The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Defense shines in first spring game under Morris

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Courtesy of SMU athletics

Chad Morris and his staff have brought a lot of “new” to SMU since December: new energy, new offensive and defensive schemes, and new prospects to the football facilities. And for the first time in a while, SMU held a spring football game, which drew 5,000 fans, a few NFL players, plus a lot of recruits and high school coaches to Ford Stadium this past Saturday.

SMU used a simple offense vs. defense format for the spring game, and the defense won 80-55, notching eight sacks and 17 tackles for loss. The defense also held the offense to just four third-down conversions on 18 attempts. A lot of defenders performed well, but linebacker Kyran Mitchell’s seven tackles (two for a loss, one sack) and defensive end Justin Lawler’s six tackles (two for loss, one sack) stood out the most.

The star of the game, however, was on offense. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton hauled in six catches for 124 yards and three touchdowns, two from projected starting quarterback Matt Davis. Davis completed eight of 14 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Prescott Line rumbled for 69 yards on seven carries. The offense didn’t turn the ball over, but was hampered by 11 penalties on the offensive line.

The scoring format rewarded big plays from both teams. Here’s the offensive format: touchdown (6 points), field goal (3), run of 15-plus yards (2), pass of 20-plus yards (2), two-point conversion (2), extra point (1), first down (1).

Here’s the defensive format: touchdown (6 points), turnover (5), three-and-out (3), blocked kick (3), any stopped drive that isn’t a three-and-out (2), sack or tackle for loss (2).

The game was far from the only attraction at Ford. Food trucks and bouncy houses lined the walkway behind the south end zone. Former SMU and current NFL players Kelvin Beachum, Richard Crawford and Sterling Moore signed autographs for fans. The SMU men’s basketball team was honored on the field for its conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance.

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