The Cougars scrimmaged for more than 20 minutes today in helmets and shoulder pads, with the first-team offense lining up against the first-team defense, and the second-team offense lining up against the second-team defense.

Round one for each unit belonged to the defense. Both offensive groups were able to pick up a couple first downs, but each defense halted its counterparts' respective drive.

Round two? A different story...

The first-team offense marched down the field, with most of the yardage picked up on a 35-yard gain from freshman running back Rickey Galvin. After an incomplete pass and a rush for no gain, the Cougar defenders - both those on the field and on the sidelines - started the chomp, and the offense called timeout. Quarterback Jeff Tuel regrouped his crimson jerseys - the defense was in white - and he hit wide receiver Gino Simone for a touchdown on third down.

The second units then took the field, and the defense forced a couple third-down situations - both of which were picked up. On second and long, quarterback Marshall Lobbestael showed how seriously each side was taking the competition as he dove toward the chains to pick up a first down. On the very next play, running back Marcus Richmond scored on an 11-yard touchdown run.

And that was it for the scrimmage. A few more notes from today's practice:

In skelly, cornerback Terrance Hayward picked off a pass and took it to the house, and then on the very next play linebacker Darren Markle nearly made it two-straight for the defense.

With the linemen working on the other side of the field, freshman offensive tackle John Fullington sparked his offensive teammates with his effort in a one-on-one drill. He was also working with the second unit in scrimmage.

The logo added to Rogers Field I posted photos of yesterday took until 3 a.m. today to get installed. The logo at center field in Martin Stadium is scheduled to get redone tonight.

Junior linebacker Mike Ledgerwood received an award from Coach Lovat for his efforts this summer in strength and conditioning workouts.

Here is what Coach Wulff had to say after practice: