It will have been almost three years since quarterback Cade Cooper's last collegiate start before he takes the field in Southern Utah's opener tonight against Dixie State, but don't expect the former junior college All-American to show it.

"I would be surprised if he has any jitters," said Thundebirds coach Ed Lamb of his signal caller. "It has been a couple of years since he had a live, game-action snap, but that (nerves) is just not his personality. I've had experienced quarterbacks coming back that were pretty nervous for that opening game, but I doubt it will be that way with Cade. He is a pretty cool customer."

The Thunderbirds season opener against the Red Storm renews a rivalry between the two teams that was put on hold in 1963, when SUU became a four-year school. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"It is a regional game and something we can hopefully turn into a rivalry," Lamb said. "I know it is important for our city. We want to start things off right with a win over our neighbors."

Cooper last played a meaningful game in 2006, where he led Snow College to a 12-1 season and threw for over 3,100 yards and 33 scores.

Dixie has the advantage of having opened its season last week with a 37-28 win over Adams State. The Red Storm were impressive on offense as quarterback Judd Thompson threw for 374 yards and four touchdowns.

"Their quarterback is talented," Lamb said. "I think at one point he was like 27-of-30 or something. That is hard to do just in practice, let alone with a defense out there."

Receivers Skyler Ence (11 catches, 88 yards, one touchdown) and Kyser Christensen (nine catches, 215 yards, two touchdowns) were the big weapons. Lamb knows that his defense has a tough task ahead of it.

"We want to be able to play our base defense and still be able to contain them," Lamb said. "We play a lot of man with our corners, and we will find out if they can do the job."

Besides Cooper and the defensive backs, several Thunderbirds are ready to show what they can do. Running back Deckar Alexander expects a big season, and Tysson Poots was an honorable mention All-American last year. Jared Ursua, Fesi Sitake and Austin Minefee have had great fall camps.

"We know that if we want to live up to some championship aspirations we need to start off on the right foot," Lamb said. "This (Cedar City) is a sports town, but up until now, we haven't really given them a reason to get into Southern Utah football. We are hoping to change that, and in order to do that, we need to start winning."

e-mail: mblack@desnews.com