GAME PREVIEW: Utah State vs. Auburn

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LOGAN -- The USU 2011 football season kicks off against defending national champion Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium, home of the Tigers. This marks the first time these two teams have met. USU will be playing its 56th game all-time against a ranked team on Saturday and are are 0-43 on the road vs. a top 25 team.

The Preseason AP Poll #23 Tigers are bringing in a new starting quarterback after losing Heisman Trophy winner and number one overall draft pick Cam Newton to the Carolina Panthers. There isn't much for Auburn to complain about after an undefeated season but head coach Gene Chizik does have several questions about his team.

Utah State at (19) Auburn

Week 1 Game Notes

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 Aggies are coming off back-to-back 4-win seasons and look to build on depth and skill in key positions. Utah St. head coach Gary Andersen looks to replace former starting Diondre Borel and has yet to name a starter for Saturday, but the debate is between JC transfer Adam Kennedy and true-freshman Chuckie Keeton. Whoever may be the starter will be taking his first division one snaps at quarterback on Saturday.

While both teams have more questions then can be answered in a single game, the path to those answers starts Saturday in Auburn, AL.

What did we learn about USU from fall camp?

How far the Aggies can go depends on how good the quarterback play is.
Running backs junior Robert Turbin and senior Michael Smith will have the opportunity to have another great season.
Linebacking core led by seniors Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher have the ability to put this team on their backs and lead the team to victory.

What questions do we have about USU?

Who will be the quarterback that leads the team out of the tunnel?
Will Coach Andersen be able to replace 3/4ths of his defensive backfield?
How will USU coaches find a way to get the football into the hands of junior wide receiver/running back Kerwynn Williams?
Will the offensive line give the skill players enough time to make plays and win games?

What can USU expect from Auburn?

Auburn's attack will be lead by running backs sophomore Michael Dyer and junior Onterio McCalebb who both rushed for over 800 yards each.
Junior quarterback Barrett Trotter will not be asked to win this game, but to get his feet wet and prepare for the rigors of the SEC schedule.
Sophomore defensive lineman Corey Lemonier and Nosa Egua will put pressure on both the quarterback and look to stop the run.

What can we expect from USU vs. Auburn?

Auburn will be looking for big plays and big scores, Auburn has won 65 consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points.
The Aggies will have seven players in action who missed all of the 2010 season.
Saturday marks the first time these two teams have ever met.
Both USU and Auburn will be starting a QB who will be making his first career FBS start.

Miscellaneous:

Auburn has won 20 of its last 25 openers, including a current streak of four straight wins.
USU junior RB Robert Turbin needs:
- 22 rushing yards to reach crack the top 10 of USU's Career Rushing list.
- One rushing TD to take over sole possession of No. 6 on USU's Career
- Rushing TD list, as he currently is tied with Louie Giammona (1973-75) with 21.
Aggie senior LB Bobby Wagner needs:
- One tackle to reach 300 for his career, becoming 14th USU player to reach milestone.
- 28 tackles to crack USU's top 10 career tackles list.

Conclusion:

If Utah St. were to win this game it would be an upset of epic proportions. The defending national champions look to continue a 15-game win streak and look forward to competing for yet another SEC championship. Look for Coach Andersen to use this game as a learning experience and as a way to help whoever may be under center learn what it means to be a starting division one quarterback.

Email: onlinesports@ksl.com