Defense Emerges Victorious In First Bulldog Scrimmage
The Bulldog offense scored on the ground and through the air, and the defense and special teams each scored on fumble returns during the two-hour scrimmage in Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. State also added a field goal to the scoring column, but as has been the case all spring, it was the defense that caught the head coach's eye.
I thought the defense did a great job of getting turnovers, Croom said. They came up with tipped balls, fell on loose balls, and ran to the football. The only thing I got on them about was that they did not stop the offense a couple of times in short yardage situations.
The first offense drove 48 yards on nine plays on its third series to position sophomore Adam Carlson for a 36-yard field, the first scoring of the day. After the defense thwarted the next four offensive series, sophomore linebacker Jamar Chaney scooped up a fumbled punt and returned it 32 yards for a score. Sophomore running back Brandon Hart, who rushed 14 times for 57 yards on the day, tallied the running game's only touchdown, while sophomore tight end Jeremy Jones hauled in a 7-yard TD throw from redshirt freshman quarterback Tray Rutland. Sophomore defensive back Keith Fitzhugh closed the scoring ?€“ and the scrimmage ?€“ with a 56-yard fumble return for a score.
I knew we were going to miss Jerious Norwood, but it was quite evident today, Croom said of his departed star running back. I thought our offensive line actually blocked a little better today, but we have got to find a running back. (Brandon) Hart has the ability to get short yards, but all three of those freshmen we signed better be ready because they will get a workout when they get here.
I thought (Mike) Henig threw the ball well again today, Croom added. We'll be solid at quarterback. Keon (Humphries) made some plays today. We're going to be better at wide receiver.
Several Bulldogs were held out of the first spring scrimmage either by injury or off-season surgery rehab. Wide receivers Tony Burks (hamstring) and Will Prosser (hip), running back Brandon Thornton (shoulder), and tight end Eric Butler (shoulder) did not scrimmage on the offensive side of the ball. Defensive backs Demario Bobo (knee) and David Heard (shoulder), as well as linebacker Jimmy Miller (hamstring) and end Charles Burns (shoulder) did not scrimmage.
SCORING
Carlson 36 FG
Cheney 32 fumble return
Jones 7 pass from Rutland (Andrews PAT)
Hart 4 rush (Carlson PAT)
Fitzhugh 56 fumble return
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
RUSHING ?€“ Hart 14-57, Ambrose 8-23, Henig 4-(-2), Rutland 2-(-3).
PASSING ?€“ Henig 12-18-1 100, Rutland 10-18-0 109.
RECEIVING ?€“ Long 5-73, Humphries 4-33, Rogers 2-36, Jones 3-28 TD, Conner 3-24, Bowser 1-21, Young 1-20, J. Smith 1-8, Sherrod 1-4.
TACKLES ?€“ Fitzhugh 11, Chaney 9, Culberson 8, Chambers 6, Robinson 6, O'Neal 5, Jer. Johnson 4, Pegues 3, Mar. Evans 3, Horton 3, Brown 3, Wesley 3.
INTERCEPTIONS ?€“ Culberson 1-12.
SACKS ?€“ Chaney 3-19, Robinson 1-4, O'Neal 1-8, Brown 1-7.
TACKLES FOR LOSS ?€“ Chaney 4-22, Robinson 1-4, O'Neal 1-8, Brown 1-7, Fitzhugh 1-2.
FUMBLE RECOVERIES ?€“ Fitzhugh 1-56 TD, Chaney 1-32 TD, Robinson 1-4.
PASSES BROKEN UP ?€“ Robinson 3, Chambers 1, Jer. Johnson 1.
BLOCKED KICK ?€“ Aubrey Bell (punt).