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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 8:48 AM ET Offense solid, but defense needs to improve By Adam Rittenberg Special to ESPN.com |
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Utah State Aggies 2000 record: 5-6. Coach: Mick Dennehy (3rd season, 7-15). Starters returning: 8 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker. Outlook: Like most teams who once played in the now-defunct Big West Conference, Utah State has a simple approach -- score a lot and hope the defense hangs on. This plan clicked during a three-game stretch late last year -- the Aggies averaged 39.7 points per game and the nation's 110th-ranked defense managed to keep opponents at bay. After logging time behind starting QB Jeff Crosbie, sophomore Jose Fuentes manned the Aggies' attack for the season's final nine games, posting a 509-yard passing performance against Boise State. Despite those numbers, the Utah State attack is based around RB Emmett White, the nation's leader in all-purpose yards (238.9 per game) last season. Although White may struggle early against strong defenses, expect to see some more monster performances this season. As always, the Aggies' trouble area is the defense, which returns seven starters from a unit that allowed more than 550 all-purpose yards per game in 2000. Keep an eye on: RB/WR David Fiefa. Fiefa, the team's third leading receiver, moves back to his natural RB position. Standing only 5-foot-7, the shifty Fiefa had 31 receptions for 344 yards in 2000. While he will continue to play some snaps at wideout, Fiefa's primary role is a backup to White at RB. His athleticism could also come into under center. On his only career-passing attempt, Fiefa found QB Fuentes for an 18-yard touchdown in Utah State's 31-14 win over Idaho. Key game: With five beatable teams rounding out its schedule, Utah State's season could hinge on its matchup at Brigham Young on Oct. 5. The Cougars ravaged the Aggies 38-14 at Romney Stadium last season, a game where White was held to 61 yards rushing and Fuentes was sacked three times. It's a good year if... Utah State survives its first six games. Although White has the speed and explosiveness to dominate opposing defenses, Fuentes and the Aggies' receivers must establish an alternate scoring threat. If Utah State can get through its first six games without major injuries, the offense should cruise down the stretch. |
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