Plan on USU beating Idaho and/or New Mexico State — both home games — and Guy pleading for patience and insisting the program is finally on the verge of success.

Is it just me, or does this sound like the argument for war in Iraq?

MUST-SEE GAMES: Be sure to tune in to Utah at Michigan this Saturday and BYU at Washington Sept. 6.

For other intriguing non-conference games, don't forget Utah vs. Oregon State and BYU vs. UCLA.

After the run of close games between Utah and BYU (Nov. 22 this year), it's about time for a blowout, isn't it? They can't keep up the last-second finishes forever.

The hard part is deciding which team will do the beating.

And for the sake of curiosity, don't forget Weber State at Utah. Ron McBride's return to Rice-Eccles should be entertaining and even endearing.

Just don't expect him to lead the band in "Utah Man" after the game.

MUST AVOID GAMES: If it's good football you're looking for, you may actually want to skip Utah-Weber, as well as BYU vs. Northern Iowa

Oh, and forget any games involving USU and its instate rivals. They're all the modern equivalent of a beheading.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Yeah, yeah, Max Hall is the greatest thing since Botox and Austin Collie is always a good (read: controversial) story at BYU.

A healthy Brian Johnson means a good Utah team. But how long will that last? Meanwhile, who knows, maybe Ute receiver Brent Casteel will win the Heisman he imagines, after all. Good stories, each of them, though I prefer less obvious angles. For instance, I want to know what's up with G Pittman, a BYU player so good he doesn't need a period after his initial.

But the really great names all belong to the Aggies: Magmum Mauga, Nnamdi Gwacham, Maxim Dinka and Emannuel Ojeriakhi.

If cool names count for anything, the Aggies are headed for one great season.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com