Here's a switch. The University of Utah held its final scrimmage of summer training camp Friday in Price, and for once the defense - the defense! - won the day over the offense.
The Utes, consistently ranked among the nation's worst defenses the last five years, allowed the offense, consistently ranked among the nation's best the last five years, just two scores on 12 possessions.The defense stopped the running game cold (except for halfback Steve Abrams) and collected two sacks and two blocked field goals. Wayne Lammle's only other field goal attempt of the day struck the goal post, no good.
"We made a statement today," said Ute defensive coordinatorGreg McMackin.
"The defense was the star of the show," said Head Coach Ron McBride.
Linebacker Anthony Davis, who has been with the team only a week and already cracked the starting lineup, made several big plays, including blocking a field goal. Defensive tackle Mike Lewis also blocked a field goal, and defensive tackle Blaine Berger and linebacker Jim Bellamy each had one sack.
Jason Woods, the Utes' starting quarterback, completed six of 13 passes for 81 yards and led the offense to one score - a two-yard touchdown run by Abrams in the second half. Reserve quarterback Mike Richmond completed seven of 12 passes for 126 yards and one touchdown - a 51-yarder to Sean Williams late in the game.
Sean Hutson caught two passes for 33 yards; Greg Hoffman two for 34; and Joe Welch two for 41.
Abrams, who missed the team's other scrimmage earlier in the week because of illness, was the day's top offensive performer, rushing for 54 yards on nine attempts. Freshman Charlie Brown had zero yards on seven attempts and Cliff Smith 18 yards on nine attempts.
"Every defense builds its own personality," said McMackin. "It looks like ours will be a swarming, gang-tackling defense that makes big plays and plays emotionally. We're going to play an offensive defense. We're going to be aggressive. We can tackle, and we have guys who can run."
For the most part, Friday's scrimmage matched the first-team offense against the second-team defense and visa versa. However, several starters were held out of the scrimmage because of injuries - defensive tackle Vince Lobendahn, linebacker Pita Tonga, offensive linemen Mike Murray, James McKenna and Randy Aldridge, and cornerback Mark Swanson.
All are expected to be ready to play in the team's season-opener against Utah State next Saturday, except Aldridge, who might undergo arthroscopic knee surgery this week. Starting fullback Dean Witkin also was held out of the scrimmage for violating curfew the previous night.
After a week of two-a-day practices in Price, the Utes will return to Salt Lake City today.