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FAU Defense Wins Annual Spring Game, 38-37
April 19, 2008
A late stop by the defense and four turnovers from the offense propelled the defense to a 38-37 win in front of 1,091 fans at Saturday's annual FAU spring game. The offense started each possession from their own 40-yard line to start the ballgame, and the first unit looked sharp early. As Charles Pierre capped off the game's first possession with a two-yard touchdown run to give the offense a 7-0 lead. The defense would respond, getting a couple of stops for one point apiece, and then capitalizing on turnovers. Tavious Polo intercepted a Smith pass for three points, and then Eric McIntosh came away with an interception and recovered a fumble, which he took 21 yards for a defensive touchdown against the second offensive unit. The first-team offense would respond late in the first half, as Smith led touchdown drives from his own 20 yard line. He found Lester Jean over the middle for a 16-yard TD pass. He then capped it off at the end of the half with a 12 yard swing pass to Alfred Morris for his second touchdown pass to give the offense the lead at halftime. The defense came away with numerous stops in the second half. Ted Czepiga intercepted a pass by Smith over the middle to give the defense three more points. The offense did have its highlights late in the second half. As Smith led a late possession that Pierre ended with a nine-yard touchdown pass over the middle. The second unit got on the board late, as Jeff Van Camp rolled out and found Rob Housler for a 15-yard touchdown pass. With the game tied at 37, both the offense and defense went into two-minute drill mode to decide a winner. The defense held the offense without a first down on the last drive to seal the victory.
"Overall, I thought our offense played real strong in the first half," said Rusty Smith. "After halfime, we just didn't come out strong in the second half, the defense came out and played real well." Smith completed 18 of 29 passes for 233 yards, two touchdown passes and two interceptions. Cortez Gent got most of the work, catching five passes for 96 yards Charles Pierre was the leading rusher, getting 54 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns. The Owls will play their final scrimmage of the spring season on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m., followed by the "Reach Higher, Ring of Fire" pep rally and bonfire at 7:30 p.m. The scrimmage will take place at the Tom Oxley Athletic Center practice football fields. The pep rally and bonfire then will take place at the future site of the FAU football stadium, on the corner of Lee Street and Palm Beach Avenue. Attendance: 1,091 |
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