Encouraging signs in NDSU spring game

(STATS) - The North Dakota State football coaches were hoping to determine the team's depth during spring practice and appeared to get what they wanted Saturday.

Plenty of new players stood out during the annual Green and Gold Spring Game at the Fargodome, won by the Gold (offense) 33-31 in a modified scoring system.

Ty Brooks, who will be a redshirt sophomore this season, rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yarder, to lead the Gold. Demaris Purifoy added 81 yards and a 27-yard touchdown on the ground, showing off the depth of the running backs unit which will be led by Bruce Anderson and Lance Dunn.

"He's (Brooks) done this all spring, that wasn't a one-time deal," Bison coach Chris Klieman told the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.

Cole Davis, the backup quarterback to Easton Stick, connected on a 6-yard touchdown pass with Ben Ellefson.

Under the modified scoring system, the offense also gained bonus points for 10-yard plays (one point each).

The defense earned its points on stopped drives (three), sacks (two), tackles for loss (one), fourth-down stops (three) and an interception (three). Starting safety Robbie Grimsley posted a game-high five tackles, while strong safety James Hendricks had the interception.

Tackling was not allowed between the No. 1 offense and defense, and there were four series of live contact between the No. 2 and No. 3 units.

NDSU's run of five straight FCS national championships ended last season with a 27-17 loss to eventual champion Jameas Madison in the national semifinals. The Bison finished with a 12-2 record in Klieman's third season.