Indiana University Athletics
Spring Scrimmage Report
4/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana football team held its second scrimmage of the spring, along with its annual Pancakes and Pigskins event, on April 9 at Memorial Stadium. Over 600 fans were treated to breakfast before filling the stadium to watch the Hoosiers continue their spring practice regimen. In what was a controlled scrimmage, the Cream and Crimson ran over 100 plays during the two-hour session.
Throughout the scrimmage the offensive line was very impressive, consistently creating big holes for the running backs. During the second series, senior running back Chris Taylor broke a 54-yard run down the left side of the field. Taylor came right back on the next play with a two-yard touchdown run, the first of the day for the Hoosiers. Later in the scrimmage, Taylor motored his way to a 62-yard run up the right side. On the day, Taylor ran for a total of 135 yards on just eight carries.
During the fourth series, redshirt sophomore quarterback Blake Powers looked sharp, completing a 27-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman Marcus Thigpen. Powers' pass sailed just over the outstretched arm of the defense and into the arms of the Thigpen. Sophomore quarterback Graeme McFarland struck for his first touchdown of the day with a seven-yard pass to Thigpen in the sixth series.
The offensive line was able to create holes for the quarterbacks as well. In the first series of the second half, McFarland showed off his mobility by dropping back to pass and then darting through the line for a gain of 13 yards. Powers was able do the same, scrambling for 25 yards on the very next series.
Yet despite the play of the offensive line, the Hoosiers' defense stepped up on a number of occasions. Senior defensive tackle Russ Richardson broke through the line during the fifth series, forced a fumble, and returned the ball for a touchdown. Additionally, senior linebacker John Pannozzo and sophomore cornerback Tracy Porter each recorded interceptions.
Near the end of practice, freshman running back Dennis Underwood made a strong impression on the crowd as he went untouched up the middle of the field for a 47-yard run. Underwood ended with 12 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Indiana will return to the practice fields on Sunday, April 10 for their 12th practice of the spring. Practice will also be held on Tuesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 15 of this week, followed by the spring game on Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm. Admission to the annual Cream and Crimson game is free.
For 2005 season ticket information, call 1-866-IUSPORTS.
