BYU Football Practice Report -- Aug. 12

PROVO, Utah -- In the team's first full-contact scrimmage of the season, the Cougar defense seemed to be the dominating factor of the day.

"How about the front four (defensive linemen)", quarterback Charlie Peterson said. "They were so explosive and were so dominating. They're going to be solid."

The BYU defense combined for eight sacks and three interceptions, led by Hans Olsen, Isaac Kelley and Brett Keisel. Newcomers Danny Phillips and Derrus Wilson, along with senior safety Tyson Smith each recorded interceptions.

"It's good for our offense to go up against guys like that," offensive coordinator Lance Reynolds said. "Those guys do a great job of giving our offense a look at what we'll be seeing during live situations all year long."

Sophomore Bret Engemann led the BYU QBs with 104 yards passing on 8-of-16 attempts, completing two touchdown receptions with just one interception. On a third-and-nine situation, Engemann found senior receiver Margin Hooks for a 35-yard touchdown strike, marking the longest pass play of the 100-play scrimmage.

Junior Brandon Doman completed 11-of-15 attempts for 97 yards, while junior Charlie Peterson connected on 6-of-14 attempts for 61 yards. Peterson was also credited with two interceptions.

"I think we played well today," Reynolds said. "There were times when we looked sharp and then there were some times where we seemed to lose our focus a little. That's what these scrimmages are all about. We'll go back and look at the tape and see where we need to make any adjustments and go from there. Overall, I think the offense did a nice job today."

Coaches got a good look at junior college transfer Brian McDonald during today's scrimmage. McDonald carried the ball eight times, recording a team-leading 24 yards. Senior Will Snowden was credited with 16 yards on three carries, while Paul Peterson tallied 12 yards on five carries. Doman was credited with the lone rushing touchdown after fumbling the snap and then picking it up for a one-yard score.

Toby Christensen led all receivers with 72 yards on six receptions, including a series in which Doman connected with Christensen on four of five straight plays, totaling 26 yards. Hooks was credited with three receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown, while Doug Jolley picked up 26 yards on three receptions. Senior Tevita Ofahengaue scored the only other touchdown reception on a 10-yard pass from Engemann.

The team will resume two-a-day practices on Monday.