TOWSON, Md. - Led by junior defensive end Frank Beltre, the defense dominated Towson University's 53-play scrimmage at Johnny Unitas® Stadium on Saturday evening.

During the scrimmage, the Tiger defense held the offense without an offensive touchdown. In fact, the only points scored were a pair of field goals kicked by sophomore D.J. Soven. Soven, who was the Tigers' punter last season, kicked a 42-yard field goal and a 32-yard field goal.

"D.J. did a nice job on placements," said Towson Coach Rob Ambrose. "However, we need better efforts from him on kickoffs."

One of Soven's kickoffs was returned 83 yards by "red shirt" freshman Derrick Joseph. He took the ball at the 15-yard line and returned it to the other two-yard line.

"Considering the injuries we have on the offensive line, it's not a surprise that the defense was dominant," said Ambrose. "We should be alright by the time that the season opener comes around. But right now, we have a lot of guys filling in. We had guys playing center who had never played there before."

A pre-season All-Colonial Athletic Association selection, Beltre had two sacks and one tackle for lost yardage in the scrimmage.

Junior co-captain Brian Potts and sophomore transfer Grant Enders split time at quarterback in the scrimmage. Potts completed 5 of 9 passes for 44 yards while Enders connected on 8 of 13 attempts for 59 yards.

Not surprisingly, the Tigers had trouble running the ball. Tiger backs managed only 41 rushing yards in the scrimmage.

A first-year freshman, Clayton Minott, led all ball carriers for 27 yards on four carries.

"Our running back situation is so much better than last year at this time," said Ambrose. "Last year, we had a scrimmage and we had only one back who was healthy enough to play. Now, we have a stable of guys who all want the ball. They are all very impatient because they want the ball and they want to play. As a result, the competition is making all of them better."

Junior Tom Ryan was the Tigers' top receiver with four catches for 32 yards. Sophomore Leon Kinnard, a transfer from the University of Connecticut, had the biggest offensive play of the scrimmage when he caught 36-yard pass from Potts. However, the pass completion was nullified by a penalty.

The Tigers, who open their season against Morgan State two weeks from tonight, return to pre-season practice on Monday with two sessions.