ABILENE -- ACU's defense was the dominant unit Saturday in an intrasquad scrimmage at the ACU practice field that wrapped up August two-a-days.
The offense scored three touchdowns -- two in goal-line situations -- but it was the defense that dominated the early part of the scrimmage when the first-team units were on the field against each other.
Transfer defensive tackle Barrett Allen, linebacker Larry Conway and defensive back Kendrick Walker -- all new to the unit this year -- made big plays for the defense. Allen stood out, recording one sack of quarterback Colby Freeman, and providing a good push from the middle of the defensive line.
"The defense was definitely the highlight of the scrimmage," ACU head coach Gary Gaines said. "The defense is always a little bit ahead of the offense at this point, and today was no exception.
"I'm not dissatisfied with our offense, but we're obviously not in mid-season form yet," Gaines said. "We've got some work yet to do, but we'll get there."
The offense was without starting running back Eric Polk (knee) and wide receiver Don Hooks (shoulder sprain), and transfer running back Sneezy Beltran was limited because of a problem with his asthma. Polk and Hooks are expected back at practice sometime this week.
Beltran had a short touchdown run in the goal-line period, as did freshman running back Harold Jeffrey, who had a solid scrimmage. ACU's other touchdown came on a pass from Freeman to freshman Tony Cunningham, who made a nice leaping catch on a fade patter in the back of the end zone. Sophomore placekicker Eben Nelson also had a 37-yard field goal.
ACU's only major injury concern is defensive end Nick Gray, who broke his right foot in practice on Thursday, the second time he's broken the foot since the off-season. Gray is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.
The Wildcats will open their season at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7 when they host Central Arkansas on the turf at Shotwell Stadium.
