USU has signed 21 3-Star players since 2010. Only about 7 or 8 still remain on the team. All the others were 2's or unranked.
I'm not seeing where the whole "well we had better talent behind our starters " comes into play here.
In the SEC, UT has lacked talent. That situation has been gettin corrected sine Butch took over. There were still some highly rated guys remaining as well that can play ball. But just because we were lacking some in the SEC world does NOT mean we are lacking talent thats better than Utah State. Sure USU has found some gems in recruiting but for every low 2 star that pans out I can give you hundreds who didnt. The talent gap is huge here. You guys don't understand that though.
Aggie fan here- thanks for letting me post. I'm planning on being in Knoxville for the game and look forward to the fabled southern hospitality of the SEC schools I hear so much about. I am also looking forward to a world-class game experience and might sing along to Rocky Top a time or two to get in on it.
As for the scrimmage, game, and match up I'd like to weigh in as objectively as an USU alum can. Cleary UT has superior athletes. More stars, more highly sought after, however you want to put it that's a reality. I think Butch Jones is doing an admirable job though it hasn't yet shown in W-L record.
I think this game will be competitive. I don't think Utah State will win, but I don't think we'll be blown out. Our other money games have been discussed ad nauseum, but it's happened enough times in a row to show that USU will not roll over to bigger programs. I think both Tennessee and Utah State have question marks. It is easy for an UT fan to say, well we have better talent so we'll win easily: I think this is folly to assume. Tennessee did have a losing record last season after all. I know, I know it was in the mighty SEC, but still something to consider. As far as position groups go, I can give you the low-down from USU
QB: You probably have heard of Chuckie Keeton. When healthy, he is a dynamic play maker. He can run and throw accurately. His first game as a freshman was against Auburn and nearly led USU to a victory that day. He went out fifth game of the season with an ACL. Who knows how he'll be-- he's tough mentally and a hard worker. He will adjust his game the way he needs to be successful
OL: Very much a question mark. Replacing an NFL center and three other starters on the O-Line. Most of the guys on the line have some game experience, but only one has signifigant time logged. Big question mark here.
WR: Probably our deepest group. The three starters saw significant snaps last year and are starting to come into their own. They will be dynamic- USU hasn't had a play-making group here in some time. I think that changes this year
RB: Joe Hill will be the starter- he tore his ACL the game before Chuckie. I haven't seen enough of him to say that he'll have an outstanding year, but I do think he's a good back. USU had three NFL Runningbacks drafted the past two years so we're not unfamiliar with talent in this area. This is a group I worry about and was mediocre last year.
D-Line: We run a 3-4. We lose two starters from the line but rotate quite a bit. The starters all have signifigant experience
Linebacker: Our linebackers are quite good by lowly MWC standards. We return two all conference Linebackers. One of which is an NFL Talent- Kyler Fackrell who is 6'5" 250 and has great speed. This is a fast, aggressive, and deep group.
Secondary: We are replacing two NFL guys here. You are already familiar with Daniel Gray. Our other safety, Brian Suite was an all MWC performer. This position group very much remains a question mark.
I am looking forward to the game and some lively discussion before hand. Best of luck to your program.