MSU football head coach John L. Smith unveiled his new spread offense to 12,000 fans at Spartan Stadium on Saturday at the annual Green and White game, revealing the team's firm grasp on the new offense as well as its vulnerable defense.
Showcasing "a quarter" of the new offense, Smith said he was encouraged by the progress the Spartans have displayed in adapting to a new system and coaches. But, Smith added, the team was in a process of "seeing what still sticks."
Although the 87-play controlled scrimmage showed some glimpses of promise for the offense, a laundry list of tasks remain before the regular season.
One issue remaining since Smith's December hiring is the fact that he has yet to name a starting quarterback from two qualified candidates.
In recent weeks, redshirt freshman Drew Stanton has slowly elevated himself above junior Damon Dowdell, and Saturday's scrimmage might have been Stanton's strongest argument.
Stanton was 9-of-15 for 181 yards and connected with sophomore wide receiver Aaron Alexander on a 60-yard touchdown pass. Dowdell went 8-of-14 for 48 yards.
His longest pass was a 19-yard scoring strike to junior tight end Eric Knott on a screen play.
"They both played pretty darn good, but we'll just have to look at the video," Smith said. "We'll take a look at the entire spring as well as the spring game and make a decision who the No. 1 guy is."
Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker continued to play well, hitting 8-of-16 passes for 118 yards.
Smith said Smoker remains a nonfactor in the starting quarterback race this spring, but his position with the team will be re-evaluated in August.
"It's good for Jeff," Stanton said of Smoker's precarious status. "Whatever happens, this is just a game. It's good to see him come back."
Smith's next task will be to develop MSU's thin line of defense. The Spartan first-team defense proved capable on Saturday, but the depleted second team was exposed several times on big plays.
"We know we have a ways to go (on defense)," Smith said. "We know we have to become more athletic over there."
Sophomore cornerback Ashton Watson had a strong performance, intercepting a Stanton pass for a 16-yard return. Senior linebacker Mike Labinjo had the game's only other interception off a tipped Dowdell pass.
But the most aggravating task on Smith's list to right the Spartan ship this season could be discipline.
Junior defensive tackle Matthias Askew and senior center Brian Ottney were involved in an altercation during the scrimmage, which earned both a benching for the remainder of the day. Ottney, who was on the bottom of the skirmish, had a penalty problem last season.
"Don't be an idiot - don't cause a selfish penalty," Smith said. "We're not going to put up with that."
Stomping grounds
One of those in attendance at Saturday's scrimmage was former Spartan - and darling of this weekend's NFL Draft - Charles Rogers.
Rogers, who refused to answer questions regarding reports of submitting a diluted urine sample at an NFL screening, said it was good to see Smoker back on the field.
"When I see him complete a pass, I smile," Rogers said. "It's good to see Smoker back out there doing what he loves to do most - play football."
Bye, Biggie
Smith announced following the game that defensive end Alphonso "Biggie" Townsend is no longer on the team.
Smith cited "personal problems" as the source of Townsend's departure.
Injury report
Junior cornerback DeAndra Cobb suffered a mild concussion toward the end of the scrimmage after tackling junior running back Chad Simon. He remained motionless on the field for several minutes before being carried to a waiting ambulance.
Staff writer Jason Carmel Davis contributed to this report.
