Defense Tops Offense, 50-21, in Scrimmage

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan's defense put on an impressive performance in claiming a 50-21 win over the offense in a scrimmage during spring football practice on Saturday.

The scrimmage utilized a modified scoring system that allowed the defense to score points by stopping the offense and creating turnovers. Approximately 50 plays were run during the session, which saw the offense start at various spots on the field.

The defense recorded four consecutive three-and-outs against an offense starting from its own 30-yard line to open the scrimmage. The ball was moved to the offense’s own 4-yard line for the second portion of the scrimmage, and the defense responded with two more three-and-outs. A third three-and-out during that period was negated by a defensive pass interference penalty.

The third segment of the scrimmage saw the offense begin with the ball at midfield. The defense posted its seventh three-and-out before the offense put together its best drive of the scrimmage. After the offense had picked up three first downs, Carl Volny scored on a 10-yard run on third-and-five. The defense’s eighth three-and-out extended its lead on the scoreboard to 28-17.

“Our defense has been making strides all spring,” said head coach Butch Jones. “We still have some things to improve on. I would still like to see us create more turnovers, but I think we’re progressing along well and we’re running to the ball really well. When we’re out here next week I want to see us continue to make strides from a physical standpoint as well.”

The ball then was moved to the red zone, where the defense did not allow a touchdown in four possessions. Andrew Aguila converted all three of his field goal attempts during the period, and Josh Gordy intercepted a tipped pass in the end zone to finish the offense’s fourth drive.

Gordy’s interception gave the defense a 44-19 lead.

The scrimmage closed with the offense facing a pair of two-play, short-yardage situation near the goal line. The defense held on a third-goal from the 3-yard line and a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line in the first set of plays. The defense again held from the 3-yard line in the second set, but Ontario Sneed scored on a 1-yard plunge on the final play of the scrimmage.

Faculty Appreciation Day: The football program held a reception to recognize and thank CMU’s faculty prior to Saturday’s practice. Many of the faculty members attended Saturday’s scrimmage following the reception.

“We have some of the best professors and instructors in the country here at Central Michigan University,” Jones said. “This is just a way for us to say thank you to them. The number-one thing in our program is for out student-athletes to get a college education and earn their degree. Communication is the key to any organization and we’re all on the same team here.”

Spring Game April 19: The annual spring football game is Saturday, April 19 at 6 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.