HOUSTON, Texas - Despite four touchdowns and 479 total yards generated by the offense, it was the Cougar defense that made the big plays, as the University of Houston wrapped up its first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday afternoon at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium.

"We have a ways to go," said UH head coach Kevin Sumlin, "but overall, I thought we did some good things and some things we still have to work on and we have to get better in the red zone. I thought some of the younger players did a good job, and the defense was extremely physical, which is something we are really looking for."

The Cougar defense produced three interceptions and a fumble recovery on the brisk, cool afternoon at Robertson Stadium, including two picks by junior-college transfer Jacky Candy who just arrived on the UH campus in January. Senior Nick Thurston had the other interception, while senior defensive end Tyrell Graham added the fumble recovery on the first drive of the game.

Sophomore wide receiver Tyron Carrier produced 115 yards receiving on seven receptions, while the two receiving touchdowns came on the hands and feet of two redshirt freshman, Gino Collins and Ronnie Williams. Both the scoring strikes were from backup quarterback Cotton Turner, who ran the second-team offense and threw for 184 yards on 16-of-22 attempts with just one interception.

Junior Case Keenum - the 2008 FBS total offense leader - threw for 259 yards on 17-of-28 attempts with the other two interceptions.

As for the running game, junior Andre Kohn led all rushers with 48 yards and one score on just seven carries. Redshirt freshman Chris Wilson tacked on the other rushing score and had 25 yards rushing on six carries. Sophomore Bryce Beall chipped in 27 yards on six carries.

The Cougars return to the practice field on Tuesday afternoon and are slated for workouts on Thursday and Friday before holding their second scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, April 4, also at noon at Robertson Stadium.