Indiana University Athletics
Balanced Play Highlights April 8 Scrimmage
4/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 8, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana football team completed its second scrimmage of the spring practice season with a balanced effort on both sides of the ball at Memorial Stadium on April 8. After the conclusion of Pancakes `n' Pigskin, during which the coaching staff served breakfast to the community, the Hoosiers competed in a controlled scrimmage with three periods of play.
Junior cornerback Tracy Porter began the fireworks early as the Port Allen, La., native took the opening kickoff back for a 55-yard return. The Hoosier offense maintained the momentum when junior quarterback Blake Powers connected with senior wide receiver Jahkeen Gilmore on a 35-yard pass down the sidelines. Blake Powers followed that up with a six-yard touchdown strike to sophomore wide receiver James Hardy.
"Yeah, we had some trouble last week," Blake Powers said. "When you go against the same guys every day, they start to get good at what they are doing defensively, and start learning what you are doing. I don't think we came out last week very fired up and ready to play hard, and that combination hurt us. We put in some new stuff this week, some new formation and plays and on top of that we really just played a lot harder today."
The defense countered in the next set of downs as senior safety Will Meyers broke up a potential touchdown pass, before picking off a pass during the first period of play. Junior safety Aaron Mitchell made an impact of his own with a force fumble in the backfield with junior defensive tackle Joe Kremer jumping on the ball to complete the turnover.
The offense bounced back in the second period as Blake Powers zipped a 25-yard pass to senior tight end Matt O'Neal. Moreover, freshman running back Demetrius McCray rumbled into the end zone with a one-yard touchdown. Later in the second period, Blake Powers fired a 10-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver James Bailey for a first down.
"We're extremely talented at wide receiver this year," Blake Powers said. "James Bailey is a great player, Jahkeen Gilmore is great, and Nick Polk has really matured a lot this spring. He's only going to get better every day. We really have a lot of talent in the receiver spot again this year just like we did last year. Now, we really have to figure out how to utilize that."
The previous give-and-take between both sides of the ball continued in the third period of play as freshman safety Austin Thomas turned in a ferocious tackle for loss, before senior quarterback Graeme McFarland rifled a 12-yard pass to freshman running back Justin Carrington. McFarland then hooked up with freshman wide receiver Chris Banks for a 30-yard touchdown pass.
The defense responded with an intense pass rush to tally a pair of sacks and an interception. Senior linebacker Jake Powers picked off a tipped pass and returned it 25 yards to the two-yard line.
"The ball kept floating up in the wind and wouldn't come down," Jake Powers said. "I just waited for it to drop, and I actually jumped too early. It is always a good feeling when you get a pick."
Additionally, Jake Powers blew through the line to notch one of the sacks. Meanwhile, junior defensive lineman Charles Emerson joined the sack party with one of his own.
"I feel pretty good about today," Jake Powers said. "The defense is coming along and we are picking things up much faster."
The offense capped the day for the Hoosiers with a solid drive ending in a one-yard Carrington touchdown run.
Overall, the fans enjoyed their time during the second-annual Pancakes `n' Pigskin scrimmage during the Indiana head coach Terry Hoeppner era. Several fans in attendance took the time to speak with IUHOOSIERS.com.
Senior Michael Sexton
On why they came to the scrimmage today:
"I'm graduating in May, but I really want our team to be successful next season. I wanted to get a chance to see how they're playing so far."
Junior Jeanette O'Connor
On the fan support for Indiana Football:
"I definitely think the fan support for the team has increased since Coach Hep got here. I definitely plan to get season tickets for next year and get out and support our team. I came out today to do just that."
Junior Jamie Jordan
On hopes for the team next season:
"I'd obviously love to see the team go to a bowl game, that would be awesome. I'm out here to see what we're working with, and I think we have what it takes to be real good next season."
IU's 2006 spring season concludes with the annual Cream and Crimson intrasquad game on April 15 at 4 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
IU season ticket holders will also have the opportunity to renew their season tickets before the April 17 priority deadline to save 10-percent off the price of an adult ticket. Please call 855-4006 or 866-IUSPORTS for more information.
