There have been more dramatic moments in Nebraska football history. Even more during Red-White Games in the past. But there were pockets of fans at Memorial Stadium on Saturday eager to see which quarterback would tro
BRENT C. WAGNER / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008 7:00 pm
There have been more dramatic moments in Nebraska football history.
Even more during Red-White Games in the past. But there were pockets of fans at Memorial Stadium on Saturday eager to see which quarterback would trot onto the field first with the White offense. After all, some Nebraskans put great stock in the No. 2 guy.
Would it be Patrick Witt, the youngster from Wylie, Texas? Or Zac Lee, the junior college transfer whose father spent 12 years playing quarterback in the NFL?
It turned out to be Witt who started for the White team. On the first play from scrimmage, he attempted to pitch to Roy Helu, only to have Reds linebacker Tyler Wortman break up the play and cause a fumble that the Reds recovered.
After the early turnover, Witt returned for the next two series, and later switched sides and completed a few passes for the Red team. Combined, Witt was 8-for- 15 for 78 yards and one interception.
Witt began the spring No. 2 on the depth chart, and coach Bo Pelini says he’ll probably remain there.
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson wasn't making any bold predictions about Joe Ganz’s top backup until he's had time to review the film. Of course, the competition will pick back up during fall camp.
"Up to this point, Patrick has had a little edge," Watson said. "You got to remember this is the first time Zac has been asked to run the offense, and he's gotten better every week of the spring.”
The players learned late in the week that Witt would get the start, but Lee was happy to see as much action as he did.
Witt says he’s more comfortable in the offense each day, and it showed while leading the Whites on a 75-yard scoring drive, completing all four of his passes along the way.
"I think the confidence is a big part of it," Witt said. "Knowing the plays, being able to step in the huddle and really take command of it. I think the guys in the huddle respect me a lot more, knowing that I know what I'm supposed to do."
Lee was 6-of-11 for 87 yards. In his first action since December 2006, Lee says the plays that will stand out are a pass to Quentin Castille and his own 20-yard run up the middle in the second half.
"It was pretty cool to throw the screen and watch him run the sideline," Lee said. "It was also fun to run out in the open, make a cut, and here people go 'Ahhhh.' That's something I hadn't experienced before."
Both quarterbacks vying for the No. 2 spot are good passers, Watson said. Witt is known most for being smart, and Lee the one more apt to make things happen with his feet.
Lee feels his knowledge of the offense has vastly improved since spring practice began, and hopes to one day be known as a guy that can give the team some options.
"I like to think that I'm somebody that drops back, and then when needed can create a play or extend a play and get receivers time to get open," Lee said.
All six quarterbacks on the roster saw action. Beau Davis completed a 48-yard pass to Matt Donahue, a Fremont native who played last season at Ohio.
Freshman Kody Spano, who graduated from high school at mid-semester this year, was 4-for-6 for 47 yards.
Lincoln East graduate Jim Ebke played near the end of the game, handing off a few times, completing a pair of passes and rushing up the middle for a 10-yard gain on the final play of the game.
Reach Brent C. Wagner at 473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com.