Murray State University Athletics
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Murray State Football Preseason Practice #7 & #8
8/11/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
Today marked the second of six preseason two-a-days for the Murray State football team, practicing at 8:15 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. on the practice field behind Stewart Stadium. The Racers practiced for about 90 minutes during their morning practice in upper pads and about an hour during their afternoon practice in full pads.
Today, the quarterbacks worked on throwing against one-on-one coverage, placing the ball in the perfect location to avoid an incompletion while a cornerback swarmed the receiver. The offensive linemen worked on getting a quick first step off the snap, and also recognizing screen passes and finding their man to block to create room for the ballcarrier.
The defense worked on a pursuit drill, where all 11 defenders had to touch the ballcarrier,who was streaking down the sideline, before the play was declared over. The defense also worked on an endurance drill where they had to get past two blockers before catching up to the ballcarrier.
The offense and defense performed a mini-scrimmage, with 6-on-6 action (the linemen were not involved). The defense had an emphasis on coverage, while the quarterback had to quickly identify that coverage and find the open receiver.
A brief scrimmage ensued during the afternoon practice, with the highlight of the scrimmage coming from the offense, when quarterback Chris Franklin hit Josh Jones for a 75-yard touchdown off a screen pass.
Special teams also had a busy day today, with pairs of Racers blocking each other as the ball was being punted, then running downfield while the ball was in the air and trying to get to the punt returner first.
Also, about a half-dozen players spent most of the afternoon practice working with strength coach Justin Cecil, performing such acts as throwing a medicine ball, lifting dumbbells over their heads while performing squats, carrying heavy chains up-and-down the sideline, doing push-ups, and maintaining the push-up position for an extended period of time, putting all of their weight on their upper body while holding themselves up.
At the end of the afternoon practice, Racer head coach Matt Griffin emphasized to his team to keep three things in mind: rest, hydration, and nutrition. Griffin also praised the team's conditiioning, confirming with head athletic trainer Alan Lollar that so far this preseason only one player had needed an IV, while last season at this same time, there were approximately eight players a day who needed an IV.
"Today's practice went well," Griffin said. "Our tempo and attitude have been excellent for our first real two-a-day."
The Racers first two-a-day, held last Thursday, featured a morning practice, then a scrimmage.
The Racers return to the practice field Sunday for their ninth practice of the preseason at 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.
