guys will graduate, it’s just — I just don’t know that I want to showcase for people what’s out there… Plus, [we have] two new coordinators. Like, why let them see it?”

In fairness, the Husker Games isn’t entirely void of upsides. The players won’t be in their typical helmets, so fans will be able to recognize their favorite players and connect on a more personal level.

Additionally, players won’t be forced to focus solely on the game and instead will be able to interact with fans directly. Matt Rhule certainly believes Husker Games will still provide fans with some great memories.

“We’ll go out there and we’ll have 7-on-7 competitions. We’ll probably bring back some former players, we’ll do some skills challenge,” Rhule said. “We’ll do all those things because I do want all the kids across the state of Nebraska who maybe can’t get to a game, to be able to come and sit in Memorial Stadium and watch their players.”

The event will take place on April 26. The gates to Memorial Stadium will open at 12:30 p.m. CDT. Nebraska football activities will begin at 2 p.m. CDT.