Spectators probably left UTSA’s spring game Saturday afternoon befuddled as they wondered who actually won the scrimmage.

The offense scored points in bunches, and the defense made some big plays that also counted in Coach Frank Wilson’s convoluted scoring system.

But it appeared the defense got some deliberate help to make the game more competitive.

At a couple of points in the second half, the defense was provided 10 points on the scoreboard, helping them forge a 56-56 deadlock heading into overtime drills at the end.

“We might need to talk to the guy taking control of the score,” wide receiver Josh Stewart said, laughing. “He kept it close, but it was a fun game. The defense did really good today.”

Wilson fessed up to the benevolence and explained his reasons, saying that his players weren’t mindful of the realities of the scrimmage.

“I have the privilege of controlling it to make it the most balanced game possible for them to compete with one another,” Wilson said.

Although a steak feast was supposed to be provided for the winners, Wilson was surprised that they realized the scoreboard tweaks or that the scrimmage ended in a tie.

“They don’t know any better,” he said with a chuckle.

A boatload of big plays throughout the day were there to excite players on both sides as well as an estimated crowd of about 3,000 at Farris Stadium.

Stewart had a game-high five receptions for 54 yards. All four quarterbacks passed for at least one touchdown. Running back Tyrell Clay took advantage of being the featured back with Jalen Rhodes idled with an injury to rush for 48 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns.

The defense also had its moments, punctuated by a 60-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by lumbering 270-pound nose tackle King Newton on the final play of the scrimmage.

“I was dead tired at the end,” Newton said. “I picked up the ball and kept looking behind me to pitch it. But they blocked for me and I got a touchdown. I’m just glad I could help.”

But his burst wasn’t a surprise. He is the son of former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro guard Nate Newton and the younger brother of former Texas running back Tre Newton.

“His dad was pretty good,” Wilson said. “They both get it from their dad.”

The defense also produced two interceptions, a fumble recovery, six tackles for losses, six deflected passes and another 77-yard fumble recovery for a score by redshirt freshman defensive end DeQuarius Henry. They also notched a 6-0 sweep over offensive players in the “Bird Cage” 1-on-1 drills that started the scrimmage.

That strong early start enabled them to dominate the early stages of the scrimmage, leading to a spotty start by starting quarterback Dalton Sturm.

The first drive was snuffed out by a scintillating interception by sophomore cornerback Teddrick McGhee, who later left the scrimmage with what appeared to be a right ankle injury.

“I didn’t play to the best of my ability,” said Sturm, who passed for 120 yards but accounted for both interceptions. “I’ve got to clean some stuff up, get my reads better and get the ball out faster. Some of the things I’ve doing all spring just weren’t there for me today.

“I’ve got to go back and watch films and keep growing.”

tgriffin@express-news.net

Twitter: @TimGriffinBig12