By John
Harris
-
2007 Preseason Lookaheads -
Sun Belt
Arkansas State
– The offense defeated the defense 56-46 in Arkansas State’s annual
spring game in Jonesboro. After cutting the lead to one 46-45, the
number one defense yielded nine points to the starting offense.
Quarterback Corey Leonard and wide receiver Patrick Higgins hooked up
for the longest offensive play of the day – a 42 yard pass completion.
FIU
– 2,400 fans were in attendance to see new head coach Mario Cristobal’s
Panthers do battle in an offense vs. defense format. The offense
emerged victorious 28-17 behind redshirt freshman quarterback Wayne
Younger’s leadership. Younger threw two touchdown passes, in addition
to rushing for 80 yards on the ground.
Florida
Atlantic – The Owl offense defeated the Owl
defense 35-23 in the annual spring game, the first game to take place at
the new FAU Track and Field Complex. Quarterback Rusty Smith was the
team’s offensive star, completing 19 of 28 for 242 yards and three
touchdowns, while receiver William Rose caught four passes for 96 yards
and two touchdowns.
Middle
Tennessee – For the second consecutive year,
the White team will be eating steak after shutting out the Blue 17-0 in
the annual Blue and White spring game. The dominating White defense
held the Blue offense to a paltry 49 yards total offense, while
registering six sacks, four of which by Sean Mosley. On offense, the
White got a solid performance from quarterback Joe Craddock who
completed eight of 11 for 113 yards.
North Texas – The Mean Green were in dire need of offense and the
hiring of new head coach and offensive guru Todd Dodge was evidence of
the lack of explosiveness in the offense. So, it should come as no
surprise that the White/offense defeated the Green/defense in the team’s
annual spring game. In a stark contrast to last year, the Mean
quarterbacks combined for over 400 yards passing.
Troy
– The Troy offense staged a massive comeback, outscoring the defense
41-9 in the second half, to emerge with a 48-37 T-Day game victory. The
offense got a tremendous effort from returning starting quarterback Omar
Haugabook, who completed 30 of 40 passes for 309 yards and two
touchdowns.
UL Monroe
– The Warhawks’ Maroon and Gold game was a hard fought three point
contest won by the Maroon 38-35. Maroon running back Tay Ogletree
picked up 82 of his 90 rushing yards on one carry, the longest play from
scrimmage, while teammate Frank Goodin ran for two touchdowns and 77
yards on ten carries.
UL Lafayette
– Mother Nature might have brought the annual Red and White spring game
to a screeching halt, but the Ragin’ Cajuns had an exciting one point
shortened game, a 24-23 victory for the Red. The White scored on a nine
yard touchdown pass from quarterback Connor Morel to receiver Marlin
Miller, but the Red’s LaQuincy Williams blocked the ensuing extra point
just prior to the game being called on account of heavy rain.