Defense dominates in Missouri football Black & Gold Game

Five turnovers by the offense helped the Gold side earn the win.

By John Montesantos

Published April 20, 2010

Missouri's Black and Gold Game pitted the first-string offense and defense against the reserves, with the starters on each side of the ball playing the rest of the team.

The scrimmage also featured a different scoring system that awarded points for achievements, such as first downs and tackles for a loss. But no matter how the points were added up, the defense quickly lit up the scoreboard.

Turnovers became the story for the struggling offense that yielded five takeaways in the game. Coach Gary Pinkel recognized the lack of efficiency on offense but was proud of where his defense was at this point in the offseason.

"If you're worried about your defense after a spring game, it's not going to be a very good summer," Pinkel said. "But the defense obviously played very well today. They certainly had the upper hand today."

Four of the turnovers came through the air, as the backfield racked up four interceptions. Senior starting cornerbacks Kevin Rutland and Carl Gettis each had a pick in the first half.

Rutland credited the defense's strong performance to a more aggressive style of play planned for this season. Rutland said he was excited about the experience of the Tiger secondary with returning starters Gettis, senior safety Jasper Simmons and himself.

"We have guys like that all coming back," Rutland said. "You can't ask for a better situation than that in the secondary. I think it'll prove well for us throughout the season."

As for the low interception numbers the Tigers have posted the past few seasons, Rutland has other plans for this year.

"I take it upon myself to boost that number," Rutland said. "I know Carl is doing the same thing. We have to turn that number up because takeaways turn the game around."

Of the five takeaways, one led to a defensive touchdown when redshirt sophomore defensive end Aldon Smith forced a fumble and fellow sophomore end Brad Madison scooped and scored.

Madison was recognized as most improved on the defensive line during the award ceremony at halftime. The recognition was a relief for the reserve who switched from offense to defense last season.

"I came into spring hoping to get a lot better since I switched over from the other side of the ball last year," Madison said. "I was just trying to get things figured out. But now I know what I'm doing, so I can just go out and play football."

Rutland also took notice of the backup defensive end's improvement as Madison competes with Aldon Smith and junior Jacquies Smith for playing time.

"He's really upped his game," Rutland said. "He's really proven that he can play with those two guys on a consistent level."

Players, such as Madison, will look to compete for the starting jobs and build depth for the Missouri defense. Spring play has shown the potential for this year's squad to be a tough team to score on.

The Tigers continue offseason work this summer and will begin their 2010 season against Illinois in September.