LOGAN — In no way do the Utah State Aggies face any of the same situations as Dick and Rick Hoyt, but the story of the courage of the father and son serves as motivation for the Aggies.

Rick Hoyt has cerebral palsy and can't walk or talk, but he has finished more triathlons and marathons than all the Aggies combined.

He's done it all with the help of his dad, Dick, who pulls Rick when he swims, carries him when he rides and pushes him when he runs.

The message: Anything can be done if the desire is there and there is someone there helping you.

The Aggies, who finished the 2006 season with a miserable 1-11 mark, are looking to draw strength from the Hoyts as they open the 2007 season today at 6 p.m. when they host UNLV in the season opener at Romney Stadium.

"Camp was long, and it was hard, but there is nothing wrong with it being hard," Utah State running back Aaron Lesue said. "We've watched some inspirational films (the Hoyts) because it was long and hard. We went through a lot, but we've toughened up. We've learned about who we are over the last three weeks. We've learned a lot about the talent that we have and what we can accomplish."

Lesue, who was a wide receiver to start the year last year before injuries forced him to move to running back, can see a difference in the Aggies of the past and the current Aggies.

"I came here last year, and from last fall when I came until this fall is completely different," he said. "The difference is our own confidence, knowing who we are and what we can do, knowing that we're talented. Last year there were worries about not knowing what was going to happen when we step on the field."

It was evident in their play. Defensively, the Aggies allowed more than 400 yards per game and nearly 40 points a game. Offensively, the Aggies didn't score a touchdown for five games and had a new offensive coordinator midseason as well as a quarterback change.

This year, the Aggies return all 11 defensive starters, former North Texas head coach Darrell Dickey is the new offensive coordinator, Leon Jackson III was named the opening-day starter for the third straight year and the Aggies ' concentration has been on the Rebels.

"The most important game is the next one," he said. "We've really focused on UNLV. After we figured out who we are, we figured out what we need to do to step on the field and beat UNLV, and that's what we've been working on."

UNLV is the perfect opponent for the Aggies.

Utah State has beaten UNLV three straight times and nine of the last 10. The Aggies last beat the Rebels 31-24 in Logan in 2005.

"It came down to the last throw of the game last time we played, and we are certainly preparing our team for that type of game again this year," Utah State coach Brent Guy said. "We might have to win it in the fourth quarter, so we're trying to be prepared for that."


On the air

UNLV (0-0) at Utah State (0-0)

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Today, 6 p.m.; Romney Stadium

TV: None Radio: 610AM (Logan),

860 AM (Salt Lake)


E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com

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