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After a strong showing by the defense in the first scrimmage of the year, the offense responded on Saturday with a strong effort led by a punishing rushing attack.
“The offensive line got themselves up the field a little bit and created some push, and that allowed our running game to get downhill” said FIU head coach Mario Cristobal. “
Darriet Perry, Darrian Mallary and Trenard Turner combined to rush for 158 yards on 23 attempts as the offensive line opened up running lanes for the running backs all day long. Mallary paced the running back corps with 65 yards on seven carries, including gains of 15, 20 and 24 yards. “Now you know why he got the nickname 'Ooh,' because when he goes there's a lot of 'oohing and ahhing,'” said Cristobal about Mallary. “He's dynamic and he gives us a different dimension.”
Perry, who's three carries were the first of the scrimmage gained 24 yards, and Turner gained 57 yards on 13 attempts. Senior Daunte Owens added 17 yards of his own.
Despite the productive ground game, it was the passing game that produced all the scoring for the Panthers' offense. Senior quarterback Paul McCall connected with Greg Ellingson on a 50 yard touchdown early on in the scrimmage. It was McCall's only completion on four attempts. Later on, freshman Chris Schirripa took over and did an outstanding job, going six of nine through the air for 60 yards and a couple of scores.
“Good to see Schrippa do some things today,” said Cristobal. “He can run. He's a good spread quarterback. He's got the feet. He's got a nice arm and a pretty good understanding of the game.”
Schirripa's first touchdown came on a 24 yard connection with fellow freshman Rockey Vann, who caught one other pass for five yards. On the final play of the scrimmage, Schirripa found Larry McCoy in the back of the endzone for a 23 yard score. McCoy caught three other balls and led all pass-catchers with 62 yards.
However, it wasn't all offense on Saturday. The defense had its fair share of highlights as well. Deondrick Roberts picked up a couple of sacks, and Aaron Davis and Jarvis Wilson each added one sack. In the secondary, Emmanuel Souarin picked off a pass and returned it 32 yards while eluding several would-be tacklers.
The Golden Panthers return to practice this week as they prepare for the season opener on August 12 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
