OFFENSE

It’s a mixed bag for the Aggies offense as they prepare for the 2011 season. There are seven starters back, and five major weapons return after suffering season-ending injuries a year ago. One of the starters who will not be back, however, is quarterback Diondre Borel, who graduated with many school records.

Finding a new signal-caller has been one of the top priorities. Three players battled for the job in the spring — Jeremy Higgins, Alex Hart and Adam Kennedy. Higgins, however, opted to transfer in early May. True freshman Chuckie Keeton has been promised a shot when he arrives in August. “We want a quarterback that can manage the game, put the ball in the playmakers’ hands when the opportunity presents itself and not turn the ball over,” USU coach Gary Andersen says.

Running back Robert Turbin, who rushed for 1,296 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in 2009, headlines a group of players back from injury. Fellow back Michael Smith, wide receivers Matt Austin and Stanley Morrison and tight end Kellen Bartlett have proven to be explosive in the past. They are all expected to be back this fall. “We did not have a supporting cast for Diondre (Borel) last year,” Andersen says. “With all of these guys back, we will be a much better team.”

Five starters are back along the offensive line — though not all five will retain their positions — as well as several experienced tight ends. Three junior college linemen will add depth.

DEFENSE

After a second year of struggling to slow opponents down — the Aggies gave up 33.8 points per game — there have been some changes made. Andersen, who became nationally known as the defensive coordinator at Utah, has taken over that role at USU. The Aggies have also changed their scheme to a 3-4 alignment.

“We’ve got to improve on defense,” Andersen says. “We were horrid to say the least.”

There will be a learning curve with the 3-4 defense, but with a solid linebacker corps that returns two starters, Andersen is confident the overall defense will be better. The addition of some junior college players up front, especially at nose guard, and some new faces in the secondary should strengthen those areas.

Linebacker Bobby Wagner has led the WAC in tackles the past two seasons. He along with defensive ends Quinn Garner and Levi Koskan, linebacker Kyle Gallagher and safety Walter McClenton will provide veteran leadership.

SPECIALISTS

With the dangerous Kerwynn Williams back, the Aggies should be solid in the return game. However, losing four-year starter Peter Caldwell, who handled the kicking and punting duties, may result in some early growing pains. Junior college transfer Tyler Bennett is expected to take over at punter.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Entering his third year at Utah State, Andersen is aware that fans are expecting more wins. He does as well. With Boise State gone from the WAC, the league could be more evenly balanced.

Consistency was an issue a year ago. The Aggies gave nationally ranked Oklahoma a scare in Norman, then collapsed in the fourth quarter at home against Fresno State after holding a seven-point lead. They beat BYU, only to lose the following week at Louisiana Tech. Better depth will be counted on to finish games.

Once again there are six home games, which is not common. Utah State must take advantage of those opportunities and will have several chances in league road games to pick up some wins.