Air attack highlighted in first scrimmage
It was a typical first scrimmage of the spring football season Saturday as the offense periodically sputtered.
“There are plenty of bright spots,” said head coach Mick Dennehy. “You want them to play hard, and I think they are playing hard. We’re just a little bit too undisciplined right now.”
The highlight of the scrimmage that lasted less than an hour in Romney Stadium was when back-up quarterback Travis Cox hit Kevin Curtis running a post pattern for a 65-yard touchdown. Curtis had three catches for about 80 yards.
“When you’re open, he hits,” Curtis said.
Opening the scripted scrimmage was the No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense. Leading candidate for the starting job, quarterback Jose Fuentes hit four-of-five passes and moved the ball 63 yards.
“Jose had a good first series, I thought,” Cox said.
The other two quarterbacks, Cox and Robert Fockaert, combined for 100 yards and two touchdowns on five-of-eleven passes. Jeff Crosbie will return to practice today after an illness. The scrimmage seemed to be focusing on passing, but the Aggies were successful when they ran the ball – even without Emmett White, who is resting his injured hand.
“I think our offensive line opened some holes for Roger Fernandez, so I was pleased with that part of the game,” Dennehy said.
Fernandez had the most rushing yards, with 31 on five carries. But it was David Fiefia who scored the other touchdown on a 16-yard screen pass.
But it wasn’t all rosy for the USU offense. On one drive, the offense faced third-and-30 after being penalized three straight times.
“We did some good things,” Cox said, “but we have a long way to go.”
Nick Onaindia had two sacks on the day with Jared Johnston, Casey Bingham and Robert Watts each getting one. Also, Jamar Glasper almost picked off Cox in the third series.
Dennehy said he was pleased with the punting game, and kicker Dane Kidman connected on two extra points and a 37-yard field goal.
Spring practice continues today and will conclude with the Blue-White Game April 13.