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The defense won 16-12 in the team's first scrimmage Saturday morning at Faurot Field.

Coach Pinkel opening statement...

“Overall I thought it was a good day. In these scrimmages you’re going against yourself – one side will obviously make plays and sometimes the other side makes mistakes. Too many penalties, which is typical of the first scrimmage, but I thought the hitting was good, I thought we were competitive, we’ll get some guys back next week.”

Pinkel on quarterback James Franklin...

“I thought he did a good job. He’s an experienced player. I thought he did pretty good at making decisions. Overall, the No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense had a pretty good day so I think you’re always encouraged by that,

Pinkel on defensive line...

“We’ve got some depth there, which is good. I think the inside depth at tackle, we’re still looking a bit, we like the competition there. We got some impact players. Sheldon Richardson is getting better, better and better. This is the first time he’s had the opportunity, all summer long working out, all camp working out. Last year, he came in and missed all of camp and missed all the conditioning, weight lifting, everything. Then he ends up missing spring football. Here’s a guy that’s getting better, and he’s very talented. With the league we’re going in to, we know they run the football a lot and being good up front, it’s always important, but it’s hugely important with where we’re going.”

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