WSU FALL CAMP: 2nd Scrimmage Notes

We're two weeks into the fall camp and the Cougs scrimmaged for the second time today. This scrimmage was a last second addition, only being decided about two days ago. Early this morning, they hit the Martin Stadium turf and one unit clearly stood out.

First up, a few links. Vince Grippi has his report, Cougfan.com has their piece, and the official blog has a quick writeup.

• The star of the scrimmage was Marquess Wilson. He was such a head turner that he got his own post.
• The offense easily won the scrimmage. We had wondered when they would finally put it together earlier this week and it looks like they've turned the corner. Since Wednesday they haven't really had a bad practice and everything seems to be clicking.
• The most important stat for the offense: 0 turnovers. Jeff Tuel and Marshall Lobbestael combined to go 15/23 for 223 yards and 3 touchdowns. It's only one scrimmage, but the ball security is encouraging.
• The scrimmage was again light on rushing. Chantz Staden, Rickey Galvin, and James Montgomery carried the ball 4 times each, not really racking up many yards. Every touchdown was through the air as well. It's clear the focus this fall has been getting the passing game going.
• Speaking of Staden, he's turning into a nice dual threat running back. He's got the speed to break off some nice runs and has also been making some catches out of the backfield. He led the running backs with 2 catches for 22 yards today and has been steady thus far. I still don't see him as a feature back, but he's looking like a great change of pace back.
• The offensive line only allowed two sacks, though it was evident there were a few hurries from the video posted online. Wulff and Steve Morton have still been switching around players on the line and this situation may remain fluid up until the first game. So much for gelling.

• I'm actually more encouraged after watching video of Lobbestael throw today. He has great touch on the deep ball and throws a nice crisp pass. Tuel's the starter, but Lobbestael as a backup may not be bad.
• In the video clip, it does look like the tackling is a bit subpar. A side effect of some of the injuries the Cougs have had in camp is having to tone down the full-on tackling. In practice, playing to the pop (hit and wrap) is more common than tackling. Still, with a few weeks to go, the defense needs to make sure they remember how to tackle.
• Connor Halliday did not play, with Dan Gilbertson getting a few reps but not completing a pass. It sure seems like Halliday is destined to redshirt. If you'll remember back to last year, Tuel was getting plenty more reps than it appears Halliday has been this year.
• Steven Hoffart and Dan Spitz each had a sack. Those were about the only highlights for the defense. It's about time the offense ruled the day.
• Nico Grasu and Andrew Furney were each 1-2 in their field goal attempts. This seems like an underrated position battle.

The Cougs begin winding down camp this week and start ramping up for Oklahoma State. All in all, today was an encouraging sign. Let's see if the Cougs can keep it up and build momentum as they head toward Stillwater.