FIVE THINGS LEARNED AT THE SPRING GAME

1 Jerry Kill didn't want to give anything away. The playbook was scaled way back to basic runs and simple pass plays, and punting was avoided entirely. "I didn't want to show what we're doing in the punt game," he said.

2 Donnell Kirkwood's burst is back. The redshirt freshman, sidelined by a shin fracture last year, had a couple of big runs, including a 27-yard burst on the third series, and scored the day's lone touchdown. Must have been the MVP, right? "Not even close," he said. "I had the only fumble, too."

3 Moses Alipate's weight hasn't affected his arm. The quarterback reported to camp out of shape, but offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said he has lost more than 15 pounds. Alipate made a handful of nice spirals downfield.

4 Chris Hawthorne can kick. The transfer from North Carolina State made both field goals he tried, a 30-yarder and a 50-yard boot that easily cleared the bar and had the crowd buzzing.

5 The defense is working hard on pressuring the quarterback. No sacks were recorded because of the no-hit rule, but the defense, despite rarely blitzing, was making the QBs hurry.

PHIL MILLER