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PROVO, Utah (Aug. 14, 2006)--The first open practice of BYU Fall Camp displayed efficient offensive production and defensive playmaking.
"Offensively, I think we played as well as can be expected," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Based on our practice format [not full contact], they executed well."
The morning practice was attended by 751 fans who were trying to get an early look at the Cougars.
In the early practice team drills, John and Jason Beck combined for 164 yards passing while completing a combined 85 percent of their passes. Tight end Daniel Coats picked up two receptions for 43 yards, including a 29-yard reception.
"Daniel has worked hard during the off-season," Mendenhall said. "His performance in camp is indicative of how hard he has worked. He has played as good as anyone at his position thus far."
The defense buckled down on each series, not allowing the offense to score a touchdown. The first-team defense also forced a rare three-and-out on the first-team offense. Hala Paongo came up with a sack on first down to put the offense in an early hole.
In the evening session, the offense turned heads on its third play from scrimmage in 11-on-11 drills. After a short pass and a fumbled snap, John Beck dropped a perfect pass into Jonny Harline's hands. Harline took it the distance for a 72-yard touchdown pass.
After the deep touchdown, the defense held strong for the final six series. Kelly Poppinga wreaked havoc in the offensive backfield, breaking through the line to stop a Ray Hudson run for a two-yard loss. Poppinga also had a third-down sack to end a series and batted another ball down at the line of scrimmage.
Mendenhall said he is pleased with the overall progress of the defense.
"They're improving," he said of the defense. "In our 57-play scrimmage [Saturday] they forced three turnovers and only gave up two touchdowns."
Mendenhall also noted there are several battles going on to secure playing time at various defensive positions.
BYU will scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium Wednesday at 10 a.m. The scrimmage will be opened to the general public. No cameras (video or still frame) will be allowed at the practice.
