Steven M. Sipple: A time for Witt?
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It’s possible you’ve witnessed ordinarily mild-mannered Nebraska football fans getting whipped into a near frenzy over the subject of finding playing time for the backup quarterback.
Yes, no question, it generally makes sense to find some time for the backup.
In that regard, did Nebraska consider inserting redshirt freshman Patrick Witt for the final series Saturday night, leading Western Michigan 47-24 with 2:24 left?
“Nah, not really,” Husker offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said. “Earlier in the fourth quarter, we considered putting him in. But then they (the Broncos) had some success moving the ball. When that started happening, we felt like we needed to keep our ones (first string) on the field.”
So, Nebraska starting quarterback Joe Ganz went the distance in the season-opener.
Ganz, by the way, showed last season that finding snaps for the backup might not be all that important. He had made only two game appearances and thrown only one pass before starter Sam Keller went down with a season-ending shoulder injury late in the ninth game. Ganz started the final three games and threw for 1,399 yards and 15 touchdowns, showing excellent command and confidence, although his seven interceptions were an issue.
It should be pointed out that Ganz appeared in five games in 2006 as Zac Taylor’s backup. Ganz was 7-for-13 passing for 122 yards and three touchdowns.
It also should be pointed out that Watson served as Nebraska’s tight ends coach in 2006 before rising to offensive coordinator in 2007. But make no mistake — it was Bill Callahan calling the shots last season.
As a general rule, Watson said, he wants to be able to give Witt at least one series of action.
“But part of it is, it’s got to be earned with execution in practice,” the coach said. “When execution is high enough that we can do that, we’ll do it.”
The Nebraska backup probably won’t be making any appearances in the first quarter of games.
“But maybe it’ll be the second quarter,” Watson said. “We used to do that at Illinois (where he was an assistant from 1983-86). We always played our backup guy.”
The system helped develop former Illini standout quarterbacks such as Tony Eason (1980-83) and Jack Trudeau (1982-85).
“I’d like to have that situation here,” Watson said. “Because then the backup is familiar with game situations and the offense is familiar with him.”
Witt, the clear-cut No. 2, is operating with a sense of urgency, Watson said. But the gap between Ganz and Witt is wide.
“Pat’s done a nice job. He had a great (preseason) camp,” the coach said. “But I tell him all the time, ‘You’re going to get tough love from me. You have to earn it. I’m not going to give anything to you. I have a responsibility to the entire team.’”
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