Defense Forces Four Turnovers In Second Spring Football Scrimmage

4/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football

April 10, 2004

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State second-year head football coach John L. Smith sent his team through a 108-play "controlled" scrimmage in Spartan Stadium Saturday, April 10 to conclude the second week of spring practice.

"The execution was better on both sides of the ball," Smith said. "I'm also pleased because the guys picked up the intensity. The pads were really popping.

"The offense played with a better sense of urgency today. Both Stephen Reaves and Damon Dowdell helped establish a good tempo, getting the offense in and out of the huddle. The offense also sustained some drives, but it committed too many stupid penalties and turnovers. We ran the ball well again today because the offensive line created some push up front and the backs hit the openings.

"The defense stretched today, but it didn't give up many big plays. Once again, the defense ran to the ball hard and created some turnovers in the red zone."

The first-team defense nearly recorded a shutout as the first-team offense failed to score a touchdown on its six possessions, managing only one field goal.

Stephen Reaves (6-1, 200, R-Fr.) took the majority of snaps with the first-team offense and completed 12-of-23 throws for 107 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown toss to Agim Shabaj (5-10, 187, Jr.). Reaves threw two interceptions.

"We've thrown a ton of material at Stephen, so he's still learning," Smith said. "He's an extremely competitive kid and at times, he's his own worst enemy. Stephen will learn to eliminate the mental mistakes. He tried to force the action too much today. He'll learn that there's nothing wrong with dropping the ball off to a running back for a 6- or 7-yard gain, instead of throwing the ball into coverage down field. He'll also learn to throw the ball away in the red zone to make sure the offense gets some points out of long drives."

Left guard Kyle Cook provides pass protection for Stephen Reaves during Saturday's scrimmage.

The first-team offense opened the scrimmage with a 12-play drive, recording four first downs, but failed to put points on the scoreboard. Running back DeAndra Cobb (5-10, 191, Sr.) picked up 36 yards on his first four carries and a 16-yard completion from Reaves to Matt Trannon (6-6, 228, Jr.) set up a first-and-goal at the 7. Two plays later, free safety Jason Harmon (5-11, 199, Sr.) intercepted a pass in the end zone, intended for Kyle Brown (6-1, 200, Jr.).

On its second possession, the first-team offense again threatened to score. Three consecutive plays produced first downs as Reaves completed a 10-yard toss to Shabaj, Cobb ripped off a 20-yard run up the middle and Reaves again hooked up with Shabaj for a 13-yard gain. On second-and-9 from the 25, Cobb caught a screen pass from Reaves but fumbled after BANDIT Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 206, Sr.) delivered a big hit and defensive end Clifton Ryan (6-2, 289, So.) recovered the ball before it rolled out of bounds at the 32.

"The defense faced a big mental test today," Harmon said. "The offense put together some long drives, but the defense really dug in and made some big plays in the red zone. We had some players, like Tyrell Dortch, step up as emotional leaders today."

Midway through the scrimmage, veteran quarterback Damon Dowdell (6-1, 220, Sr.) put the second-team offense in the end zone, directing a six-play, 62-yard drive. Dowdell kept the drive alive by scrambling for 11 yards around left end on a third-and-8 play. Three plays later, he fired a 21-yard TD strike to Jeremy Scott (5-10, 183, So.), who made the grab after the ball went through the hands of tight end Matt Walters (6-2, 241, Jr.).

Dowdell, who also played one series with the first-team offense, connected on 7-of-12 passes for 44 yards.

Cobb paced a well-balanced ground attack with 77 yards on 14 carries. Jason Teague (5-9, 191, Jr.) gained 50 yards on 11 rushes, while Kris Bush (5-11, 200, R-Fr.) contributed 36 yards on six attempts. Jehuu Caulcrick (6-0, 250, R-Fr.), who produced 80 yards on seven rushes in the April 6 scrimmage including a 66-yard TD run, sat out Saturday's practice with a sprained shoulder.

Shabaj had a team-high six receptions for 63 yards. Scott and Trannon had two catches each for 38 and 28 yards, respectively. Nine different receivers caught at least one pass.

Free safety Jason Harmon recorded five tackles and two interceptions Saturday.

Dortch produced a team-high nine tackles, including one that caused a fumble and resulted in a 7-yard loss. Harmon contributed five tackles to go along with his two interceptions, while linebacker Seth Mitchell (6-2, 248, Jr.) recorded four stops, including a 6-yard sack.

"I can't say enough of good things about Tyrell Dortch and Jaren Hayes (4 tackles today)," Smith said. "I'd love to get both of those guys on the field full time. They bring a lot of toughness to the lineup.

"Tyrell stuck his nose in there and made some plays today. I can't believe how quickly he's picked up the system.

"We moved Jaren outside to cornerback today, and he played some with both the first- and second-team. He really has a chance to earn a starting job at corner."

"Both Tyrell and Jaren have a lot to learn, but we feel real comfortable with them on the field," Harmon said. "Those guys are playmakers.

"Tyrell brings a lot of energy and emotion to the field. He encouraged the guys today when our backs were against the wall. Tyrell definitely provided an emotional lift.

"Jaren adds a lot of athleticism and quickness to the lineup. I really think he played well at corner today."

With eight of the 15 allotted practices in the books, Smith has identified some points of emphasis for the remainder of spring ball.

"Over the next two weeks, we're going to stress taking care of the football," Smith said. "We'll also focus on cleaning things up by eliminating the mental mistakes.

"I'm disappointed in the number of yards the defense has given up on the ground in the two scrimmages, but I'm pleased that it hasn't been allowing any easy scores."

Michigan State concludes spring practice with the Green-White intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, April 24 at 1 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. Admission is free.