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Defense Shines in Spirited Scrimmage Monday Night
8/17/2004
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The Commodores had their first two-a-day of the fall Monday.
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Defense Shines in Spirited Scrimmage Monday Night
On Campus in Nashville – The Commodores concluded a long day of work Monday with the most spirited live contact session of the preseason.
With Head Coach Bobby Johnson watching intently toward the end of the team’s second practice Monday as an aggressive Commodore defense sparked by both veterans and newcomers controlled much of the 40-play live scrimmage.
“Both units were working hard, but the defense was really playing with a lot of determination and enthusiasm. It showed our team what happens when you play that way. Offensively, we did a number of good things, but we also learned that mistakes and mental miscues will hurt our chances,” Johnson said.
The Commdores will return to the John Rich Practice Complex for one session Tuesday starting at 4:00 p.m. As the team practices, the regional sports radio show “Southern Sports Tonight” will broadcast live from McGugin Center as part of their annual SEC Cavaran.
After quarterback Jay Cutler directed the offense to a pair of first downs in its opening drive, the Commodore defense clamped down, holding the offense scoreless through the next eight possessions. Several defenders, including defensive ends Jovan Haye and Theo Horrocks, linebackers Kevin Joyce, Jonathan Goff, Otis Washington, Curtis Gatewood and Moses Osemwegie, cornerback Josh Allen and safety Marcus Buggs contributed solid individual plays to hinder the offense. Washington’s efforts included a quarterback sack and interception while Buggs produced two punishing tackles and a fumble recovery during the session.
Freshman quarterback Chris Nickson engineered the first offensive scoring drive, hitting wide receiver Marlon White for 15 yards before getting excellent blocks from fullback Matthew Tant and guard Mac Pyle during a 39-yard scoring scamper.
After linebacker Funtaine Hunter recovered a forced fumble, quarterback Steven Bright gave the offense a positive play to close the practice, connecting with wide receiver Sean Walker for a 40-yard touchdown pass.
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