SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Junior wide receiver Malik Earl spurred the Missouri State offense in the Bears' first intrasquad scrimmage of their 2016 preseason camp Saturday morning at Robert W. Plaster Stadium, pulling down seven catches for 181 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.
Earl was one of 17 Bears who recorded at least one reception during a balanced scrimmage that saw MSU's four quarterbacks combine to complete 30 passes for a total of 356 yards. Returning signal-callers Brodie Lambert, Breck Ruddick and Michael Briggs each tossed scoring strikes without throwing an interception in their 52 combined pass attempts on the day.
"I think we're getting better," head coach Dave Steckel said. "It's kind of encouraging because we keep score, although it isn't realistic. But it's something to have the kids teach and keep competing. I think the competition is great."
MSU's defense also enjoyed positive returns, limiting the offense's ground attack to an average of 3.9 yards on its 46 carries. Colby Isbell and Tristan Crowder recorded sacks, while four different Bears broke up passes in the 98-play scrimmage.
Calan Crowder, who accounted for 73 rushing yards, provided an early spark for the MSU offense by breaking off a 58-yard run on the initial drive of the day. Lambert and Earl hooked up on a 66-yard reception to set up the first scoring chance of the morning, as Zach Drake booted the first of his three field goals on the day from 23 yards out.
Earl also hauled in a 65-yard strike from Ruddick and outraced the MSU secondary to pay dirt. The junior later fought off a defender in the end zone to snare a 15-yard scoring toss from Briggs during the red zone portion of the scrimmage.
Phoenix Johnson added a six-yard scoring run, and Lambert hooked up with freshman Aaron Denson on a one-yard TD pass. Drake turned in successful boots from 25 and 36 yards out to complete his day 3-for-3 in field goal attempts.
"It's a great time to go out and play and compete with some people in the stands," Steckel added. "It helps our freshmen out so that they can experience what it is going to be like."
The Bears will square off in their second scrimmage of the preseason Wednesday (Aug. 17) evening at 7 p.m., in anticipation of their Sept. 1 season opener vs. Southwestern (Kan.) College at Plaster Stadium.
