The Arizona football team took to Arizona Stadium for the first time in 2005 Saturday in a full-contact scrimmage, the first of three such practices open to the public this spring.

Head coach Mike Stoops said he was pleased with the team's performance, particularly on the offensive end.

"The offense did well and executed. Adam Austin and B.J. Vickers did well today," he said.

The junior quarterback Austin and junior transfer wide receiver Vickers complemented each other, connecting five times for 60 yards.

Austin finished the day with 229 yards, completing 16-of-22 passes, including a 75-yard hookup with junior wide receiver Mike Jefferson.

The Wildcat offense also saw production from its running game, led by senior tailback Mike Bell.

Bell, Arizona's leading rusher in each of the last two seasons, carried the ball six times for 24 yards, and had the day's top play when he flattened cornerback Michael Klyce.

"The offensive line is doing a great job, and everyone is playing physical. That's something we've lacked before," Bell said.

The 6-foot-1 senior said these spring workouts have been productive because of the friendly competition within the squad.

"The defense has an attitude: 'We're going to hit you,' and the offense takes that as a challenge," Bell said. "Winning teams play with that intensity."

Bell shared time in the backfield with fellow running backs Chris Henry and Gilbert Harris.

Harris had 21 yards rushing, while Henry had nine.

"We get better, compete and make everyone better," Henry said. "We all support each other's efforts."

Henry said one of his individual goals for the 2005 season is to "grow as a running back."

"I know where the end zone is, now I've just got to get there," he said.

Stoops said his running backs' play boosted the entire offense, which should continue to improve into the fall.

"We have three quality running backs," he said. "We need to find ways to get all three touches."

On the defensive end, cornerbacks Dramayne McElroy and Klyce each intercepted an Austin pass, while linebackers John McKinney and Marcus Hollingsworth and safety Lamon Means all forced fumbles.

Last season's leading tackler, linebacker Darrell Brooks, sat out Saturday's workout with shoulder pains, but is expected back soon.

The positive workout was much needed, Stoops said, after a lackluster outing Friday.

"(Saturday) was much better than (Friday)," he said. "(Friday) we didn't have a very good workout."

Saturday's scrimmage was Arizona's fourth spring workout. The team is allotted 15 formal outings per NCAA guidelines.

Bell said that the work the team is putting in now is essential to success in the fall.

"The coaches are challenging us," he said. "We'll master that in spring camp and bring it into (the Sept. 3 season opener at) Utah.

Arizona continues its spring season tonight with a closed practice and will host another open scrimmage Saturday.