March 19, 2016
On campus in Nashville – The Commodore offense looked impressive for the second straight practice, producing four touchdowns in rapid succession during a brief scrimmage Saturday morning in Vanderbilt Stadium.
The four scores, coming from three touchdown passes from Kyle Shurmur (So., QB) and an impressive rush by Jaire George (R-Fr., RB), were on consecutive possessions of a 20-play, full-contact scrimmage that concluded the 90-minute workout.
In addition to the full-contact segment, the Commodores staged a lengthy 11-on-11 team period that limited tackles, worked extensively on special teams, individual instruction and conditioning.
Afterward, Head Coach Derek Mason praised Andy Ludwig’s offense as he did following Friday’s practice.
“The offense did some great things. They found ways to score touchdowns, played physical and did a very good job controlling the line of scrimmage,” Mason said. “Defensively, we made some plays, but not nearly enough. We have to be more intentional and do a much better job at the point of attack.
“This last week of Spring Ball is important to this football team. Every guy on our team, on both sides of the ball, needs to make strides to improve. That’s focus of our final week,” the coach added.
The Commodores will take Sunday off, then practice Monday, Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the Black & Gold Spring Game, which is scheduled Friday, March 25. Kickoff is 6 p.m., with numerous pre-game activities starting at 3 p.m.
Summary of the scrimmage
Series I (starting from the 25-yard line)
After Dallas Rivers (Jr., RB) runs into a wall of defenders for no gain, Zach Cunningham (Jr., ILB) meets Rivers at the line of scrimmage for two yards on second down. The possession ended when Wade Freebeck (Jr., QB) runs out of bounds under heavy pressure from Oren Burks (Jr., safety/OLB).
Series II (starting from the 25-yard line)
Khari Blasingame (So., RB) shows combination of speed and power on a 14-yard rush off left tackle. After two short rushes, the drive stalls when Freebeck and Jared Pinkney (R-Fr., TE) can’t connect in the end zone.
Series III (starting from the 25-yard line)
After a holding penalty erases an 18-yard rush by Darrius Sims (Sr., RB/WR), Josh Crawford (So., RB) gains 12 yards by breaking outside on a rush intended to go inside the tackles. After another Crawford rush for seven yards produces a first down, Shurmur finds Sam Dobbs (So., TE) open for a 9-yard touchdown.
Series IV (starting inside the 10-yard line)
On first down, Shurmur knocks up with Pinkney on a crossing route for a quick 8-yard score. Series V (starting inside the 10-yard line) George takes a handoff, cuts to daylight off tackle, off runs powerfully down-hill into the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown Series VI (starting inside the 10-yard line) Under heavy pressure, Shurmur shows touch, lofting a pass in the flat to Crawford, who scores easily from eight yards.
Series VI (starting inside the 10-yard line)
After allowing four scores, the defense stiffens, with Andrew Rector (So., safety) and Torey Agee (Sr., DT) stopping Blasingame at the line of scrimmage. On third down, Caleb Peart (R-Fr., OLB) came up with a big play for the defense, sacking Freebeck to end the drive.
Chancellor, former players watch practice
University Chancellor Nick Zeppos watched most of the session from the sidelines, then greeted Mason and several Commodore student-athletes as the team departed Dudley Field.
Several former Commodore standouts also took in the action, including Marcus Buggs (LB, 2004-07) and four members of last year’s squad – LB Darreon Herring, safeties Jahmel McIntosh and Andrew Williamson, and LB/DE Stephen Weatherly.