Michigan State Spring Football Update No. 12: Offense Wins Second Jersey Scrimmage On Final Play

 

 

Link to video recap (with comments from head coach Mark Dantonio): http://www.msuspartans.com/allaccess/?media=242754

 

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Under partly cloudy skies and temperatures near 50, fifth-year Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio sent his team through a 123-play “controlled” scrimmage in Spartan Stadium on Thursday, April 21, as the Spartans completed their 12th of 15 allotted spring practices. Utilizing a modified scoring system, the offense reclaimed the Green (home) jerseys by winning the second spring scrimmage, 61-55, as quarterback Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 208, So.) threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to tight end Garrett Celek (6-5, 247, Sr.-5) off a fake field goal on the final play.

 

The scrimmage format provided the defense with 18 different scoring opportunities, while the offense had 11 ways to put points on the scoreboard, including the traditional touchdown and field goal.

 

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins (6-3, 202, Sr.-5), who connected on 14-of-23 passes for 140 yards and three interceptions, directed scoring drives of 42 yards and 62 yards that resulted in 10 points. Maxwell completed 21-of-27 throws for 253 yards and two TDs, including a 48-yard bomb to Chris D. Rucker (5-9, 175, Sr.-5).

 

Fourteen different receivers caught at least one pass, including B.J. Cunningham (6-2, 223, Sr.-5) and Bennie Fowler (6-1, 212, So.) who each had five receptions for 56 and 39 yards, respectively.

 

Red-shirt freshman Jeremy Langford (5-11, 199) led the ground game with 16 carries for 47 yards, including a 17-yard TD run around left end. Le’Veon Bell (6-2, 237, So.) capped off a 15-play, 62-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run off left guard.

 

Linebacker Denicos Allen (5-10, 218, So.) paced the first-team defense with six tackles. Cornerback Johnny Adams (5-11, 170, Jr.) and free safety Trenton Robinson (5-10, 195, Sr.) each contributed five tackles and an interception.

 

Michigan State concludes its 15 spring practices with the Green-White intrasquad game on Saturday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. EDT in Spartan Stadium. Parking is free (in Lots T-79, S-56, P-39/40 and Ramp 5), and the stadium gates (Gates B, C, J and K) open at 12 p.m. Admission is free.

 

MSU’s spring game will be streamed live on www.bigtennetwork.com and replayed Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m. EDT on the Big Ten Network, with Will Tieman and Jason Strayhorn calling the action.Â