SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri State Bears wrapped up their 2010 preseason camp Saturday morning with a 70-play scrimmage at Plaster Field.
The Bears' defense outperformed the offense for most of the event. The first-team defenders held the first-team offense to just three plays on the first two possessions. The second-team offense was pinned in on its first play from scrimmage resulting in a safety on a drive the started on its own two.
The defense also recorded three sacks, snagged a pair of interceptions, and broke up four more passes with great athletic plays in the secondary. In the end, the offense averaged just under 2.5 yards per play.
Head coach Terry Allen assessed the morning with a positive outlook.
"The defense did really well, and that's a good thing," Allen said. "You have to give them credit. On offense, we can't drop the ball and have to make plays when we have a chance. Overall, nobody was hurt, and we can come back next week and start getting ready for Eastern Kentucky."
First-string quarterback Cody Kirby connected with senior receiver Justin Fuselier on the offense's final play of the day, a 48-yard touchdown pass in a two-minute situational play. Kirby finished with 82 passing yards on just four completions, while backup Trevor Wooden got most of the offense's snaps, splitting time with the first team and second-team units.
"Trevor got lots snaps with the ones and made some good plays," Allen said.
The Bears now begin a regular practice regimen as they prepare for the opener on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Eastern Kentucky, a 6 p.m. start at Plaster Field. Season and individual game tickets are available by calling (417) 836-7678 or on-line at www.MissouriStateTix.com. Special group and family rates are also available, and children 12 and under are always free.
Also this week, the Bears will be part of a Meet the Bears Night at Plaster Field on Wednesday, starting at 5:30 p.m. and featuring free Hiland Dairy Ice Cream for fans, as well as interactive games, spirit squads, autograph stations and promotional give-aways.
MSU will also play a simulated game Thursday night at 8 p.m. to get some experience under the new lights at Plaster Sports Complex.
Scrimmage Statistics:
Rushing (35-38): Trevor Wooden 7-18, Stephen Johnston 8-13, Chris Douglas 7-11, Vernon Scott 9-8, Mitchell Jenkins 3-(-5), Tim Williams 1-(-7).
Passing 32-11-2, 136: Cody Kirby 10-4-0, 82; Trevor Wooden 14-5-1, 30; Tim Williams 4-1-0, 23; Mitchell Jenkins 4-1-1, 1.
Receiving: Ian Starnes 3-36, Jermaine Saffold 3-28, Trevor Wooden 2-18, Justin Fuselier 1-48, Stephen Johnston 1-5, Julian Burton 1-1.
Field Goals (5-6). Jordan Chiles 3-3 (41, 19, 37); Austin Witmer 2-3 (26, 24, missed 41).
Interceptions: Anthony Lee, Rodney Kelly.
Scoring Plays:
Team Safety
Jordan Chiles 41-yard field goal
Austin Witmer 26-yard field goal
Ian Starnes 23-yard TD pass from Tim Williams (Chiles kick)
Jordan Chiles 19-yard field goal
Austin Witmer 24-yard field goal
Justin Fuselier 48-yard pass from Cody Kirby (no PAT)
Jordan Chiles 37-yard field goal
