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Press ReleaseLOGAN, Utah — Utah State's first double-day of practice is complete as the Aggies had the first two-a-day Wednesday, splitting action between the practice field in the morning and Romney Stadium in the afternoon.
"Today was good, we got some heat finally," head coach Gary Andersen said of Wednesday's temperatures of over 90 degrees. "I think the first practice was our most crisp, most intense practice of the camp so far, no question. We've got a long way to go, especially after our afternoon practice which was average. The kids came out to play, but we've got to improve."
USU was in full pads in the morning practice, but in helmets, shoulder pads, practice jerseys and shorts in the afternoon, fine-tuning schemes and drills. The team wasn't allowed to have a two-a-day practice until completing the NCAA-mandated five-day acclimation period, which concluded Tuesday with the first practice in full pads.
"I've seen a lot of progress this week, especially today," Andersen said. "Diondre (Borel) was a lot better today, Kane (Wilson) did a nice job today, our receivers caught the ball better today, which was a huge."
In addition to pointing out the positives, Andersen also commented on improvements.
"We've got to make some major improvements, especially along the defensive line, we can't win games with how our defensive line is doing, but we're getting better," Andersen said.
The Aggies will have their first scrimmage of fall camp on Thursday.
USU's final scrimmage of the fall will be in association with Utah State Aggie Football Family Fun Day, sponsored by Macey's Foods, and will be held on Saturday, August 22 at Romney Stadium. The event provides fans a chance to meet USU football players and coaches, participate in games and activities as well as purchase season tickets.
Activities sponsored by Macey's Foods will begin at 12 p.m., on the South Concourse of Romney Stadium. USU's football scrimmage gets underway at 1 p.m.
Andersen and the Aggies return a WAC-leading 19 total starters, including a conference-best 10 on offense, as well as seven on defense and two kickers. Those 19 starters are part of 48 returning lettermen from last season's 3-9 team. Last year was the first time since 2005 that the Aggies had three wins in a season and USU's 3-5 WAC record was its best in its four seasons in the league. It was also the first time since 2003 that USU has won three conference games and just the third time in the 2000's (2000: 4-1 Big West; 2003: 3-4 Big West; 2008: 3-5 WAC).
The Aggies open the 2009 season against Utah on Thursday, Sept. 3. After a bye and a road game at Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 19, USU hosts in-state foe Southern Utah in the Aggies' home opener on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.
For season and single-game ticket information, contact the USU Ticket Office at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, or by phone by calling 1-888-USTATE-1 or (435) 797-0305.
USU Football Practice Dates, Times and Locations
(Practices' "openness" are subject to change)
- Thur., Aug. 13 - 9-10:45 a.m. - Romney Stadium ** Scrimmage
- Fri., Aug. 14 - CLOSED
- Sat., Aug. 15 - CLOSED
- Mon., Aug. 17 - 9-10:45 a.m.
- Tues., Aug. 18 - CLOSED
- Wed., Aug. 19 - 9-10:45 a.m. / 5-6:30 p.m. - Practice Field
- Thurs., Aug. 20 - 9-11 a.m. - Practice Field
- Fri., Aug. 21 - 9-10:45 a.m. / 5-6:30 p.m. - Practice Field
- Sat., Aug. 22 - 1 p.m. ** Scrimmage and Aggie Football Family Fun Day - Romney Stadium
(Courtesy USU Athletic Department)
