The sour taste that Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson left Hancock Stadium with Friday night did not return Saturday morning as his team responded with a rejuvenating 24-period practice, while wearing shells under beautiful blue skies.
I was much more pleased than the other day, Johnson said. The whole demeanor of practice was much better, just what you want it to be. As disappointed as I was in them yesterday, Im that pleased with them this morning. I asked for a response and I got the response I was looking for.
The Redbirds spent the team period focusing on third and long situations. Junior
Cameron Siskowic opened the team session with a near interception of a
Luke Drone pass on the initial play of a third-and-four spot. Sophomore
Dan Passarelli hauled in a pair of first down catches, both coming on third-and-six.
With the ball marked at third-and-eight, all four quarterbacks were each given three attempts to move the chains. Redshirt freshman
Kevin Brockway had the most success with two first down completions as Kyle Hill and
Rafael Rice each hauled in a catch. Drone was the only other quarterback to earn a first down, as his tipped pass fell into the hands of
Dave Mordis for a 20-yard gain. The defense held the offense to only three first downs on the 12 attempts at third-and-eight.
Each quarterback also got three tries on a third-and-10 situation and each one led the offense to one first down.
I think there were some good plays on each side of the ball, Johnson said. We worked the third down situation during the whole team period. Im anxious to watch it on film, because there were some good things on both sides of the ball.
The ISU defense was able to limit giving up the first downs largely due to its backfield penetration. In the 48 situational plays, the Redbird defense totaled nine quarterback sacks, including three by senior Brent Hawkins.
Justin Martindale and
Ronnie Tate each had a pair.
Spring camp continues on Sunday as the Redbirds return in full pads to the Hancock Stadium turf at 3 p.m.
