A year's difference means a lot to Grambling State University's football team.
Last year the team had many questions remaining to be answered after its Black and Gold Spring Football Game, played following an offseason workout session that started only days after Doug Williams took over in his second stint as head coach.
This year, with the 2011 Southwestern Athletic Conference title under the belts and another Spring workout session ended, the questions aren't nearly as numerous.
Williams said he felt good after Saturday's Spring game, in which the Gold team -- GSU's offense -- took a 42-18 win over the Black defensive unit before a crowd of 2,137 at Eddie Robinson Stadium.
The Gold team received the usual points for field goals, touchdowns, extra points and two points for every play covering 20 yards or better. The Black team received two points for each forced turnover and three points every time the offense was held scoreless for at least 12 consecutive plays, and could have received six points for each defensive touchdown scored.
"I thought it was a good Spring game which showed us a lot about what we needed to know," Williams said. "There were a lot of bright spots, which was a lot different than this time last year.
"The first team offensive line did a real good job out there, and the starting defensive front looked good and our linebackers had a decent game. We also had two or three receivers step up and play a pretty good team. All in all it was pretty good Spring and puts us in a lot better shape than we were at this time last year."
Last year the Tigers had big questions at quarterback. This year, the Tigers know D.J. Williams is their starter and Frank Rivers gives them a solid No. 2 option behind center.
Rivers, who has split time at quarterback and on the pitching mound for the Tigers baseball team this Spring, sparked plenty of offense during the Black and Gold game, hitting on 16 of 21 pass attempts for 304 yards, including scoring strikes of two yards to Courtney Sims, 39 yards to Robert Bailey amd 18 yards to Kenny Houston.
D.J. Williams completed 11 of 21 passes for 138 yards. including a six-yard touchdown to Bailey.
"Both D.J. and Frank played well, and it sure makes you feel good knowing you have two strong options back there at quarterback," Doug Williams said. "And we had some receivers step up, and that's needed after losing Mario Louis. Anthony McGhee, Richard Wilson, and Musa Mahmud all played well, and Robert Bailey had a good game too. And they weren't all. We had a number of guys show they might be able to contribute at receiver."
McGhee hauled in six catches for 94 yards, Wilson nabbed four passes for 41 yards, Mahmud grabbed four passes for 43 yards and Bailey snagged four for 95 yards with two going for touchdowns.
The Tigers learned they also have a solid back-up behind starter Dawrence Roberts as Shaquille Traylor rushed the ball 14 times for 60 yards.
"We're still looking for a left tackle, but I was pleased with the offense overall," Doug Williams said.
GSU's defense, especially the starters, also played well and kept things tight, trailing only 13-11 at halftime.
"Jomarcus Savage and Devon Carter both looked good on the defensive line and we'll be looking for a big season from both of those guys," Doug Williams said. "We had some defensive backs play well and force some turnovers.
"It was a good Spring game, but we still have a long way to go before we start the season. The good news is that we're already way ahead of last season, and that turned out pretty good for us. We just need the players to come back this summer ready to get back to work."
