Opener is a view into Utes' psyche

In a moment of reflection this week, Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester said of the Utah State Aggies: "They're going to be tough. I mean, who knows where their heads are going to be? They're probably very high right now."

True enough.

For that matter, who knows what's in the Utes' heads?

Odds are good that tonight's Utah-Utah State football game will reveal more about the Utes than it will the Aggies — including what's in their heads. Are they thinking of another BCS Bowl appearance, or just a trip to Las Vegas?

Maybe they're just deciding where they're going for pizza after the game.

All summer, people wondered what the game will mean for new USU coach Gary Andersen and his team, and whether he can resurrect a long-dead program. Yet the scenario is probably more important to Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. After two BCS bowl appearances in five years, he has the national media wondering if Utah is a permanent player. This is a game the Utes should win handily.

It will indicate whether they are vulnerable to being sidetracked by inattention and arrogance.

If it sounds kooky that Utah should have any trouble whatsoever with the Aggies, consider this: It had trouble last season with Weber State. Though the Utes won 37-21, the teams were tied after one quarter. After scoring 30 unanswered points to put the game away, the Utes allowed two Weber touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Admittedly, by that point a number of second-team players were in the game. Still, the Utes worried enough to unveil a trick play — one that probably should have been kept for a more formidable opponent.

But that was a mid-season game that was hard to take seriously. This one is the season-opener. Hence, the Utes should be locked and loaded.

"All right. It's finally here," Whittingham said on Monday. "It's been a long time coming."

In spite of Utah's success in BCS bowls, the Utes haven't convinced everyone they're for real. For instance, the media. Utah was picked to finish only third this year in the Mountain West, behind TCU and BYU. Apparently all the last-minute victories last year didn't convince people the Utes were all that good.

"We're used to that," said honors candidate Zane Beadles, offhandedly.

Then there is the skepticism over the losses of Brian Johnson, Paul Kruger, Sean Smith and Louie Sakoda, as well as several fine receivers.