Football Scrimmage Game Part of Saturday's UAlbany Alumni Association Spring Stomp

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany football program will hold its annual Purple-Gold spring scrimmage at University Field on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 3:00 p.m., as part of the UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp.

Head coach Bob Ford and his staff have attempted to balance the rosters with an equal amount of experienced players on both teams. The Great Danes are coming off a 7-4 campaign and a second-place standing in the Northeast Conference

While the fans will be getting their first look at next year's squad, this is an important time for the players and coaches. "This is about determining your depth chart for fall camp in a game-like situation," offensive coordinator Ryan McCarthy explained.

McCarthy, who says that 85 percent of the offensive playbook has been installed, also hopes to keep things balanced in terms of play calling. His plan is to run 55-60 plays for each team and stay within what has been practiced during the week.

"We are looking (as coaches) for consistency," McCarthy stated. "It's about execution, eliminating concentration penalties, running and passing effectively, and getting the ball in the end zone."

Defensive coordinator Mike Simpson views the spring game as an opportunity to solidify what the coaches have seen over the previous three weeks of practice. "It's the last chance to evaluate in a game atmosphere," he said. "The actual game offers a fair evaluation for the new players and to see where they stand."

Simpson adds that spring practice has developed a pretty good competition for the starting inside linebacker spots and shown the emergence of younger players at both the cornerback and safety positions.

"Besides identifying the starters, you are looking for a 4-over-2 or a 3-over-2 situation," Simpson added. "You want guys to come in and play without a step down in performance."

Paw Prints: The UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 ... the Great Danes play a baseball doubleheader at 12 noon at Varsity Field prior to Saturday's spring football scrimmage ... a tailgate party will take place following the football scrimmage in the SEFCU Arena parking lot ... Verizon Wireless t-shirt giveaways and a live disc jockey are part of the activities ... men's lacrosse takes on conference-rival Stony Brook at John Fallon Field (7:00 p.m.) ... SEFCU will sponsor a post-game fireworks display at the conclusion of the lacrosse game ... contact 518-442-4683 for ticket information ... come to the Alumni Association Purple & Gold Tent, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on John Fallon Field ... the first 500 students who show a UAlbany ID will receive a free game ticket, DANEger Zone t-shirt, food and chance to win great prizes, including an Xbox.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information