August 19, 2016

Defense Picks Up Pace In Final Football Scrimmage

Aug. 20, 2016

The San Jose State University defense came up with seven quarterback sacks, two fumble recoveries and limited the offense to four touchdowns in its final football team scrimmage of the preseason.

Though the offense barely gained more yards, 450 to 449, than in the August 20 scrimmage, the defense applied more pressure in passing situations, was more effective stopping the run, and cut down on the number of big yardage offensive plays of 20 or more yards from eight to two, both by wide receiver Tre Hartley.

Head coach Ron Caragher scripted the 88-play scrimmage to include special teams work, long-drive situations, a hurry-up offense, overtime and game-deciding final drives.

"It's important for the defense to be able to have confidence and effectively stop the run game. They created some takeaways. The offense really had a tough time running the football," Caragher said about the defense that yielded an average of 2.5 yards a carry compared to 3.9 in the first scrimmage.

The offense scored on runs of 1 yard by quarterback Sam Allen, 10 by running back Zamore Zigler and passes of 19 yards from Kenny Potter to wide receiver Justin Holmes and 15 yards from Josh Love to wide receiver Tim Crawley.

Though the offense gained 336 yards passing, the passing game was not totally precise with several dropped passes.

"There were some potential big plays. It goes to show you've got to be present all the time. The defense made some good breaks on the ball and got some deflections at the line of scrimmage," added the Spartans head coach.

"The offense could have had better execution. There were penalty flags. To be able to be the well-executing offensive team we want to be, we have to eliminate penalties and turnovers.

"It's a teaching point (penalties). As long as we can correct and not continue it, it's good that it happened here than on game day."

Sophomore Bryce Crawford converted field goals of 44 and 45 yards and junior college transfer Jake Lanski was good from 25 yards in his only attempt of the scrimmage. Punter Michael Carrizosa averaged 60.5 yards on four punts.

Following the scrimmage, the Spartans head coach announced seven players would be placed on scholarship -- Hartley, Love, tight end LeVander Brown, linebackers Alex Manigo, Mark Amann and Epie Sona and defensive back Chandler Hawkins.

"One of the best things we do is reward young men. Seven individuals who put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears into Spartan football. It's so nice to reward them for their efforts."

Hartley had another big day receiving with three receptions for 100 yards. Manigo led all defensive players with two quarterback sacks and Amann added a third. Love had his most effective scrimmage as a Spartan completing 7-of-10 passes without an interception for 82 yards and his touchdown pass to Crawley capping a 40-yard drive.

The Spartans return to the practice field, Monday, August 22 for their final two-a-day practice.

San Jose State opens the 2016 season at Tulsa, September 3. The Spartans' first home game in CEFCU Stadium -- Home of the Spartans is Saturday, September 10 hosting Portland State at 1:30 p.m.

Scoring

Sam Allen, 1-yard run (Jake Lanski PAT)

Bryce Crawford, 44-yard field goal

Justin Holmes, 19-yard pass from Kenny Potter (Jake Lanski PAT)

Tim Crawley, 15-yard pass from Josh Love (Bryce Crawford PAT)

Zamore Zigler, 10-yard run (No PAT attempt)

Jake Lanski, 35-yard field goal

Bryce Crawford, 45-yard field goal

Rushing (45 carries, 114 yards, 2 touchdowns)

Deontae Cooper 13-45; Kenny Potter, 6-35; Zamore Zigler, 7-33, 1 TD; Jamar Williams, 7-25; Malik Roberson, 4-13; Bailey Gaither, 1-7; Josh Love, 1-(-4); Montel Aaron, 1-(-7), Michael Carrillo, 2-(-16); Sam Allen, 3-(-17), 1 TD.

Passing (24-43-0-336 yards, 2 touchdowns)

Kenny Potter 10-21-0-111, 1 TD; Josh Love, 7-10-0-82, 1 TD; Sam Allen, 5-5-0-127; Montel Aaron, 1-4-0-7, Michael Carrillo, 1-3-0-9.