Thrilling OSU Spring Game Doesn't Disappoint

A mixture of veterans and promising youngsters made huge plays in the annual game on Saturday.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:21 pm

By: News On 6

Thrilling OSU Spring Game Doesn't Disappoint

Originally Published: Apr 16, 2011 7:8 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Okla. – OSU’s spring football game looked more like a late-season Big 12 shootout.

The White team pulled off a 49-46 victory over the Orange team in a fast-paced game on Saturday featuring 870 yards of total offense.

About 16,000 fans watched in Boone Pickens Stadium as Brandon Weeden got in a rhythm led the Orange team out to an early 21-7 lead in the first quarter.

One of last year’s rising stars, linebacker Shaun Lewis, helped increase that lead by taking a fumble back 51 yards for a score.

But the White team took over in the second period, thanks in large part to running back Jeremy Smith.

The redshirt sophomore from Tulsa Union put up a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the second quarter.

Incoming freshman J.W. Walsh rushed for a touchdown and Clint Chelf connected with All-American wide receiver Justin Blackmon to knot the score at 35. But a 26-yard field goal from Cody Phillips gave the Orange team a 38-35 lead to end an eventful first half.

Justin Gilbert, who returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last season, continued that trend in the Spring Game. He took the opening kick of the second half back to give his White squad a 42-38 lead.

Sophomore Daytawion Lowe, who showed plenty of promise his freshman year at safety, broke loose with an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown, increasing the White’s lead to 49-38.

But not to be outdone, the Orange squad’s Johnny Deaton hooked up with Charlie Moore for an 86-yard score with 1:18 to play. The Orange team couldn’t pull off a miracle in the final minute however, falling by three points.

Weeden completed 20-of-37 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns. Johnny Deaton came in to relieve Weeden and racked up 120 yards and the touchdown pass to Moore.

Clint Chelf connected on 20-of-31 passes and had three scores (one rushing), and Walsh had 105 yards passing and a rushing touchdown.

Justin Blackmon led the receiving corps with 87 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Cooper had five catches for 119 yards.

Tracy Moore and Charlie Moore each topped 100 receiving yards for the orange team.

Running back Kye Staley, who tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus before last season, was doubtful to ever play football again. But he carried the ball 11 times for 55 yards in the game.

Defensively, safety Zack Craig had seven tackles and two interceptions, and linebacker Caleb Lavey had eight tackles.