A&M hopes for turnaround

Texas A&M football took a big tumble last season. The storied program fell upon tough times in Dennis Franchione's first season at the helm. Incorporating new offensive and defensive schemes came with a heavy price—a 4-8 record (the Aggies' worst in more than three decades) that included a humiliating 77-0 setback at top-ranked Oklahoma.

Quarterback Reggie McNeal told reporters in training camp that the team is "eager to get back out there and show people that that's not Aggie football."

Utah coach Urban Meyer, whose 19th-ranked Utes host the Aggies in Thursday's season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium (5:45 p.m., ESPN), believes it.

"It'll be a completely different animal this year," he said. "The team we're playing will end up being a top 20 team. They have top 20 talent and they have top 20 coaches."

Meyer said the Utes, who dropped a 28-26 decision at A&M last season, avoided the disarray Franchione faced in his first season by opting to keep the same defense. Under long-time defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham's direction, they finished the season with 10 straight shutout quarters in wins against Wyoming, BYU and Southern Mississippi.

Extending the streak to 11 or beyond will be a big challenge.

Texas A&M's offense features an explosive running back in sophomore Courtney Lewis, who rushed for 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, as well as the speedy McNeal.

"This is a great football team we're going to play," said Meyer. "They're extremely athletic, without question the fastest we've played in last the two years."

In last season's loss in College Station, A&M's quickness caught the Utes off-guard. An early 80-yard touchdown run helped the Aggies build a 21-0 halftime advantage.

"If we come out early like we did last year, amazed by their speed and athleticism, we won't win this game," said Meyer.

To avoid a repeat, the Utes have enlisted the services of athletic back-up quarterback Fano Tagovailoa. He's been on Utah's scout team, playing the role of McNeal.

"He ran the scout team because McNeal is a 4.3 guy and you better learn how to tackle him," said Meyer. "We don't have many 4.3 guys on our team. Fano's certainly not, but he's quick."

Middle linebacker Tommy Hackenbruck can attest.