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MSU completes first scrimmage under head coach Paul Rudolph

By MICHAEL LINNELL, Sports Editor mlinnell@minotdailynews.com

¬ Minot State University quarterback Jon Meier drops back to pass during the Beavers controlled scrimmage Saturday at Herb Parker Stadium. Robert Petry/MDN

Baby steps.

Those weren't quite the words of Minot State University head football coach Paul Rudolph after his team's first controlled scrimmage during the spring football drills at Herb Parker Stadium Saturday.

Yet that is the sentiment as the first-year head coach installs his system since taking the head coaching job in January.

“We are evaluating every day,” he said after the hour and a half practice. “There were some things we saw that we liked and some things we are going to have to work on. It is a progression.”

The scrimmage allowed the Beavers work on situational play, but featured full contact during most of the play.

“It gives the guys a chance to implement certain things and then execute them at full speed,” Rudolph said. “We want to see where we are at while we are playing hard. It gives the team some situations to see how it is coming together.”

MSU had just three practices in during the spring due to unfavorable weather conditions. While every spring is important for teams to implement schemes, the Beavers are adjusting to a new coach and new philosophies.

“We would have liked to have one more before getting out like this,” Rudolph said. “We are making some progress. You know, you want to make progress as fast as you can, but really all that matters is that you get to where you want to be by April 29.”

For Rudolph, the scrimmage itself had both positives and negatives.

Early the offense moved the ball fairly well with a short, ball control passing game from all four quarterbacks in camp. The Beavers used junior Ryan Jutras, sophomore Jon Meier and freshmen Layvester James and Jordan Flagel. Jutras and Meier split time last season.

“There were some positives on offense,” Rudolph said. “We moved the ball with some of the short, possession stuff early on. But we were slow to react.”

He also felt the defense had both bright moments and some problems.

“Defensively, we looked pretty good against the run and moved to the ball pretty well,” Rudolph said. “But we struggled against the play action pass. We couldn't find anybody.

Even in special teams, there were some things we liked and some things we have to work on.”

While scrimmage may be over, the coaching staff will begin its work today.

“We will go over the film (today) to see where we need to improve,” Rudolph said. “There is a lot of teaching and a lot of evaluating at this point. On Monday, we will start to teach.”

The Beavers have seven more formal practices and will stage two more controlled scrimmages to complete the spring football drills.