Offense and defense battle even in last scrimmage

The Washington State University offense scored a pair of touchdowns, one through the air and one on the ground, during its third and final fall scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Martin Stadium.

Freshman Keith Rosenberg opened the scoring with a six-yard touchdown reception from freshman Cole Morgan. Junior quarterback Alex Brink accounted for the second score with a 15-yard touchdown run.

In the previous two scrimmages of the fall, the defense came out on top in the first and the offense had its way last Wednesday. Today, it was fairly even as the defense made some big plays while the offense struck a few times.

On the first scoring drive Rosenberg came over the middle to catch a six-yard pass from Morgan, the receiver's only catch of the afternoon. Brink's touchdown run came on a third and 14 play as he dropped back to pass, found no options, then busted up the middle to reach the goal line before being touched by a defender.

Following the scrimmage WSU Head Coach Bill Doba noted that the team is getting better, but after two weeks of camp the players are a little fatigued.

"I think our legs are tired at this point," Doba said. "We will take (Sunday) morning off and get some rest and then practice (Sunday) night. We have two weeks from today to get ready for Auburn."

"We have some injuries but that usually happens about this time (of camp)," Doba continued. "We are trying to keep everyone healthy. Kids today are much bigger and stronger. We have to be smart and make sure we (take care of) them and have them ready for the first game."

One area that pleased Doba was the punting, most notably, Darryl Blunt. The sophomore had three punts on the afternoon, two sailing over 50 yards, including a 54-yarder from the back of his end zone and a 57-yard punt on his next attempt.

The offense threw for 250 yards in the air while the ground attack produced 75 yards. Brink finished his afternoon going 8-of-15 for 103 yards while Gary Rogers was 12-of-21 for 112 yards and one interception.

Thirteen different receivers caught balls on the afternoon, led by Andy Largent who hauled in four passes for 23 yards. Senior Jason Hill made two grabs, including a 44-yard pass from Brink.

The final play of the scrimmage resulted in a Markus Dawes interception of a Rogers pass in the corner of the end zone.

The Cougars open their 2006 season Sept. 2 at Auburn.

Scoring – Rosenberg 6 pass from Morgan, Brink 15 run.

Rushing – Bell 5/20, Ivory 2/10, Tardy 9/2, McCall 2/3, Richmond 2/3, Brink 3/37.

Passing - Brink 8/15/0/103, Rogers 12/21/1/112, Morgan 3/5/0/35.

Receiving – Largent 4/23, Hill 2/52, Ward 2/16, Gibson 2/18, Collins 2/9, Taylor 2/25, Thompson 2/9, Bell 2/31, Dillon 1/30, Houston 1/7, Rosenberg 1/6, Boyd 1/6, Tardy 1/18.

Interceptions – Dawes.

Sacks – Brooks, Ahmu, Kooyman

Punts – Blunt: 54-57-37, Brayton: 38-44.

Field Goals – Langley 2 of 5 (long 32), Abdollmohammodi 5 of 5 (long 37).