PROVO — BYU's fall camp ended Wednesday morning at LaVell Edwards Stadium with a one-hour scrimmage that focused on kickoff and punt coverage, overtime and goal-line situations.

The battle went to the defense, as in four "overtime" series, the offense surrendered turnovers in three of them.

Safety Andrew Rich intercepted quarterback Max Hall and Craig Bills picked off backup Riley Nelson, who also coughed up a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Terrance Hooks. The offense's only score was the result of a short run by reserve running back Tucker Lamb.

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"In overtime, to turn the ball over with no points is the very last thing you want to do," said coach Bronco Mendenhall. "Not only did we not score touchdowns, we didn't score field goals and we turned the ball over. That's what I targeted when I visited with the team at the end ... I would have anticipated today there would have been more scores. When you get to the overtime segment and the ball's on the 25-yard line, we basically came away with one touchdown. Defensively, I was encouraged because those are the most difficult situations you can be in. Offensively, we weren't as clean as we needed to be."

In the pair of overtime situations, the Cougars scored on a touchdown pass from Hall to tight end Dennis Pitta and fullback Manase Tonga plowed into the end zone for another score.

While Mendenhall is concerned with some aspects of his team, overall he is pleased with the work his assistants and players got done the past three weeks.

"I think we've done the best job of any of the camps we've had in making sure we've been comprehensive and well-rounded," he said.

With fall camp completed, the Cougars won't practice today. Instead, the players will lift, condition and get treatment for bumps, bruises and injuries. The coaches will spend the day putting together the game plan for the Sept. 5 season-opener against Oklahoma. Mendenhall said he will meet individually with those players who will likely redshirt this season.

"While the other coaches are getting ready for Oklahoma, I'll be solidifying personnel things," Mendenhall said.

Cornerback Brandon Bradley said he's glad fall camp is over. "I'm always excited for the season. Fall camp is a tough time. It's not easy by any means. I think the whole team is ready to stop beating up on each other and finally play against another team."

"We want to start preparing for Oklahoma," said wide receiver Luke Ashworth. "We're tired of hitting each other."

POSITION BATTLES: At this point, almost all of the starters have been decided for the Oklahoma game with a few notable exceptions. At buck (inside) linebacker, Hooks, who has missed much of fall camp with a hamstring injury, is battling with Shawn Doman, Mendenhall said.

At field corner, Corby Eason, Brian Logan and Robbie Buckner are vying for the starting spot. "I don't have a clear favorite at that spot," Mendenhall said. Buckner has been sidelined for most of fall camp with a hamstring injury. While Buckner did not participate in Wednesday's scrimmage, Mendenhall indicated he is close to being 100 percent.

At boundary corner, Bradley ran with the first-team defense, but Mendenhall explained that he and Lee Aguirre, who missed the scrimmage due to an elbow injury, is also candidate to start there.

JACOBSON AILING: Wide receiver McKay Jacobson sat out for the second consecutive practice session. On Tuesday, Mendenhall said Jacobson was sick. On Wednesday, Mendenhall said that Jacobson also had suffered a concussion, possibly during a kick return earlier in the week.

"I think it's a combination of both," Mendenhall said. "Until we're sure, it seemed better to not work him today."

OTHERS OUT: Running back Harvey Unga (hamstring), safety Scott Johnson (concussion), and offensive lineman Matt Reynolds (broken hand) were also among those who did not participate in the scrimmage.

HELP ON THE WAY? Junior offensive lineman Jesse Taufi did not participate in fall camp for academic reasons. Taufi is expected to return to practice on the first day of school, which is Monday.

"That's been our target for quite some time," Mendenhall said. "With the amount of work he has to do academically with incompletes, I can't promise that, but that's what we've been targeting."

Given all of the injuries on the O-line during fall camp, Taufi would be a welcomed addition, Mendenhall said.

"He'll start toward the bottom (of the depth chart) and then probably be a scout team player for a while. I don't expect him to be ready physically. But another body at this point would be helpful to us."

BYU camp report

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Day 16: The Cougars wrapped up fall camp with a one-hour scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Injuries: Nothing significant.

Next: The players will spend the day conditioning, lifting and getting healthy while the coaches prepare for Oklahoma. The Cougars resume practice on Friday.

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com

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