Provo's Austin Alder caught six passes for 62 yards and had one running play called for him and turned it into a crowd-pleasing 49-yard touchdown on a reverse in which he followed a crushing block by Tanner Richins to scamper down the left sideline.

Starting running back Robert Turbin had 13 carries for 57 yards and grabbed two passes for another 23 yards. Tight end Jeremy Mitchell had a big game, too, as USU appears more likely to use the position as a receiving threat instead of just another blocker.

Mitchell grabbed four passes for 41 yards and showed some toughness by running through several would-be tacklers.

Andersen also said he is pleased with the progression his fairly-raw quarterback showed. After spending much of his sophomore season as a run-first threat, Borel is now being asked to think pass-first and get the rest of the team involved.

"I think he has come quite a ways. I think he will get better. This summer is huge for him," Andersen said. "He is getting through his reads and not taking off. I thought today he was a little bit antsy at times. That was probably good for the offense to get in a game like situation to really run the offense."

The practice was not all perfect, though. Junior college running back Michael Smith broke through the line for a 54-yard touchdown but pulled up the final 10 yards or so holding his left hamstring and did not return to the playing field. Also missing from the practice was JC All-American receiver John Hendershott who quit the team and left Utah State.

With the first spring session in the books, Andersen said it's now time to get the team set up for the offseason with individual workouts and informal player practices.

The Aggies open the 2009 season on Sept. 3 against the Sugar Bowl champion Utes in Salt Lake City.

e-mail: jeborn@desnews.com