Cougars’ Second Scrimmage Has People Talking
Washington State’s second fall football scrimmage produced mixed results Saturday in Martin Stadium.
Defensive tackle Leon Bender and quarterback Ryan Leaf mixed it up with some ultimately harmless verbal jousting, and running back Michael Black and receiver Kevin McKenzie managed to get back into the offensive mix as the Cougars wrapped up two-a-day practices.
“Overall, I was pleased with both sides of the ball at times,” head coach Mike Price said. “Michael Black finally got to run the ball like we wanted to see him run it.
“It took a while to get that going because we were getting banged around pretty good at the line of scrimmage by the defensive line, but Michael made holes where there weren’t holes and did a real good job.”
Black, held to 11 yards in Thursday’s scrimmage, had 55 and a touchdown this time, breaking free for gains of 21, 18 and 12 yards.
McKenzie, after making just two catches Thursday, had four for 48 yards.
Shawn McWashington added another great catch to what has become a grab-bag this fall, diving to haul in a 28-yard pass that Leaf appeared to be throwing away.
“Each scrimmage, we’re emphasizing something more on defense,” said Leaf, 11 of 20 for 137 yards. “Today was more cover-two, where you can go inside-out a lot more. So I think that’s why it opened up a lot more for McKenzie, McWashington, the tight end and the backs.”
The offensive line struggled again, and Leaf was often hurried by Bender, Dorian Boose and Shane Doyle. Bender and Leaf - two of the more loquacious Cougars - swapped stories for the second straight scrimmage, mainly because Bender likes to ignore the yellow non-contact jersey designed to keep Leaf in one piece.
“Me and Ryan have that conversation every day,” Bender said. “I always tell Ryan, ‘I’m going to hit you no matter what, Ryan.’ And he says, ‘OK.’ He knows we’re just out there playing around. When we’re in the locker room, everything is cool.”
With Bender making the most noise, Boose slipped through security three times, running his fall sack total to five.
Afterward, Bender was asked if he’s been freed up by Boose’s ability to attract double-teams.
“No, it’s like the other way around,” Bender corrected. “I’m the man who’s taking on all the blockers and Dorian’s getting all the plays.”
Notes
Offensive guard Zach Edwards, plagued by chronic injuries as he fought a losing battle for playing time, followed his doctor’s advice and quit the team Saturday. He will stay on scholarship, Price said. … Backup running back Miguel Meriwether has a sprained ankle is out indefinitely.
, DataTimes