Fourth-year head coach Doug Marrone and the Orange football team will close the book on 2012 Spring practice when the team squares off in the annual Spring game on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.

"The Spring has been great," Marrone said. "I think we have a good, clear picture of what the two-deep would be if we had to play. I think we have a much better feel of team chemistry, which is a big thing coming into the Spring. I think it's the highest it's ever been, and I couldn't be more excited of where we are right now."

After warming up as a team at 11:00 a.m. and going through an individual period on the field, the team will split into two groups for the scrimmage. Assistant head coach John Anselmo will serve as one head coach for the Spring Game, while offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and defensive coordinator Scott Shafer will call the plays.

On the other side of the field, wide receivers coach Rob Moore will patrol the sidelines while Marrone and Donnie Henderson call the plays. Moore, Marrone and Henderson were all part of the New York Jets during various times in their careers. Marrone and Henderson were together from 2004-05 when Marrone mentored the offensive line and Henderson was the defensive coordinator and Moore was a receiver for the franchise from 1990-95.

"It's highly competitive," Marrone said. "We're not talking to the coaches on the other team. We really have two sides of the football not knowing how the other side is going to attack it."

The Orange, which began Spring practice on March 20, have implemented systems in all three phases of the game, and Marrone said he is pleased with the way his team has responded during the last month of practice.

"Out of the 13 practices we've had," Marrone said, "I couldn't be happier with the direction we're going as a football team, the way our players are competing and the way they're picking things up offensively, defensively and on special teams."

Prior to kickoff, gates will open at 10:00 a.m. for the annual 'Select a Seat,' giving fans the opportunity to walk the Dome and choose the best available location for their 2012 season tickets. A sampling to seats will be marked in each section, and members from the Carrier Dome Box Office will be on hand to assist with the selection process and to answer any questions. Fans should enter the Carrier Dome through the Dome's lower level gates (A,B,C,D,E and F).

Admission and parking to the Spring game is free of charge, and fans are invited to participate in an autograph session in the Carrier Dome concourses near sections 109 and 124 following the game.

Fans can also remain in the Dome as the SU men's lacrosse team hosts Georgetown at 3:00 p.m. for the team's Senior Day at no charge. Parking and ticket sales will begin 90 minutes prior to the opening faceoff between the Orange and Hoyas.

During the game, SU football posters will be available at Gate B and concession stands will be open. Club 4•4 will also be open to the public.

At halftime, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to participate in a 'Field Goal Kick' contest to win either $100 gift card from Empower Federal Credit Union. Fans can also visit the marketing table at Gate B to register to win four tickets and parking for the 2012 season opener against Northwestern.

**Courtesy SU Athletics**