Utah State football: Season at a glance

2009 record: 4-8 overall, 3-5 WAC

2009 preseason prediction/actual finish: 7th coaches and media polls, Actual: T-6th

Offensive MVP: Sophomore running back Robert Turbin had one of the best years in USU history. His 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground were complimented by 416 receiving yards to go with another five scores.

Defensive MVP: Senior safety James Brindley was the heart and soul of the defense. But sophomore Bobby Wagner had a phenomenal season at linebacker with 114 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

Best win: Closing the season out with a 52-49 road win over a bowl-bound Idaho gave the team loads of confidence that the team is, indeed, headed in the right direction.

Worst loss: A 20-17 setback at New Mexico State not only gave USU a bad start to the WAC season, it may have cast doubt in the team about winning close games. As bad as the Ags have been, a loss to NMSU is never acceptable.

2010 Outlook: A less-daunting schedule, another offseason with Gary Andersen coaching and recruiting and virtually all important offensive players back means the Aggies will be a legitimate threat for a bowl game next year. The defense, however, must be fixed. Giving up that many yards and points is far from a recipe for success.