After 18 days of fall camp, the WSU football team took to Martin Stadium Thursday for the second and final scrimmage. The final scrimmage is one of the last major hurdles before focus shifts to preparing for the week one opponent.
Instead of me recapping the assortment of scrimmage recaps, Brett the 49er was once again kind enough to pass along his notes.
- Second team kickoff returner Dominique Williams and first team punt returner Ricky Galvin both dropped their first opportunities tonight, which was concerning. However they figured it out after that and didn't drop a single one from that point on. It's also notable that although Williams muffed his first attempt, he still recovered in time to make the corner and "score" on the play.
- Galvin had a run early in the scrimmage that had the whole crowd grinning. Hitting the hole fast (very fast) Galvin got stuck in a little bit of a mess. A perfect spin move took him left and he absolutely flew to the sideline to get the corner and turn a probable no gain play into about a 15 yard run. It was impressive to say the least.
- The first, first team offensive drive started out well, with the unit driving all the way down to the 10 before the drive stalled. Andrew Furney came out and put one through the uprights though, so something came of the drive.
- The next offensive drive almost ended on the first play, with Tyrone Duckett nearly picking off Tuel, who may have misread the coverage. Honestly, the pass drilled Duckett directly in the numbers, he should have had the INT. Tuel got lucky.
- After that first, first team offensive drive, the offense really sputtered for a few drives, not getting much done. At one point the drive ended around the 40, they moved the ball up to the 30 for Furney to attempt a FG. Furney blasted the ball into the back of the offensive line.
- Me and my roommate (who both played QB in high school) were beyond amazed at a pass Hallady threw on his first drive. He stepped up into a hit and, flat footed, threw an absolutely perfect pass down the middle. The throw was an absolute rocket and hit the WR perfectly in stride. One of the more impressive throws I've seen from anyone in a long while.
- Galvin and Carl Winston had good nights, making good runs but more surprisingly, delivering some good hits. For small backs, these two can deliver a blow or two.
- The first TD for the offense came pretty late in the scrimmage, but was about a 20 yard pass from Tuel to Isiah Barton, who was wide open in the end zone.
- CJ Mizell had himself a stellar scrimmage. In on lots of plays and giving some serious effort even when he was away from the ball. Throwing blockers off of him and driving blocks back 5, 10 yards at a time.
- Again my other roommate (different guy than the last time I had bullet points) noticed the speed on this team. I asked him "One thing you see on this team you didn't see last year?" He instantly said, "Speed. These guys are fast."
- Overall I'd say the defense "won" this one, first and second team. Pretty regularly getting good pressure from the front seven and performing well in coverage.
More Scrimmage Coverage
WSU comes out of scrimmage unscathed - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 25, 2011
The best thing about holding a scrimmage, the last one of preseason camp, under the lights at Martin Stadium? It was perfect weather. Not too hot, not too cold. Sort of like the play on the turf. Read on.
Scout.com: FINAL SCRIMMAGE: D-tackle Pole shines
PULLMAN -- Toni Pole provided a reminder to more than 250 fans under the Martin Stadium lights as to why he nearly played as a true freshman a year ago before his season was derailed by an injury. The defensive tackle provided relentless pressure to lead a solid performance by the defense in Washington State's final scrimmage.
WSU scrimmage has a little of everything - Spokesman.com - Aug. 25, 2011
PULLMAN – Washington State football coach Paul Wulff got what he wanted out of Thursday’s night scrimmage before a smattering of fans at Martin Stadium. The starters got some reps. The new players were able to walk through a typical pregame. There was a touchdown, a field goal, a couple blocked kicks and enough tackles for loss to keep the defenders revved up.
Tuel's TD Pass Highlights Final Scrimmage - The Washington State University Official Athletic Site
PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University held its final scrimmage under the lights in Martin Stadium Thursday night. A Jeff Tuel touchdown pass to Isiah Barton highlighted the night as the Cougars went "live" for 54 plays that lasted for just under an hour.
Other WSU Football Links
Washington State Cougars coach Paul Wulff goes off the gridiron with Page 2 - ESPN
Wulff enters his fourth season as head coach at his alma mater with a 5-32 record, but he knows the distance that must be covered to properly complete an extensive rebuilding project. So as Washington State aims for its first winning season since 2003, Page 2 interviewed the former Eastern Washington head coach during his recent visit to ESPN headquarters. Here's what transpired:
Cougars eager to show they are improved team - College Sports - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports
PULLMAN – The Washington State football team is one week away from its opener, and players and coaches are eager to show off the new-and-improved Cougars.
WSU Athletics Videos From the Scrimmage
Cougar Pride Walk Practice! (via WSUCougarAthletics)
Cougar Football scrimmage! 8/25 (via WSUCougarAthletics)
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