After reviewing film of Saturday’s scrimmage, Georgia State coach Trent Miles praised the defense.
“It thought the defense tackled very well; played with a lot of energy,” he said. “We covered extremely well in man to man. Really good with assignments, really good effort; much, much better with tackling.”
The group returns nine starters, including several Sun Belt all-conference performers. During the scrimmage, the defense had two interceptions, two sacks, a fumble recovery and eight pass breakups.
Switching to offense, Miles said offensive tackle Sebastian Willer played better than ever, and Glenn Smith, switched temporarily from running back back to wide receiver because the group was thin for the game, also played well.
Miles said quarterbacks Conner Manning, Emiere Scaife and Aaron Winchester did a good job getting the offense into the correct formations. Manning completed 13-of-26 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Scaife completed four passes for 52 yards with an interception. Winchester completed five passes for 74 yards, including a 55-yarder to Taz Bateman.
“Conner found a bit of a rhythm,” offensive coordinator Luke Huard said. “We didn’t’ finish enough drives. It’s a point of emphasis this spring: our point total matches our production total.”
Huard said the offense didn’t do a good job on first and second downs, which resulted in too many third and longs.
“Against our defense, that’s tough sledding,” Huard.
Huard was pleased with tight end Ari Werts and Bill Teknipp, who played a lot of snaps because Keith Rucker was held out as a precautionary measure.
The team will have its last scrimmage of the spring this Saturday at Panthersville.
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