Offense stumbles as defense has its way

FAMU's first scrimmage of the preseason was in which the Rattler defense revenged its lopped sided loss to the offense in the Orange & Green game. The defense put enough pressure quarterback Eddie Battle causing him to struggle mightly. The defense looked brand new forcing fumbles and interceptions.

Instead of being upset with the offense's performance, Coach Joe Taylor found solace in the progress he saw on defense.

Taylor said changes in personnel and schemes are likely after he reviews each player's performance on film.

One bright spot on offense was freshman quarterback Derrick Shaw who gave the offense its most significant gains with two passes of 18 yards each, although the second catch was called back on a penalty.

Shaw was more effective than second-team quarterback Tobias Lee all morning during a steady drizzle. Battle threw two interceptions early but Taylor didn't indicate whether his job was threatened.

"Eddie had a few things in there where he could have gotten rid of the ball a little sooner," Taylor said. "Tobias, you can tell he is pressing, kind of rushing himself. The young guy, Derrick, is a lot more composed.

"We will look at that. We'll give everybody his grade. The depth chart will change as a result of today."

The offense was without several key players, including running back Philip Sylvester and Mykel Benson who are out with minor injuries.