The three-man race for starting quarterback is as muddled as ever, as none of the players distinguished themselves from the field in Sunday’s scrimmage.
Harrison Beck had the worst day of the group, going 4-14 with three picks. Daniel Evans added another interception and neither he, Beck, or Justin Burke threw for a score.
“You have to do it in game situations when the coach isn’t behind you and it’s not a set, scripted deal,” coach Tom O’Brien said. “These scrimmages are meant to separate the quarterbacks.”
So far, the running game has separated itself as the strength of the offense. After a good first scrimmage, the unit had a collectively better day, with Andre Brown highlighting the group.
“We have good backs and they can make people miss and make things happen. Andre had a good night today,” O’Brien said.
Brown scored on a 26-yard run as he mustered 100 yards on just 12 carries. Toney Baker added 45 yards on nine carries and Jamelle Eugene also scored.
For the second scrimmage in as many occasions, the Wolfpack defense picked off four passes.
The players that made the interceptions were safety Dajuan Morgan, corners J.C. Neal and Phillip Holloman and linebacker Nate Irving.
“We’ve been intercepting balls. We’ve been getting hands on balls, we’ve been making plays on balls, and creating field position,” O’Brien said. “Then the offense can score those touchdowns that they did because they don’t have to go as far.”
The change to a zone defense allows players to see the ball and make a break – something that is harder to do in man defense.
“Guys have been making some plays and tipping the ball and going up and getting it,” O’Brien said. “They’re seeing the ball and they’re making a break on it and that’s the key right now, they’re in position to make those plays.”
Steven Howard 1-47, TD
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