Central Michigan University Athletics
Spring Football Game Set for Saturday
4/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 6, 2006
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University's spring football game will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday in Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The scrimmage is open to the general public free of charge.
In a break from tradition, the annual spring game will not serve as CMU's final spring practice this year. The Chippewas will work out five more times in the two weeks following the scrimmage.
"I would prefer the more traditional schedule with the spring game coming at the end of the month, but we wanted to accommodate the Easter weekend and our coaches' clinic," said head coach Brian Kelly. "Having the spring game in the middle of spring practice will be a one-time deal."
The one advantage Kelly sees to holding the spring game early in the month is having the opportunity to clean up mistakes and address any mistakes the coaching staff identifies during the scrimmage. The later practices could especially be beneficial for CMU's five quarterbacks, all of whom will get an opportunity to perform on Saturday.
"All of the quarterbacks will be live on Saturday," Kelly said. "We need to see how all of them execute in a live-action situation in order to establish that group and see where everyone fits."
The scrimmage will use an offense-versus-defense format and utilize a modified scoring system. The offense, in addition to touchdowns and field goals, can score points by gaining first downs and gaining a specified number of yards on a play. The defense scores points by forcing turnovers, punts, incompletions and making tackles for a loss of yardage.
Saturday's scrimmage will last approximately 90 minutes and will be followed by a barbeque lunch. The general public is also invited to the barbeque, the cost of which is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 12 and under. The first 80 CMU students with a student ID will be admitted for free; all other CMU students are $4 with an ID. CMU players will also be available to sign autographs following the scrimmage.
Spring Game Scoring System
Offense
Field Goal - 3 points
Touchdown - 6 points
First Down - 1 point
Run for 10+ - 1 point
Run for 20+ - 2 points
Run for 30+ - 3 points max
Pass for 8+ - 1 point
Pass for 20+ - 2 points
Pass for 30+ - 3 points max
Defense
Defensive Touchdown - 6 points
Fumble or Interception - 3 points
Sack - 3 points
Forced to Punt - 2 points
Deflected Pass - 1 point
Three incompletions - 1 point
Tackle for Loss - 1 point
Tackle for Loss Over Three Yards - 2 points
