Results From Spring Game

B.J. Daniels struggled a bit today during the Spring game (Picture:www.gousfbulls.com)

The Bulls played their annual Spring game this afternoon and there was a lot to get excited about and a lot to scratch your head about. Holtz had the first team offense take on the first team defense, not separating the teams like many other programs do. The "Bulls" team led by freshman Matt Floyd and Bobby Eveld took on Brandon Smith and B.J. Daniels. Both offenses struggles, but there was plenty to come out of this game. [keep reading]

The quarterbacks struggled all day connecting to receivers and the receivers had a hard time catching the ball. B.J. Daniels struggled in this game, both with finding receivers and his timing. He finished the game 13 of 29 for 145 yards, including 1 touchdown and 1 interception. For the Bulls team, Bobby Eveld was hit hard early and did not find his rhythm (he is healthy, no injury), he was 0 for 7 on the day including 1 interception. He was not in rhythm all day and didn't seem comfortable (he did make a few good scrambles). The biggest surprise today was freshman Matt Floyd. The young freshman was solid, completing 20 for 34 passes (Holtz wanted him to get some work) for 233 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception including a 70 yard strike to Hopkins. I will have more on the quarterbacks later.

The running game was not as explosive as many hoped for, but hey, it's only Spring. Murray was the most effective runner, getting 11 carries for 57 yards. JJ Peterson, a walk-on, had 11 carries for 41 yards. Dontae Aycock had 9 carries for 23 yards. Darrell Scott had 4 carries for 21 yards, but left the game with a muscle strain and may be out a few weeks with the injury, this will hurt the depth at running back for the Bulls.

The receivers had problems catching the ball today, not able to hold onto passes, but this is just rust and the corps getting into the grove, but Holtz was not happy with any of them. Terrence Mitchell had 4 catches for 65 yards as he gets more playing time at wide receiver and will get more chances to make plays. Victor Marc had 5 catches for 24 yards. Sterling Griffin had 3 catches for 31 yards as he finally got back onto the field and saw some real playing time. Deonte Welch had 5 catches for 56 yards as he continues to work hard. Armando Sanchez had 2 catches for 36 yards as the once linebacker now fullback, got more playing time and involved in the offense.

The defense won the day for the Bulls (Snyder is happy about that). Young was solid, Washington had a nice interception and the defensive line caused plenty of chaos for the Bulls offensive line. This is both great to see, the defensive line was solid all day, Sager was nearly unstoppable, but the offensive line had some holes in it and the team will have to work on blocking schemes. Mark Joyce, my guy, had 4 tackles and an interception. Redshard Cliett, the new linebacker, had 4 tackles and 2 pass break-ups.

It was a very solid day for the Bulls as the fans (not many showed up, tisk tisk) got to see the team in action for the first time this season (in real action). There was a lot of good in this game, but also a lot of questions as the team is still far away from being ready for opening day, but they are getting there and have tons of potential to be great. Remember the Bulls have their Green and Gold game coming up on April 9th at 5 PM on campus, so the Spring ball is not over yet.