SPRINGFIELD – It was an afternoon that featured a lot of situational plays, particularly third-down scenarios, but in the end it was junior kicker Shelby Harris who won the day, converting a 51-yard field goal that skipped over the cross bar on the final play of the 62-play intrasquad matchup at Robert W. Plaster Stadium.
Harris made five straight field goals in the overtime drills to end the scrimmage, including a pair of 43-yarders just prior to his 51-yard game-winner. Redshirt freshman Brendan Withrow also had a good showing, converting 3-pointers from 34 and 43 yards in overtime.
“It was a good way to end it,” said second-year head coach Dave “Stec” Steckel. “It was a great snap, a great hold, and a great kick. I really like how our guys were competing today.”
The intrasquad battle was officially classified as an abbreviated scrimmage, per NCAA rules, as the fourth week of spring drills came to a close. The competitive setting also set the stage for next Saturday’s Maroon and White Game at Plaster. Most of Friday’s plays were set in third-down – or “key down” – situations, while the last few periods included red-zone chances and a lot of intensity.
“We’re trying to teach situational football,” Stec explained. “Today we focused on coming out in that environment and fighting through the pan and adversity.”
The first of two offensive touchdowns came on a 42-yard run by Nick Masoner to cap a drive orchestrated by Brett Geisz. Later, quarterback Breck Ruddick scampered 44 yards for a touchdown.
In between, the offense and defense both came up with big plays in the third-down environment, forcing a simulated overtime. In the OT, Harris kicked two field goals and Withrow kicked one. The ball was then moved to the three yard line where each quarterback was given one shot at a touchdown. When the defense stopped all three plays, Stec and staff put the outcome on the shoulders of the kickers with Harris and Withrow drilling three straight 43-yarders.
Finally, Harris was given one shot to win the game with a 51-yard kick, which had just enough distance to squeeze through the north end zone goal post.
Malik Earl led nine different pass receivers with three receptions on the day, while Calan Crowder continued to chew up ground yardage, converting three of his eight carries for 10 yards or more.
On the defensive side, junior Kurran Blamey snagged a pair of interceptions, while sophomore Skyler Hulse tallied two of the squad’s four sacks.
With just one week left of spring camp, the Bears will spend next week preparing for the annual MSU Maroon and White Game on Saturday, April 23 with a 12 Noon kickoff.
Admission for the Maroon and White Game is free with pregame tailgating permitted in the traditional BearFest Village area north of the stadium, beginning at 10 a.m. Reservations for the tailgating area are not required, and load-in time begins at 9 a.m. via the traditional BearFest Village route, north on Hammons Parkway from Grand. Tents, tables and chair services will not be available for the spring game, and stakes will not be permitted for tents during the spring game. BearFest Village alcohol rules will be enforced in the same manner as the regular-season tailgating activities.
