Dallas, Texas -- SMU concluded spring football practice with a two-hour scrimmage inside of Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday. The offense scored twice while the defense provided several big hits during the workout.

"We took a step forward this spring", said SMU head coach Mike Cavan. "We certainly aren't where we need to be once the season starts but what we did during the spring is a great foundation for that."

Tight ends Trent Hrncir and Michael Brown caught TD passes from David Page and Kelan Luker for the offense. Jason Pipkins stood out for the offense running the ball as well.

The defensive highlight was a 100-yard touchdown interception return by cornerback Jonas Rutledge. With the offense at the one-yard line, Kevin Aldridge deflected a Luker pass at the line of scrimmage and Rutledge made the interception in the end zone and went untouched down the sidelines. Lute Croy also had two sacks for the defense.

Walk-on placekicker Trent Stephenson provided the highlights for the specials teams, connecting on his only two field goal attempts, from 35 and 42 yards.

"I am very pleased with what we accomplished this spring," said Cavan. "The defense stepped up and hit people. We had more hitting out here on the practice fields this spring than we did all of last year. They played well all spring and did a much better job of tackling in the spring.

"Both quarterbacks have improved. I really think that Luker can do some good things for us in the fall. We had 20 players sit out today with injuries. We have to get them healthy. We will have the guys get back in the weight room on Monday and keep working hard in there until two-a-days start in August."

The Mustangs 2001 season opens on Sept. 1 against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport. SMU opens its home schedule on Sept. 8 versus TCU.