"We're kind of on track," Rodriguez said, "but our guys realize we've got to have a great summer. We've got to be faster. We still have a ways to go."
The offense alternated quarterbacks Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan most of the day and both led early scoring drives, Threet taking the first-string snaps and Sheridan taking reps with the second team. After a field goal on the opening possession, Brandon Minor scored on a short touchdown run. From there, the defense more than held its own.
The unit finished the day with five interceptions and a fumble recovery.
"After the field goal and touchdown, we wanted to make it tougher on them," said safety Stevie Brown, who picked off Threet late in the afternoon. "ThatÂ’'s what (defensive coordinator Scott Shafer) is all about. He really pushes getting out there and getting turnovers."
Saturday's cold, windy and rainy conditions also hampered the Wolverines' passing game. Whatever the reason, Rodriguez said he expected the defense to be the stronger unit.
"The defense came along about how I expected," he said. "The defense should dominate. If they don't, we're going to have some issues."
Rodriguez admitted the coaching staff kept the plays relatively simple for the scrimmage in an attempt to throw off any potential spies in the stands.
"We were pretty generic," Rodriguez said. "I didn't let the defense do too many things. I didn't want the offense to do too many things.
"Why show your hand? There may be folks here you don't want to see."
Overall, the attitude seems pretty positive going into the end of Spring practice, despite the players that left and the lack of depth at a couple key positions. I think we'll be in better shape than most people think. Apparently some of our enemies do, too.
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