Cosgrove looking for big plays from his defense
Most Nebraska football fans will stream into Memorial Stadium on Saturday hoping to see a lot of points scored.
Isn’t that what the annual games are all about?
“I guess that’s why we sit in one defense the whole game,” said a smiling Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove.
Of course, Cosgrove understands the big picture as it applies to spring games.
“People want to see the skill on offense, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “But even though we’re going to be sitting in one defense for most of the game, we expect to perform very well.”
He will be looking for his defenders to make big plays.
“That’s the biggest thing,” he said. “You want to see some big hits and playmakers.”
What’s more, “You want to see kids just play their normal fundamental techniques in our base defense, and see how they respond.”
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
Cosgrove will call the defense for the Red squad (first-string players), and cornerbacks coach Phil Elmassian and defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt will share those duties for the Whites.
Unlike last year, fans might see a few blitzes Saturday.
“We may sneak one or two in there,” Cosgrove said. “Just a little bit. Maybe one change-up, so we’re not like fence posts out there. Maybe we’ll move a little bit.”
-- INJURY REPORT: True freshman I-back Marcus Mendoza (hamstring) probably will play “in some capacity” Saturday, said Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Mendoza practiced Thursday “and had one of his better practices,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, junior college transfer safety Larry Asante (hamstring), projected as a starter, is “full-go” for the scrimmage, Cosgrove said. “He’s getting better every day. Asante and (cornerback Armando) Murillo have been outstanding.“
-- PRACTICE REPORT: Nebraska practiced Thursday morning, its final tune-up for the Spring Game, with drills beginning around 6 a.m. The players were focused, Watson said. “It was probably our best ‘mental’ practice of the spring, which is encouraging,” he said. “It’s the way it’s supposed to be.” It’s especially encouraging considering NU began the week with a sub-par Monday practice, according to players.
-- QB COMPETITION: It’s been established that Sam Keller and Joe Ganz will share playing time Saturday with the first-string offense; it hasn’t been decided which quarterback will start the game. Watson said he expects both quarterbacks to avoid getting caught up in the hype that goes with a QB battle. “They know you have to stay real poised,” Watson said. “I think they’re both just looking forward to competing and playing.”
Isn’t that what the annual games are all about?
“I guess that’s why we sit in one defense the whole game,” said a smiling Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove.
Of course, Cosgrove understands the big picture as it applies to spring games.
“People want to see the skill on offense, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “But even though we’re going to be sitting in one defense for most of the game, we expect to perform very well.”
He will be looking for his defenders to make big plays.
“That’s the biggest thing,” he said. “You want to see some big hits and playmakers.”
What’s more, “You want to see kids just play their normal fundamental techniques in our base defense, and see how they respond.”
Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
Cosgrove will call the defense for the Red squad (first-string players), and cornerbacks coach Phil Elmassian and defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt will share those duties for the Whites.
Unlike last year, fans might see a few blitzes Saturday.
“We may sneak one or two in there,” Cosgrove said. “Just a little bit. Maybe one change-up, so we’re not like fence posts out there. Maybe we’ll move a little bit.”
-- INJURY REPORT: True freshman I-back Marcus Mendoza (hamstring) probably will play “in some capacity” Saturday, said Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Mendoza practiced Thursday “and had one of his better practices,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, junior college transfer safety Larry Asante (hamstring), projected as a starter, is “full-go” for the scrimmage, Cosgrove said. “He’s getting better every day. Asante and (cornerback Armando) Murillo have been outstanding.“
-- PRACTICE REPORT: Nebraska practiced Thursday morning, its final tune-up for the Spring Game, with drills beginning around 6 a.m. The players were focused, Watson said. “It was probably our best ‘mental’ practice of the spring, which is encouraging,” he said. “It’s the way it’s supposed to be.” It’s especially encouraging considering NU began the week with a sub-par Monday practice, according to players.
-- QB COMPETITION: It’s been established that Sam Keller and Joe Ganz will share playing time Saturday with the first-string offense; it hasn’t been decided which quarterback will start the game. Watson said he expects both quarterbacks to avoid getting caught up in the hype that goes with a QB battle. “They know you have to stay real poised,” Watson said. “I think they’re both just looking forward to competing and playing.”
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