2008 Woodie Awards
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Behind Enemy Lines
by Tim Olsen | The Utah Statesman |
Each week, a beat writer from the opponent's campus newspaper will give his or her take on the day's matchup against the Ducks. This week: Utah State.
LOGAN, Utah - It's been a tough road for the Utah State Aggie football team since joining the Western Athletic Conference in 2005, and with one of the toughest schedules in the conference this year, things aren't going to get any easier.
The Aggies finished the 2007 campaign on a high note, winning their final two games of the season as they doubled their previous season's win total to finish with a record of 2-10 (2-6 WAC). Despite opening the season with a 27-17 loss at UNLV, the USU football team carries a lot of confidence coming into the season.
For the first time in 10 years, the Aggies have six home games, and this team is entering the season with the most experience of any during head coach Brent Guy's tenure. In his previous three years, Guy has struggled to a 6-29 record at the Aggie helm. However, despite USU's struggles to get a win, Guy has made the Aggies more competitive.
Last season Utah State held a lead during the fourth quarter in six of its 12 games, but was only able to walk away with two victories. The Aggies are hoping a more experienced team will lead to more victories late in games.
Offensively USU will be anchored by its offensive line and senior center Ryan Tonnemacher, who has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List. The skill positions will see some new faces, though, as three-year starting QB Leon Jackson III graduated.
On defense, the Aggies look to have an improved unit as they return three starters from last season. Senior LBs Jake Hutton and De'von Hall are leading the charge for the most experienced defense in the WAC. Even with the optimism of a new season, it's hard to ignore the uphill battle the Aggies face in scheduling. USU is set to face four teams that are currently ranked in the Associated Press's top 25: Utah, BYU, Fresno State, and Oregon.
Overall, the Aggies have a lot to be excited about but face a tough road. Expect Utah State to overcome Sports Illustrated's prediction of an 0-12 season, and if the Aggies can find a consistent quarterback, expect the Aggies to again show improvement over last season.
LOGAN, Utah - It's been a tough road for the Utah State Aggie football team since joining the Western Athletic Conference in 2005, and with one of the toughest schedules in the conference this year, things aren't going to get any easier.
The Aggies finished the 2007 campaign on a high note, winning their final two games of the season as they doubled their previous season's win total to finish with a record of 2-10 (2-6 WAC). Despite opening the season with a 27-17 loss at UNLV, the USU football team carries a lot of confidence coming into the season.
For the first time in 10 years, the Aggies have six home games, and this team is entering the season with the most experience of any during head coach Brent Guy's tenure. In his previous three years, Guy has struggled to a 6-29 record at the Aggie helm. However, despite USU's struggles to get a win, Guy has made the Aggies more competitive.
Last season Utah State held a lead during the fourth quarter in six of its 12 games, but was only able to walk away with two victories. The Aggies are hoping a more experienced team will lead to more victories late in games.
Offensively USU will be anchored by its offensive line and senior center Ryan Tonnemacher, who has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List. The skill positions will see some new faces, though, as three-year starting QB Leon Jackson III graduated.
On defense, the Aggies look to have an improved unit as they return three starters from last season. Senior LBs Jake Hutton and De'von Hall are leading the charge for the most experienced defense in the WAC. Even with the optimism of a new season, it's hard to ignore the uphill battle the Aggies face in scheduling. USU is set to face four teams that are currently ranked in the Associated Press's top 25: Utah, BYU, Fresno State, and Oregon.
Overall, the Aggies have a lot to be excited about but face a tough road. Expect Utah State to overcome Sports Illustrated's prediction of an 0-12 season, and if the Aggies can find a consistent quarterback, expect the Aggies to again show improvement over last season.
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