SPRINGFIELD —Missouri State football’s opening scrimmage was filled with some positives and negatives.
The Bears hosted their second scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 21. Head coach Casey Woods is preparing his roster for a Week 1 clash against SEC powerhouse Texas A&M in Week 1.
Here are three takeaways from Missouri State’s final scrimmage of camp.
Improvement seen from coaching staff
In the first scrimmage, Missouri State did many things well, but some areas needed improvement.
Woods saw that improvement in the final scrimmage of the season.
“I thought we got better. There was some improvement, and certain goals that we had for the week. I was pleased with that,” Woods said. “I thought we had quality quarterback play today.”
According to Woods, the offensive line improved during the scrimmage,
while the defense made key situational plays. During fourth-down drills, the defense held the offense from a first down on four of five attempts.
“We need to continue to improve our situational awareness and execution,” Woods said.
Rushing attack was big highlight for Woods
Boise State transfer running back Breezy Dubar was held out of the first scrimmage due to an injury. He was a full go in last week’s practice and the second scrimmage.
“Coach (Tyler) Foster really wanted to push him tonight to make sure he’s ready for a season grind,” Woods said. “He has ability, he has toughness and vision. He’s got patience. I really liked where he’s at.”
Dubar played in just 11 games over the past two seasons with the Broncos, mainly due to injury. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, rushing for 335 yards and two touchdowns.
Woods also credited the younger running backs on the roster. While Ramone Green Jr. continues to battle for starting reps, sophomore King Davis has made big plays throughout camp.
“I thought we ran the ball considerably better,” Woods said. “We had some young running backs kind of show up and prove that they can play at this level.”
Skyler Locklear enjoys ‘best practice’ since joining MSU
Last week, Missouri State announced that fifth-year quarterback Skyler Locklear would be the starting quarterback. Over the previous few days, Locklear’s confidence and playmaking ability have only improved.
“This past Tuesday, I thought it was his best practice since he’s been here,” Woods said. “We were able to push the ball down the field a little bit, which he has the arm strength to do. For the first time on Tuesday, it was fun to watch a few of those things hit.”
With the quarterback set and the team making improvements, the new college football season is quickly arriving.
“Two weeks out, we’ve got a chance to get in here and start getting into the rhythms of in-season,” Woods said. “Boy, here we are.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Three takeaways from Missouri State football's final fall camp scrimmage
