What Will The Huskers Do The First Time We Punt?

[Mavric]

Let's begin the drive with a question bouncing around my head: What will happen the first time Nebraska has to punt on Saturday?

 

Rarely does the first punt in a season produce a memory that carries beyond the next snap. This time, it's going to be different. This time, you might want to have a tissue ready in your pocket.

 

Husker fans have found many ways to remember and pay tribute to Sam Foltz since his tragic death in late July. But this will be the first time 90,000 gathered together since then. And when No. 27 doesn't trot out there for that first punt, the heart will hurt.

 

Just as much, coaches, teammates and fans are also going to want to honor him.

 

"Those are those moments that you anticipate but I really don't know the reaction," Husker head coach Mike Riley said of what he expects. "I can guess what it might be from either the crowd or the team or his close friends on the team. Like I said, I'm anticipating that moment but I’m not really sure."

 

LJS

[ColoradoHusk]

While I think it would be cool if the team did some type of tribute, I think Riley and Reach approaches it business as usual.

[junior4949]

10 with the delay. The delay gives time to pay tribute.

[darkhorse85]

I'm sure Sam would just want them to go out there and boot the hell out of it. That being said I could see them getting in punt formation with no punter and taking the DOG penalty.

[swmohusker]

We are going to cover it and try to tackle the punt returner.

[BIG ERN]

I'm sure Sam would just want them to go out there and boot the hell out of it. That being said I could see them getting in punt formation with no punter and taking the DOG penalty.

 

I would be in favor of this

[JJ Husker]

I really expect only 10 on the field and to take the DOG penalty. I don't care what the game situation is, that is what should happen.

Personally, I would like to see our ten players line up facing backwards on one knee. If Fresno has some class they will decline the penalty but, if they don't decline it, that is fine too.

[Redux]

10 out, take the DOG. It's a sobering reminder and a great gesture to honor a fallen team mate.

[ColoradoHusk]

I would like to not have to face this situation until the Wyoming game!!!

[swmohusker]

I think the game will have so much emotion anyways, I don't think you would want to make it any more emotional than it already is. I played a game in college 3 days after our head coach passes away in his office of a heart attack. It was very emotional to prepare for and hard to get your mind right. You have a moment of silence and let the tears flow, but then you have to move on and play football. If they did any of the things mentioned it would be really cool and a great way to honor a great young man though.

[JJkinz]

I really expect only 10 on the field and to take the DOG penalty. I don't care what the game situation is, that is what should happen.

Personally, I would like to see our ten players line up facing backwards on one knee. If Fresno has some class they will decline the penalty but, if they don't decline it, that is fine too.

 

What would actually happen if Fresno declines the DOG penalty? Would we line up again to punt it again? It's a little confusing to me because I think of all the times teams take a DOG penalty on purpose to give their punter more room to work with - couldn't the opposing coach just decline that penalty again and again?

[The Maudfather]

We'll trot out 10 and take the delay of game. It'll be a heck of a moment.

[alwayshusking]

Hopefully business as usual. Plenty of ways to honor Sam without doing contrived things in game.

[Count 'Bility]

Wanna tribute Sam? Dont punt at all. And that doesnt mean what some think it might mean. What I mean is, crush Fresno so bad that we literally dont have to punt all game.

[ColoradoHusk]

 

I really expect only 10 on the field and to take the DOG penalty. I don't care what the game situation is, that is what should happen.

Personally, I would like to see our ten players line up facing backwards on one knee. If Fresno has some class they will decline the penalty but, if they don't decline it, that is fine too.

 

What would actually happen if Fresno declines the DOG penalty? Would we line up again to punt it again? It's a little confusing to me because I think of all the times teams take a DOG penalty on purpose to give their punter more room to work with - couldn't the opposing coach just decline that penalty again and again?

 

NU wouldn't keep taking the DOG penalty over and over again. They do it once as a gesture, and the Fresno State coaches may decline it, understanding the situation. Riley and the Fresno coach may even discuss it before the game.