Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Football Preseason Practice #18
8/19/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
The Murray State football team practiced in full pads today at 3:35 p.m., during a breezy afternoon with thunder in the distance threatening rain, but no rain came and the Racers were able to practice for about an hour and 45 minutes.
Today, the offense worked on their hurry-up offense, quickly getting to the line after a completed pass and running a no-huddle offense, even spiking ball the stop the clock. The offense also scrimmaged the defense, emulating third down situations and their goal line offense. A highlight from the third down scrimmage was a 60-yard touchdown screen pass from Jeff Ehrhardt to Marcus Harris on 3rd-and-13.
The quarterbacks focused on hitting wide receivers with fades in the back corner of the endzone, while the wide receivers worked on making sharp cuts. The running backs worked on their quickness and footwork, running through a set of cones with the ball tucked safely in their hand, using their off-hand to reach down on the ground and guide them around the cones. The offensive line worked on getting a quick first step, blocking techniques, and double teaming a defensive lineman then switching off to a charging linebacker.
The defensive unit worked on stopping the run, stuffing the ball carrier before he could find a gap, while the safeties and defensive backs individually worked on dropping back in coverage, then sprinting and charging the ballcarrier. The defensive linemen worked on staying still and not flinching for an offsides penalty, with the linemen focusing solely on the ball in the center's hands and then reacting when the ball was snapped by lunging on a large pad.
Special teams worked on punting and Point After Touchdown attempts and field goal attempts. For the first time all preseason today, the punting unit worked on fake punts, and the duo of Sean O'Brien/Tyler Weiss combined to go 4-for-4 on PAT's and field goals from both hashes.
The Racers return tomorrow for their last two-a-day of the preseason, 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.
