After two years of "almosts" under coach John L. Smith, the Utah State football team is ready to break through and win a Big West title and go to a bowl game. At least that's what the Aggies are hoping in 1997.
The Aggies have finished 4-1 in Big West play each of the past two years with losses to Nevada keeping them from claiming championships and moving on to a bowl game. This year with plenty of experienced starters back, plus much more depth throughout the lineup, the Aggies hope to get past Nevada and represent the Big West Conference in the new Sports Humanitarian Bowl in Boise Dec. 29."We're expecting big things this year," said Smith. "I know we're better than a year ago and if we stay healthy, we'll be much better than a year ago. I just hope it translates into wins and losses for us."
Nine starters return from one of the most potent offenses in Utah State history (464.6 yards per game - ninth in the country).
Quarterback Matt Sauk took over the starting duties midway through last season and ended up throwing for 2,489 yards. Many of those passes went to Nakia Jenkins, who returns following his 82-catch season.
Sophomore Demario Brown returns after claiming the starting running back position late in the season and running for more than 100 yards in three of the final four games. He'll be backed up by junior Melvin Blue, who has looked good in preseason practices.
"We have a lot we want to accomplish this season," said Brown. "We want to win all 12 games and spend Christmas in Boise."
"If we execute, we should be a great team," added Sauk.
On defense, three of the top four linemen return - Ben Crosland, Walter Fiefia, and Adam Jones. Caleb Smith, Chad Lyman and Sean Hansen are the top candidates for the stud spot on the line.
"We expect a lot this year," said Fiefia. "We've got a lot of experience on the line."
Former walk-on Jeramy Hunt-Loveless returns at one of the outside linebacker spots and Todd Sofonia is likely to start at the other. The middle linebacker position is being fought between Tony D'Amato and Brent Passey.
The secondary should be strong with free safety Johndale Carty and corner Craig Miller returning as starters. Donald Dicko has looked good this fall at the strong safety spot, while Cashon Garmon and Geurschom Demosthenes are contending for the other corner spot.
The biggest hole to fill is in the kicking game where Micah Knorr and Nathan Morreale have graduated. Transfer Jerry Arguello is likely to be the punter and he's battling with three other candidates for the placekicking job.
The Aggies should enjoy one of their most favorable schedules in years. They don't have any of those money-making trips to the Midwest and they don't even leave the state until the season is almost half over in mid-October.
After starting off with Utah in Salt Lake City, they play an unheard of three consecutive home games, against Idaho State, Colorado State and New Mexico, then play at BYU before going to play Oregon State. The final five games are against Big West opponents, including the biggie Nov. 15 at Nevada. The Aggies hope after the last of those games, against North Texas on Nov. 22, they'll be on their way to the new bowl game in Boise, Dec. 29.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
'97 USU schedule
Date Opponent Time
Aug. 30 at Utah 7:05 p.m.
Sept. 6 Idaho St. 7:05 p.m.
Sept. 13 Colorado St. 7:05 p.m.
Sept. 20 New Mexico St. 7:05 p.m.
Oct. 3 at BYU 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Oregon St. 2 p.m.
Oct. 18 New Mexico St. 6:05 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Idaho 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 1 Boise St. 2:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Nevada 1:05 p.m.
Nov. 22 at North Texas 12:35 p.m.
Radio: KISN AM-570
Tickets: 797-0305