Murray State University Athletics
Spring Practice #12
4/12/2008 5:00:00 AM | Football
The Murray State football team closed out the third week of spring practice with a competitive scrimmage Saturday morning on the turf at Stewart Stadium. The scrimmage consisted of 12 offensive series, as well as working on kickoff return.
Head Coach Matt Griffin walked away from the scrimmage pleased with the way his team competed and with the intensity he saw on both sides of the ball.
"I like the intensity. I just like the competitiveness right now. There is a competitive spirit out there on every play and guys are understanding we need to compete to win, period," said Griffin. "I was very pleased with the guys going back and forth at each other. We have to carry this over into the last week coming up and just finish on a strong note."
The defense had the early advantage as they forced three three-and-outs on the first four series. The offense was able to mount a 12-play drive, but were unable to put any points on the board as linebacker Tamar Butler stopped running back Charlie Jordan on a fourth-down running play in the red-zone.
"I wouldn't say it was offensive inconsistency. I think our defense was just playing better and put a little more pressure on them," said Griffin. "I was pleased with the way the offense overcame a couple negative plays and came back and played the next play and had some positive gains. There is no doubt as a team we are a whole lot better."
The offense finally got rolling on the fifth series as they needed only two plays to score. After Butler registered a sack on the first play, quarterback Chris Franklin found a wide open Marcus Harris down the right sideline for a 60-yard scoring strike. Tyler Larson added the extra point.
Two series later, the offense was back at it again as Nico Yantko hit Daniel Ard for a 22-yard catch-and-run on the right sideline and then connected two plays later on a fade route in the endzone. Larson was successful on the point-after attempt.
The defense forced the only turnover of the day on the next series as Lamar Jones blitzed off the left edge and sacked Franklin, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Butler near mid field.
The offense had its first rushing score of the scrimmage as Josh Jones went around right end for a 21-yard scoring scamper. On the next series, Derrick Townsel took a screen pass to the left and cut across the field for a 35-yard reception from Franklin.
Jordan led the ground attack as he carried the ball six times for 51 yards. Paul McKinnis added 36 yards on five carries. Through the air, Harris caught four passes for 75 yards and a score, while Ard added two receptions for 30 yards and a score.
"Charlie is playing as well as he has in the two-and-a-half year he has been here", said Griffin. "He stronger and faster. The shame of it is our first class, none of them really red-shirted, and this is when they start to excel. Really Charlie is listed as a junior when he really should be a red-shirt sophomore. Regardless, he is much improved and a lot of credit has to go to his work ethic. He just needs to continue."
The Racers have just two practices remaining before the Blue-Gold Game on April 19, The team will take the field next at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
