Football Scrimmage Goes to the Offense
4/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 2, 2005
Columbia, Mo. - The Mizzou Football squad held its second major scrimmage of the spring season Saturday at Faurot Field, and the Tiger offense was impressive in the 150-play outing.
Despite missing four first-string starters due to injuries (WR Sean Coffey, WR William Franklin, TB Marcus Woods, OL Tyler Luellen), seven offensive touchdowns were scored on the day by the offense. The offense won the scrimmage over the defense, based on the scoring system applied, which awards the defense points for three-and-out series, turnovers and others, while the offense gets points for regular scores, plus bonus points for big plays and first downs.
Sophomore tailback Tony Temple had a nice day, as he rushed for several gains of over 15 yards during the scrimmage, and scored the first TD of the day on a 3-yard run, one play after going for nearly 20 yards to take it down to the 3-yardline. He also had a 20-yard gallop on the first play of the scrimmage, with the offense backed up at its own 2-yardline. Temple showed nice speed, patience and burst, as he displayed an array of moves that drew applause from the 150 or so fans that came out for the scrimmage. He did have the ball popped loose twice, both times as he was struggling for extra yardage and nearly down.
Senior quarterback Brad Smith had a nice day, as well, as he directed several scoring drives, and was efficient in both the passing and running game. Smith connected several times with numerous receivers, and had two big plays with junior wideout Brad Ekwerekwu, the latter of which went for a 13-yard TD late in the scrimmage.
Redshirt freshman tailback Earl Goldsmith had two touchdowns on the day, as he scored from 3 yards out and 1 yard out. He set up his own first TD on a nice 12-yard run that took the ball down to the 3, before scoring on the next play.
Both of Mizzou's reserve quarterbacks had TD passes today, as well, as junior Brandon Coleman and redshirt freshman Chase Patton both had some big plays. Coleman lofted a beautifully-thrown 30-yard pass over the seam for a TD to redshirt freshman wideout Tommy Saunders. Saunders had numerous nice plays during the day, and stood out with his pass-catching abilities. Coleman later hooked up with senior wideout Arnold Britt for a 40-yard gain on what was the longest play of the day.
Patton threw a 14-yard TD pass to redshirt freshman tight end Brian Barmann late in the scrimmage, as Barmann made an impressive sliding catch in the endzone. Barmann also had several other notable plays, as he caught a 25-yard pass from Coleman later in the scrimmage, and got free for a 14-yard gain earlier on a ball thrown by Patton. Patton also hooked up with junior wide receiver Andrew Hoskins for a couple of 15-yard plus gains early in the scrimmage, before Hoskins left after getting banged up after making a catch.
The other offensive TD on the day came on a nice 14-yard run up the middle by walkon redshirt freshman tailback John Ruth. Senior wide receiver Chris Crosby made several nice catches on the day, as well.
Sophomore kicker Adam Crossett got off to a rough start on the day, but recovered nicely to make field goals of 48 and 49 yards. He later nailed a 42-yarder late in the scrimmage as the offense simulated the two-minute drill.
But the day wasn't all about the offense, as the Tiger defense made several plays of note, as well. The #1 defense was particularly strong overall, as they forced a three-and-out on their first series of the scrimmage. Later in the scrimmage, the same #1 unit forced a three-and-out in its first series against the #1 offense.
Individually, big plays were made by senior LB Derrick Ming, as he made several stops, including a big hit over the middle after a catch on a crossing route by Crosby. Ming also broke up a pass later in the day.
Senior safety Jason Simpson was his typical self, as he was all over the field making plays. Also making big plays were senior safety Quincy Wade, who had several big hits, and who also recovered a fumble that was forced by senior DE Elgin Childress.
Junior LB Emmett Morris, Jr. and junior DE Brian Smith had QB sacks on the day, and Smith also returned a field goal that was blocked by sophomore DL Lorenzo Williams for a 55-yard TD early in the scrimmage.
Junior safety David Overstreet had a nice day, and recorded a tackle for loss, while redshirt freshman LB Steve Redmond forced a fumble after a big hit.
The Tigers will have a couple of days off from practice, before hitting the field again for practices on Tuesday and Thursday of next week. The team's next scrimmage will take place on Saturday, April 9th at 9 a.m. at Faurot Field. That will mark the final scrimmage prior to the April 16th Black and Gold Game, which is set for 2 p.m. that day. Admission to the Black and Gold Game is $3, or three canned food items, which go to the Central Missouri Food Bank.
Be sure to stay tuned to mutigers.com for more spring practice details.
