PULLMAN — The rain held off until the conclusion of the Cougars’ 15th and final spring practice, allowing the approximately 1,000 fans who showed up to Gesa Field to catch a glimpse of first-year coach Jimmy Rogers’ Washington State Cougars during their first ever Crimson and Gray Spring Showcase.
The event, which replaced a traditional spring game of years past, more closely resembled a typical practice with a series of drills followed by about 60 snaps of an 11-on-11 full-padded scrimmage.
The Crimson offense (intuitively clad in crimson jerseys), edged the Gray defense (in contrast, wearing white uniforms) 16-14.
The offense scored its points on two touchdowns, an extra point and a field goal. The defense started with 14 points and could only add to it with defensive touchdowns, which it failed to do.
Far more important to Rogers than that score was the progress of individual players.
“We got quality work (which allowed) the guys to get out here and play in front of fans,” Rogers said. “I think it matters because I think they get an opportunity to play with a little heightened sense of awareness and come out here and execute.”
Rogers’ defense sets the tone
If there was a play to be made on Saturday, it was likely that No. 23 was in the vicinity.
Safety Matt Durrance — a 6-foot-2-inch, 213-pound South Dakota State transfer — made several standout plays during the scrimmage.
The Lutz, Fla., native nearly came down with an interception on WSU quarterback Zevi Eckhaus’ underthrown deep shot and laid down several harsh hits, including a late one on redshirt freshman running back Josh Joyner that drew a raucous reaction from the Crimson-clad sideline.
The officials penalized Durrance for the late hit.
While far from an ideal situation, it’s the kind of competitive fire that Rogers, who recruited Durrance…
Source link : https://www.lmtribune.com/sports/wsu-offense-edges-defense-in-inaugural-crimson-and-gray-spring-showcase-19218693
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Publish date : 2025-04-13 12:20:00
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