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LOGAN -- This Saturday marks the beginning of the 2011 Football season for the Utah State Aggies. The Aggies look to build upon a 2010 campaign that saw them go 4-8. Head Coach Gary Andersen would like to see games more like when in-state rival BYU came to Logan and less like the season finale against Boise St.
- Utah State (0-0, 0-0 WAC) at #19/23 Auburn (0-0, 0-0 SEC)
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 3
- Time: 10:00 am MT
- Site: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451) Auburn, Ala.
- TV: ESPN2
- Radio: KVNU 610 AM, KVNU 102.1 FM (Cache Valley) and KLZX 95.9 FM in Logan; KZNS (97.5 FM and 1280 AM) in Salt Lake City
- Series Record: First meeting
- Kickoff Weather: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. Temp: lower 90s
The biggest question mark heading into fall camp was who would replace quarterback Diondre Borel, who was not only the leading passer, but the leading rusher for the Aggies in 2010. When it comes to who will be the man under center that is a mystery to us all. Coach Andersen has been giving equal first-team snaps to JC transfer Adam Kennedy and true-freshman Chuckie Keeton and does not want to tip his hand to Auburn. Keeton certainly has the greater potential, being a true-freshman, but Kennedy has a bit more experience coming from the JC ranks. Expect both signal-callers to see action against Auburn in the opener. No matter who leads the Aggies out of the tunnel this coming Saturday, it will be the first Division One action either QB will experience.
There is no secret who will be catching the passes sent by Keeton or Kennedy; these wide-receivers are veterans with experience. This is a group that is hungry and deep with talent, so much so that the leading pass-catcher from last year, junior Dontel Watkins is struggling to even be with the team when they travel to Auburn. Junior Chuck Jacobs is the deep threat that can open up the middle for slot receivers junior Matt Austin and senior Stanley Morrison (who has come back from an accidental injury that caused him to miss all of last season). Look for sure hands to catch passes from whoever may be under center come game time.
A looming question for Coach Andersen and his staff is how to get junior wide receiver/running back Kerwynn Williams the football. After a breakout season last year, Williams is now looking from the outside in and that is in no way for lack of talent. With junior Robert Turbin and senior Michael Smith coming out of the backfield and the wide receiver ranks as deep as they've ever been, Williams will have a hard time finding touches. One thing is for sure, Williams will be on the receiving end of all kickoffs and punts. After all, he did set an NCAA record last season for kickoff return yardage.
Look for a big year from senior linebacker Bobby Wagner who last season led the WAC in tackles for the second straight year. In fact, expect the entire line backing core to put this team on their backs and lead them to as many victories as possible. This group may be led by Wagner, but don't expect senior Kyle Gallagher, junior Maurice Alexander, freshman Tavaris McMillian, senior Levi Koska and junior Bojay Filimoeatu to sit patiently by and let him make all the plays. Look for Alexander to fill spaces opened up by double teams on Wagner and Gallagher while McMillian comes quickly off the edge.
With all the returning starters and talented newcomers this season, don't expect Gary Andersen to be satisfied with another four-win season. As with all competitors, Andersen wants to win and with the schedule Utah St. has, a six-win season is not too much to hope for.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
