Murray State University Athletics
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Murray State Football Preseason Practice #6
8/10/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
The Murray State football team continued their preseason workouts today, under the lights of Stewart Stadium, 24 hours after their first scrimmage last night.
The quarterbacks worked on communication with the running backs and receivers before the snap, reading the defense and potentially calling audibles. The running backs worked on ball control, hitting the ground and getting back up quickly without fumbling.
The wide receivers worked on reading the cornerback and adjusting their route according to their read, either running an out route for a quick catch, or streaking down the sidelines and making an over-the-shoulder catch. The receivers and the tight ends also worked on catching the ball, turning upfield, then avoiding a swatting player, and also avoiding defensive players trying to tip the ball away from behind.
The offensive line worked on agility, going side-to-side and front-to-back, and also blocking five players in a straight line, while staying low.
On defense, the linebackers trotted backwards, turning their shoulders and getting in position for a pass break-up, judging by coach Rich Nagy's arm angle. The safeties dropped back into coverage with their hands behind their back, following every cut made by a receiver and staying close enough to him to where he was in position for a pass break-up. The cornerbacks worked on dropback coverage and defending fades, jumping up to bat the ball to the ground while defending against a taller receiver.
The defense as a whole worked on quickly identifying a pass play and alerting the rest of the defense, and after an interception, getting to the nearest sideline while the rest of the defense blocked for him.
On special teams, the punt returners worked on fair catches, and during field goal drills, Murray State's kickers were perfect, converting 4-of-4 field goals from various places on the field.
Murray State will have their second two-a-day of the preseason Saturday, practicing at 8:15 a.m. and 3:35 p.m.
Murray State opens its 83rd season of college football on Aug. 30 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, where they will face the University of Louisville Cardinals. Kick-off time is set for 6:30 p.m.
