The MSU Spring Game showcased the talent and potential of the football team as they faced off against the tough Beavers defense in a thrilling match at the MSU Bubble. The offensive players, including running backs, tight ends, slot receivers, and wide receivers, took advantage of the real game environment to highlight their skills with two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.
Head football coach Ian Shields expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “The spring game gives you a pretty good idea of what you have to work with.” He emphasized the importance of the core team members being present during spring ball to build a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
Two quarterbacks, freshman Chris Calhoon II and sophomore Matthew Donovan, stood out with their impressive skills on the field. Calhoon showcased his dual athlete capabilities with successful rushing attempts, while Donovan threw a touchdown pass and displayed his speed during a long run off the option play.
The spread option offense used by MSU proved effective in the game, with players like senior Evan Lovett and redshirt freshman AJ Jones making significant contributions to the running game. The team’s creative play design, inspired by the San Francisco 49ers’ Debo Samuel, led to exciting and productive plays on the field.
The defense also put up a strong performance, forcing turnovers and interceptions to challenge the offense. Coach Shields praised the defense for their efforts and emphasized the importance of ball security for the offensive players moving forward.
As the players take a break before the summer break, they aim to maintain a team GPA of 3.0 and focus on their academic goals. The spring practice and game also served as a recruiting opportunity, with junior players from various states attending the event as part of the recruitment process.
Looking ahead, the team will regroup in July for strength and conditioning programs before the start of fall camp in August. With a promising display of talent and determination, the MSU football team is gearing up for a successful season ahead.