Boca Raton -
BOCA RATON � Florida Atlantic's first preseason scrimmage
Saturday had the opposite outcome than expected, as the
veteran offense struggled against an inexperienced defense
that wanted to prove itself.
Consider that accomplished, as the defense forced four
turnovers and ran two interceptions back for touchdowns on
its way to a 35-24 win.
"We have been grinding all camp and just came out today and
tired to put on a show for everyone," said defensive back
Tarvoris Hill, who returned an interception 45 yards for a
score.
"The offense had some great plays and had some terrible
plays. They were disjointed and didn't put many things
together," coach
Howard Schnellenberger said.
"The defense beat us today because we turned the ball over
too many times," said quarterback Rusty Smith, who was
7-of-12 for 75 yards and one interception.
Another problem was dropped passes, something that plagued
the Owls last season.
"If we drop the ball how are we supposed to be able to keep
momentum and move the football? It takes the life and energy
out of the offense when you drop the ball," Smith said.
Quick hits
Morris the real deal: Tailback Alfred Morris showed that his
strong performance in the spring was no fluke, as ran for 73
yards on eight carries and scored on runs of 40 and 15
yards.
"I just followed my blocks and do what I do best," said
Morris, a sophomore.
Making his running even more impressive was the fact Morris
was running behind the blocks of tight ends, since FAU was
without its No. 1 and No. 2 fullbacks.
Jamari Grant and Rob Housler took turns at the position,
something Schnellenberger called the "Polecat" formation.
Worn out: Defensive lineman Dino Cox (6-3, 240) tipped a
pass by Rusty Smith at the line, grabbed it out of the air,
and rumbled 59 yards for a touchdown.
Asked if he had ever run a ball back for a score before, Cox
said, "In my dreams."
Cox said he felt good while running, but "afterwards I was
exhausted."
Pass rush plus: The defensive line helped cause most of the
turnovers by putting pressure on the quarterbacks, led by
end Kevin Cyrille. "We did real good today," Cyrille said.
Cyrille knocked down one of Smith's passes and had several
sacks.
"That is what we have needed the last couple years," Cyrille
said about the pass rush. .
"It is a real study in what happens when a defense gets
pressure on the quarterback, which many times turns into
interceptions and turnovers," Schnellenberger said.
Injury report: DL Andy Czupynski, who was in the starting
lineup, went down with a high ankle sprain early in the
scrimmage, given Jarvis Givens and Dino Cox more work.
Held out of the scrimmage were WR Chris Bonner (hamstring),
WR Avery Holley (hamstring), LBs Ed Bradwell and
Yourhighness Morgan (both with head injuries); FBs Willie
Rose (hip) and Xavier Stinson (ribs).