Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Conduct First Spring Football Scrimmage
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 10, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - With temperatures in the mid-50s, Michigan State head football coach Nick Saban sent his team through a 140-play scrimmage in Spartan Stadium Saturday to conclude the second week of spring practice.
The two-hour workout featured a 60-play "controlled" scrimmage plus five periods dedicated to special situations, including third downs, 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 a lot of good things on both sides of the football," Saban said, "but I also saw areas where we need to improve. The offense hit some big plays but it lacked consistency overall. We need to improve our execution. The pass rush disrupted our timing so there wasn't a lot of precision in the passing game.
"The defense played with good effort and enthusiasm. There was a lot of good hitting on both sides of the football. I was pleased with the way the defense played against the run but we gave up a few too many big plays.
"I'm encouraged by what I've seen the last two weeks," he said. "These guys have fun playing the game. This team is fun to be around and fun to coach."
Veteran quarterback Bill Burke completed 10-of-25 passes for 181 yards, including touchdown strikes of 31 yards to Gari Scott and 20 yards to Ivory McCoy. Back-up QB Ryan Van Dyke hit 16-of-37 passes for 202 yards, including an 18-yard TD toss to Little John Flowers.
"Both Bill Burke and Ryan Van Dyke have had good springs," Saban said. "Those guys have improved a lot from last season. Bill is stronger and moves better than he did a year ago. Ryan has a better understanding of the offense and continues to make strides."
Scott had three catches for 100 yards, including a 50-yarder from Burke that set up a field goal. Lavaile Richardson also had three receptions for 94 yards, including a 61-yarder from Van Dyke.
Four players shared time at tailback, with Lloyd Clemons, Shawn Foster, Flowers and Leroy McFadden rushing for a combined total of 71 yards on 24 carries. Foster gained 22 yards on six rushes while Flowers carried six times for 19 yards, including a 2-yard TD run. Clemons added 17 yards on seven attempts, including a 1-yard TD plunge.
"There's healthy competition at tailback," Saban said. "Lloyd Clemons gives us some experience at that position and he's a guy who runs with some authority. Shawn Foster has big-play ability and good speed so he really complements Clemons. Little John Flowers has had a very good spring but I'm hopeful that someone will step forward and take the bull by the horns."
The Spartan defense delivered its share of big plays. Strong safety Aric Morris returned two interceptions for touchdowns, covering 55 and 60 yards, respectively. Free safety Richard Newsome also picked off two passes while cornerback Richard Brown had one interception. The defense also recorded eight sacks, including two by end Hubert Thompson.
Placekicker Paul Edinger hit three-of-five field-goal attempts, converting from 23, 39 and 29 yards.
Michigan State concludes spring drills with the annual Green-White intrasquad game Saturday, April 24 at 1 p.m. Admission is free.
