Michigan State University Athletics
First-Team Units Dominate Spartan Spring Scrimmage
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 17, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Under overcast skies and with temperatures in the upper-40s, Michigan State head football coach Nick Saban sent his team through a 155-play scrimmage in Spartan Stadium Saturday to conclude the third week of spring practice.
The two-hour workout featured a 60-play "controlled" scrimmage plus periods dedicated to special situations, including second-and-long, third-and-long, red area, goal line, coming out of the end zone and two-minute drill. In addition, the Spartans worked on all phases of the kicking game.
"I saw some good things on both sides of the football," Saban said. "The experience of the first offensive and defensive units really showed today. The first teams were simply dominating at times.
"The passing game produced a lot of big plays on offense. The first-team defense didn't give up a first down for a long time. In fact, the second team offense went three-and-out the first four times it had the ball against the No. 1 defense."
Veteran quarterback Bill Burke completed 18-of-40 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Burke, who directed two 65-yard scoring drives, hit Plaxico Burress with a 17-yard TD strike on the opening series. He went four-for-four on his third series, including a 33-yard TD bomb to Burress. Burke had the hot hand early; completing eight of his first nine passes for 107 yards. Later on a third-and-10 play, he hooked up with Ivory McCoy for a 50-yard scoring pass. Burke scored on a 3-yard bootleg, and he ended the scrimmage with a 50-yard TD toss to Burress, who hauled in the Hail Mary pass after two defenders tipped the ball.
Burress caught six passes for 134 yards and three scores. Herb Haygood had five receptions for 62 yards while McCoy and Brad Rainko each had four catches for 74 and 23 yards, respectively.
Leroy McFadden led a balanced ground attack with 76 yards on four carries, including a 73-yard run. Little John Flowers and Lloyd Clemons each picked up 47 yards on 13 rushes. Flowers scored twice, on runs of 4 and 3 yards, while Clemons added a 3-yard TD scamper. Shawn Foster gained 41 yards on six attempts, including runs of 20 and 15 yards.
"Bill Burke threw the ball well and Plaxico Burress made some big plays," Saban said. "The offense did a better job of taking care of the football today.
"We also ran the ball a little better this week but there's still plenty of room for improvement. All four tailbacks did some good things. Dependability at tailback is a big issue and it will be a key to our success running the football. The competition at tailback is healthy and we're in no hurry to determine a starter. I expect a couple of guys to contribute significantly at that position next fall.
"The offensive line played better this week," he said. "The pass protection was better and the quarterbacks did a good job of hitting the hot receivers in blitz situations. We still must run the ball better. We're not getting enough movement up front to create space for the runners to make plays. The running backs broke a couple of long runs today which is a positive sign but there are still too many plays that don't get us 3-to-5 yards. The line must play more physical football. We must have a consistent running game, so we can have better balance on offense."
Back-up QB Ryan Van Dyke hit 19-of-42 passes for 136 yards.
"Ryan Van Dyke didn't have much of a chance against the No. 1 defense," Saban said. "The second-team offensive line didn't protect him very well and he just didn't have any time to throw. Ryan bounced back and made some good plays and decisions."
The Spartan defense produced one score as cornerback Cedric Henry returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown. Cornerback Donvetis Franklin saved a touchdown with his interception on the goal line as he took the ball away from Gari Scott. Free safety Jimel Cofer also picked off a pass.
"The defense gave up too many big plays at the end of the scrimmage," Saban said. "(Strong safety) Aric Morris has emerged as a playmaker and leader on defense and when he left the lineup with a pulled hamstring late, the defense didn't play with the same poise."
Placekicker Paul Edinger hit two-of-three field-goal attempts, converting from 39 and 43 yards, and his 58-yard try fell just short.
Michigan State concludes spring drills with the annual Green-White intrasquad game Saturday, April 24 at 1 p.m. Admission is free.
