Meyer hopes timing is good

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — If there's a good time to visit Texas A&M, Urban Meyer figures this might be it. At least, he's hoping so.

Utah's first trip to Kyle Field comes when both programs are experiencing growing pains offensively, with just one game in the books under new coaches and new schemes.

The Utes are adjusting to Meyer's spread offense, while the Aggies are juggling two quarterbacks with contrasting styles under newly hired Dennis Franchione.

"I'm glad we're getting them early, because I know what they're going to look like in a couple of weeks when they get that thing ironed out," Meyer said. "They could be dynamic on offense."

Quarterbacks Reggie McNeal and Dustin Long, he added, are quick and capable. Neither, however, were that effective in last week's 26-11 win over Arkansas State. McNeal, who started, completed 7-of-13 passes for 82 yards. Long was 5-of-7 for 44 yards.

On the ground, A&M was led by redshirt freshman Courtney Lewis. He netted 74 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns.

"We have to play better on offense and the offensive line," Franchione said. "We have to get our running game on track a little bit more. Our quarterbacks have to get all of their reads down. This is not an area on offense that we do not have to improve on."

Utah's offense, meanwhile, earned mixed reviews in its debut. Meyer thought his team played hard but noted there were some shortcomings. He's hoping the Utes finish off better this week and improve their execution.

Offensive lineman Thomas Herrion acknowledged it's an aspect Utah has focused on in practice.

"It's just like a pecan," he said. "We haven't hit the shell yet, but once we get rolling . . . "

Franchione, though, isn't buying into the future. He respects the present.

"They put 40 points on the board last week," Franchione said. "That's an impressive output."

Brandon Warfield led the Utes past Utah State with 173 yards rushing and a touchdown. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry and will likely be the central concern of an A&M defense that is smarting after missing nine tackles last week.

Franchione said the big thing the Aggies are focusing on this week is improving. It's something they share in common with the Utes.