The offense and defense battled to an 85-85 tie in the intrasquad scoring system during scrimmage plays, but first-team defenders had the edge when they were on the field.

"I thought our defense did a nice job, particularly early, and they maintained their intensity throughout the practice," A&M head coach Mike Sherman said.

Pugh and Miller, making transitions to new positions, looked comfortable in the 90-minute practice, which was the seventh of 15 spring drills.

"Pugh really has done a nice job for us," Sherman said. "And Von Miller just every day quietly just goes about his business with no fanfare. He just goes out there [and competes]."

Miller was credited with a sack -- defenders aren't allowed to hit quarterbacks -- on the fourth play of scrimmage action to fuel the defense's quick start. The 214-pound junior is playing A&M's new hybrid "jack" position that combines linebacker and defensive end.

Miller added two more sacks and shared a sack with senior defensive lineman Matt Moss as the defense built a 35-21 lead.

"As I stand behind the offense, you can feel his presence there," Sherman said. "He's definitely made a difference in the comfort level of our quarterbacks. And I'm sure our left tackles weren't too excited when they saw him line up opposite them."

Sherman said Miller has had three straight solid practices.

"He's doing quality work" Sherman said.

So is the 191-pound Pugh, who is making the transition from cornerback. The energetic Pugh had three solo tackles and broke up three passes, smiling as he did it.

The defense had a 60-44 lead when Fuller set up a 2-yard touchdown run by sophomore Cyrus Gray. Fuller caught a 33-yard pass from junior Jerrod Johnson that drew cheers from the large crowd that included parents and relatives of 500 youth aged 8 through 13 that took part in the program's annual Aggie Football Youth Experience after the scrimmage.

The 6-foot-4 Fuller used his frame as a shield so 5-10 defensive back Terrence Frederick couldn't prevent the catch. Fuller added a short touchdown catch on a square-out route in front of Frederick and his last catch from Johnson led to a short touchdown grab by senior tight end Jamie McCoy, who also had several catches.

"I thought the offense came back at the end and made some plays when we got down to the strike zone or red zone, so that part was positive," Sherman said.

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OL short in numbers: The first-team offense has many more players unable to scrimmage this spring than the first-team defense, especially on the offensive line. Senior offensive tackle Lee Grimes, senior center Kevin Matthews and junior Lucas Patterson are recovering from offseason surgeries. Redshirt freshman Chris Lathrop was hurt on the third day of practice and hasn't scrimmaged. Redshirt freshman Leroy Chavalier also has been held out of contact.

"We are down in numbers in the offensive line, [so] it's tough to protect the quarterback and create running lanes," Sherman said.

The Aggies also are leaning on redshirt freshman Cyrus Gray and sophomore Bradley Stephens to do the bulk of the running with the top two units and "they get worn down," Sherman said.

Senior running back Keondra Smith was expected to share the load, but he quit the team.

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Up ahead: A&M will practice only Tuesday and Thursday this week because of Easter and is trying to gear up for the Maroon & White Game on April 18.

"We did it that way because after this grind -- where we had our offseason and then came into spring, this is kinda a little bit of a break," Sherman said. "I expect them to polish next week and be pretty sharp."

The offense will focus on teaching and execution because the players shouldn't be as fatigued, Sherman said.

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Miller's time: Sherman said Miller has matured so much in a year in all aspects of his life.

"I mean, his locker is clean, which was a major thing last year," Sherman said. "His mother said she want to his apartment and that was clean. She was shocked, and called us. He's going to class, he's taking care of his business."

Sherman said some players get to the point where they are turned off by people constantly making demands, but Miller has absorbed what's expected and accomplished even more.

"I'm proud of him," Sherman said. "He still has a ways to go, but at this point, he's light years ahead in every aspect of his life as a player and student than he was last year."

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Et cetera: A&M had another Junior Day on Saturday. The practice opened with approximately 15 recruits gathered around Sherman. ... Several former A&M players watched, including Heisman Trophy winner John David Crow and All-American defensive lineman Ray Childress. ... Redshirt freshman defensive back Blaine Cheatham suffered a leg injury and had to be carted from the field, but was sitting up and acknowledged the crowd. ... One of the day's best catches was a diving touchdown grab by sophomore wide receiver Taylor Randle on a throw from sophomore Kevin Westerman. ... Senior linebacker Anthony Lewis had one of the best hits, stopping Stephens at the goal line. ... The offense made up a 16-point deficit in the scrimmage's final 30 plays. "But I'd have to give it to the defense today, I thought they did better job consistently throughout the practice," Sherman said. ... A&M also kicked extra points and attempted a few field goals with sophomore Randy Bullock and redshirt freshman Scott Renkes handling the placements.