Sunday, May 3, 2009

Nicolet passes test in first AFL2 start

That's right, Mark Nicolet's first start on a professional football team in the state of Wisconsin was covered by the same exact newspaper as Brett Favre's.


And to top it off, Nicolet scored three touchdowns and was a winner.


As this Green Bay Press Gazette article shows, Nicolet threw for 175 yards and two scores, while also running for a touchdown, in the Blizzard's 56-28 win over archrival Milwaukee.


Although Nicolet was just 15-of-34 and sacked twice, he managed to avoid throwing an interception, not surprising considering half of the picks he threw his senior year were in part because of a mistakes by Hillsdale receivers.


The reason Nicolet was thrust into the starting lineup was because starter Gino Guidugli was out with an injury.


What is fun to consider though is the fact Nicolet beat a former Big Ten starting QB is his first career start. The Green Bay defense harassed Wisconsin grad Tyler Donovan into a forgettable effort.


Donovan completed 11-of-26 passes for 127 yards with three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing), but was intercepted four times and fumbled four times with the Blizzard recovering twice.


Again, what was that rip your buddy who is obsessed with U of M laid down about Division II ball? Talent is talent, just ask the guys who drafted Jerry Rice out of Mississippi Valley State or Shannon Sharpe from Savannah State.


Of course the NFL compared to the AFL2 is like comparing apples to apple flavored fruit snacks, but results speak for themselves.


Korte picking off a Charlie Batch pass a few days ago and Nicolet leading his professional team to a win in front of 4,000-plus is a statement, even if just in my own little world.

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