Running back Aveion Cason rushed nine times for 207 yards and three touchdowns to highlight Illinois States 105-play scrimmage Wednesday afternoon.
Cason, who also caught two passes for 35 yards, broke off touchdown runs of 80, 50 and 60 yards.
ISU head coach Denver Johnson was impressed.
God blesses each one of us differently and he sure gifted that young man athletically, Johnson said.
The defense began as the dominant unit. The offense completed eight of its first 12 passes, but only two of those were for more than nine yards and two went for a loss. By the time the scrimmage was over, the offense had been in the end zone seven times.
Our defense got a little watered down with injuries and absences and that showed, Johnson said. Were tired right now. Weve put a lot of miles on these guys.
I was pleased. I saw a lot of good things. Were a little bit of a see-saw right now. One day the offense is good, the next day its the defense.
The competition continues at quarterback between Kevin Glenn and Dusty Burk, although Johnson hopes to make a decision soon as to whom will start.
Im guessing and hoping that there will be enough there after Saturday to make a determination of who well go with, he said. I see a lot of good things there and some mistakes. Its a legitimate competition.
Wednesday, Glenn connected on 18-of-29 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Burk was 18-of-26 for 197 yards.
The top receiver was Steve Kostro with eight grabs for 120 yards. Jon Laurenti had five receptions f107 yards and one touchdown, while Troy Hunter caught five for 60 yards.
On defense, Johnson said he would wait for evaluation of the film to determine who played particularly well, but said linebackers Ryan Szokola and Galen Scott and defensive end Stuart Sands caught my eye.
Several regulars missed the practice. Safety Alfred Corbin was absent while attending his grandmothers funeral in Florida. Running backs Walter James, Willie Watts and Michael Garner all sat out the scrimmage with minor ailments as did defensive end Scott Cook and linebacker Hamilton Wells.
Wide receiver Garry Davis, who had surgery Tuesday to repair a broke fourth metacarpal on his left hand, watched from the sidelines. The Kentucky transfer may miss the first game, although he said Tuesday he will attempt to be ready by the Aug. 31 kickoff with West Virginia Tech.
Davis, a senior, said that Wednesday marked the first time in his college career that he has missed a practice.
ISU will scrimmage again Saturday at 7 p.m., in Hancock Stadium as part of the campus welcome for first-year students.
Scrimmage Stat Leaders
Passing -- Glenn 18-29-0, 278 yards, 3 TD; Burk 18-of-26-0, 197 yards.
Rushing -- Cason 9-207, 2 TD; Chidi Enyia 7-36, 1 TD; Glenn 4-31; Burk 4-40, Tristan Davis 2-53.
Receiving -- Kostro 8-120, Laurenti 5-107; Hunter 5-60; Vito Golson 4-42
