Then a real football game broke out - almost.

For the first time since fall camp, the first-team offense squared off against the first-team defense in scrimmages that did not include hitting, but came close.

"We did quite a bit of work against each other," coach Bronco Mendenhall acknowledged. "It has been quite awhile since that has happened. We really think the competitive edge - bringing out the execution against each other - will help us identify maybe flaws that are in place or have developed over the break."

The coach said the plan worked well and that he was generally pleased with the enthusiasm and crispness of the workout. He said the Cougars will have to be sharp on Dec. 20 (6 p.m. MST, ESPN) because a couple days of film watching has taught him a lot about 7-5 Arizona.

"This is the best team we've played of the four times we've been in Vegas," he said. "This is the best opponent of the four [California in 2005, Oregon in 2006 and UCLA in 2007] and the most motivated."

So which of BYU's first teams looked better Thursday? Tight end Dennis Pitta, who didn't participate because he's still resting an ACL sprain suffered against Air Force, gave it to the offense.

"We were able to move the ball and kind of march it right down into the end zone," he said.

Safety Andrew Rich, who suffered concussions against Air Force and Utah but has been cleared to practice, said it was even.

"Pitta must not have watched," he said. "They scored on some drives, and we had some stops and caused some turnovers."

drew@sltrib.com

Bronco Mendenhall

BYU coach says scrimmages between his first-team offense and defense will help the Cougars

BYU defensive back Scott Johnson has been sidelined with what trainers called a "double groin tear" he suffered in the Colorado State game. Think that sounds painful? Well, says Johnson, you would be right. On a scale of 1 to 10? "Way above a 5," he said.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas

Who: No. 17 BYU vs. Arizona

TV: ESPN

Tickets: Still available through BYU and can be purchased for $58 each at the Marriott Center Ticket Office or online at BYUtickets.com.