Football Conducts Final Major Scrimmage Before Saturday's Spring Game
April 08, 2017 | Football
Cardinals ran about 160 plays on Saturday.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville football team conducted its final major scrimmage on Saturday before next weekend's Wendy's Wonderful Spring Game at 1 p.m. inside Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Admission is free with the gates opening at noon.
Finishing the third week of spring practice, the Cardinals went through a simulated game under sunny skies on Saturday morning, which culminated a good week of practice in preparation for the second major test of the spring.
"I thought it was a good scrimmage," head coach Bobby Petrino said after the scrimmage. "I was pleased with what we got accomplished on the field today. We played it like a game with a clock and four quarters. I thought it was really good work."
The scrimmage, which lasted about 160 plays, pitted the first units against each other, followed by the second and third teams. Reggie Bonnafon received most of the carries out of the backfield, along with Trey Smith. The wide receivers were led by Devante Peete, Dez Fitzpatrick, Javonte Bagley, Seth Dawkins and Traveon Samuel.
The Cardinals begin their final week on spring practice on Monday, and will practice through Wednesday before preparing for Saturday's final scrimmage before the team takes a break before finals.
"We are going to go back work," Petrino said. "This is a big week for us. We will get back on the field on Monday and have a hard week. We want to approach Saturday like it's a game. I want the players to go through pre-game meal, pre-game warm-ups, and go out on the field to perform."
One of the leaders on the defense this spring has been Drew Bailey, who will begin his third season with the Cardinals. He led the defensive line in the scrimmage, putting pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run.
"I just lead by example," Bailey said. "I don't talk a lot, but I just go on the practice field and work hard and let my actions do all the talking."
Cornerback Ronald Walker had the lone interception in the scrimmage to pace the defensive unit.
Heading into the spring there was a lot of talk about the offensive line, and that unit has responded with remarkable improvement after three weeks of practice. Geron Christian is one of the veterans of the group with 26-straight starts under his belt in the first two years.
Christian and Lukayus McNeil are the two lone returning starters, so the spring has seen some good competition, especially at center. Nate Scheler and Robbie Bell have had a good battle this spring to see who can emerge at that position.
McNeil has moved to the guard spot this spring, which puts two big bodies together at the guard and tackle position.
"I think it helps us a lot to have us on the same side." Christian said. "I feel like they can run behind the two of us. We played together as freshmen so we still have the chemistry together."
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Finishing the third week of spring practice, the Cardinals went through a simulated game under sunny skies on Saturday morning, which culminated a good week of practice in preparation for the second major test of the spring.
"I thought it was a good scrimmage," head coach Bobby Petrino said after the scrimmage. "I was pleased with what we got accomplished on the field today. We played it like a game with a clock and four quarters. I thought it was really good work."
The scrimmage, which lasted about 160 plays, pitted the first units against each other, followed by the second and third teams. Reggie Bonnafon received most of the carries out of the backfield, along with Trey Smith. The wide receivers were led by Devante Peete, Dez Fitzpatrick, Javonte Bagley, Seth Dawkins and Traveon Samuel.
The Cardinals begin their final week on spring practice on Monday, and will practice through Wednesday before preparing for Saturday's final scrimmage before the team takes a break before finals.
"We are going to go back work," Petrino said. "This is a big week for us. We will get back on the field on Monday and have a hard week. We want to approach Saturday like it's a game. I want the players to go through pre-game meal, pre-game warm-ups, and go out on the field to perform."
One of the leaders on the defense this spring has been Drew Bailey, who will begin his third season with the Cardinals. He led the defensive line in the scrimmage, putting pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run.
"I just lead by example," Bailey said. "I don't talk a lot, but I just go on the practice field and work hard and let my actions do all the talking."
Cornerback Ronald Walker had the lone interception in the scrimmage to pace the defensive unit.
Heading into the spring there was a lot of talk about the offensive line, and that unit has responded with remarkable improvement after three weeks of practice. Geron Christian is one of the veterans of the group with 26-straight starts under his belt in the first two years.
Christian and Lukayus McNeil are the two lone returning starters, so the spring has seen some good competition, especially at center. Nate Scheler and Robbie Bell have had a good battle this spring to see who can emerge at that position.
McNeil has moved to the guard spot this spring, which puts two big bodies together at the guard and tackle position.
"I think it helps us a lot to have us on the same side." Christian said. "I feel like they can run behind the two of us. We played together as freshmen so we still have the chemistry together."
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