Stec Postgame | Colby Isbell Interview | Erik Furmanek Interview | Photo Gallery
 
SPRINGFIELD -- The first intrasquad scrimmage of the spring season was a solid mix for the Missouri State football Bears here Friday afternoon.
 
The defense seemed to have the upper hand in the running game, holding the offensive side to 3.8 yards per carry in 40 attempts with several key stops. Meanwhile, the Bears' offense was more efficient in the passing game, completing 69 percent of its 36 attempts for 300 yards between the four competing quarterbacks.
 
The biggest play of the afternoon came on the final snap of the scrimmage when sophomore quarterback Peyton Huslig hit tight end Erik Furmanek for a 60-yard touchdown strike. It was the only touchdown of the 76-play scrimmage.
 
"I thought we were very sluggish at the beginning, and I thought the kids did a good job of rebounding and getting the momentum," said MSU head coach Dave Steckel. "We have to get that corrected because that was one of our weaknesses last year. Are we there? Absolutely not, but I think we're going the right direction."
 
The sluggish start presented some field goal opportunities for Zach Drake and newcomer Levin Shinn. Drake converted from 18, 23 and 38 yards, while Shinn booted a 33-yarder. Drake also made good on the only PAT of the afternoon.
 
Linebacker Kurran Blamey had the only interception of the session for the MSU defense, while lineman Colby Isbell came up with a key sack and pass break-up as part of his impressive outing.
 
The Bears begin week three of spring camp on Monday. The club's second scrimmage will take place in two weeks on April 21, leading up to MSU's annual Maroon and White Spring game on April 29.