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Spring practices went well, leaving the coach optimistic about the 2003 season. The biggest boost is being in a conference. After the past two years of playing as an independent, the Aggies join the Sun Belt Conference with a bowl berth on the line. "It feels like we have been on the outside the last two years," Dennehy said. "The aspect of competitiveness, of going out and playing for something, putting it on the line for something, I think that will make an immediate impact." First, USU must face another stiff non-conference lineup. Games at Utah, Nebraska and Arizona State to start the season will be a test for an inexperienced team. OFFENSIVE KEYS: There is more than one pair of big shoes to fill on offense. Utah State lost its top quarterback, receiver and running back from a unit that ranked seventh nationally in passing and 38th in total offense. Plus two three-year starters on the offensive line are gone.The biggest concern has to be at quarterback. Junior Travis Cox has seen action in nine games during his Aggie career, but mostly when the outcome was already decided. He passed for 11 yards in 2002. Cox is on top of the depth chart after a solid spring, but will be challenged by redshirt freshman Bryan Black and Matt Crivello. Whoever wins the job will have tight end/fullback Chris Cooley (31 receptions, 502 yards and four touchdowns) and wide receiver Chris Stallworth (17, 231, three) to pass to. Five offensive linemen have starts under their belts. Running backs Richard Watson and David Fiefia have also been starters. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The Aggies ranked near the bottom of Division I-A in rushing defense and total defense a year ago. A new defensive coordinator was hired, and USU has switched from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. The spring was spent learning assignments.The Aggies lost their leading tackler from last year, but welcome back seven starters. Former starter Nate Putnam returns after missing 2002 with a shoulder injury. He earned All-Big West honors in 2000 as a defensive end, but he will play linebacker in the Aggies' new scheme. Junior linebacker Robert Watts, who finished second on the team in tackles a year ago with 85, is pleased with the new defense. "I love it. I just get to run and tackle people," he said. Defensive lineman John Chick started all 11 games as a true freshman and led the team in sacks with four. Tackle Michael Gates emerged as a force in the spring. The Aggie secondary, which has eight players back with experience, has struggled at times. Cornerback Mark Estelle broke up 13 passes last year. SPECIAL TEAMS: USU must replace its two-year kicker and four-year starter at punter. Sophomore Ben Chaet and freshman Justin Hamblin will share the kicking duties.Dennis ranked seventh nationally in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, while Fiefia averaged 9.1 yards on punt returns. FINAL ANALYSIS: After back-to-back 4-7 seasons as an independent, the best news last fall came when the Sun Belt Conference invited the Aggies to join the league in 2003. Dennehy noticed a new enthusiasm with his team during spring practices. While there is excitement about joining the Sun Belt, the fact is the offense has a number of question marks, and the schedule is not kind at the beginning with three tough road games. The defense should be much improved in 2003, which could keep USU competitive in its first tour through its new conference.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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