Utah State football: 5 points to ponder

LOGAN — As Utah State gets ready to kick off the second season of the Gary Andersen era, they do it with high hopes but a few unexpected obstacles in the way.

The Aggies finished the 2009 season with a 4-8 record but had a fairly solid 3-5 record in the WAC with a big season-ending win over Idaho.

"Our goal is simple," Andersen said. "To get better."

With a load of starters coming back, the Aggies should expect to be as competitive as they have been in several years. But there is no guarantee all of those returning starters will win starting jobs again and some — namely Robert Turbin and Stanley Morrison — are out with injuries.

So, as USU gets ready for the season opener at Oklahoma in five weeks there are a few questions Andersen and his staff will try to answer.

1. Will Utah State's linemen be up to the task?

Last year, the Aggies showed plenty of fight on the lines, but were physically manhandled far too often. Andersen made recruiting more mass a priority and those returning to the team spent an offseason focusing on getting bigger and stronger. A quick look at the roster shows a significant increase in size on the lines. "The strength coaches have done a great job getting us ready," Andersen said. "We won't be the same team. We're looking good there." OL starters Spencer Johnson, Philip Gapelu and Robert Hill are back and average 296 pounds.

2. Has the secondary improved at all?

If it wasn't the defensive line getting pushed around, it was the cornerbacks getting tested repeatedly. Andersen recruited and coached speed in the secondary as a way to even the balance. Players like Rajric Coleman, Chris Randle, Walter McClenton and Curtis Marsh return, but will need to earn those starting jobs again with speedy youngsters Quinton Byrd, Cameron Sanders, Nevin Lawson, Rashard Stewart and Brian Suite eager to earn playing time. McClenton, a junior, came on strong at the end of the season and had 33 tackles and an interception.

3. How will USU handle life without Turbin?

What felt like a collective punch to the midsection was delivered to USU fans during the winter when star running back Robert Turbin ruptured his ACL. His return is not expected until at least a month into the season if at all. That means senior quarterback Diondre Borel will need to use his legs and arms to lead the Aggies. Luckily for USU, Borel's legs are probably every bit as dangerous as his arm. "I don't know how he gets wet in the shower, he is so quick," Fresno State coach Pat Hill said of Borel. Also shouldering the load for USU are talented running backs Michael Smith, Kerwynn Williams and Derrvin Speight.