Southern Utah 'anxious' to get on the field against Utah State


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LOGAN — It's the most wonderful time of the year. Football season is about to arrive in full force. The Aggies' Thursday night kickoff is fast approaching, and Southern Utah is ready and anxious to get to game day.

In a news release last week, senior defensive end James Cowser, who was unanimously named to the preseason Big Sky all-conference team as the Defensive MVP, spoke about preparing for Utah State.

"I think we're anxious," he said. "Today was the first Utah State day, and I think there was some extra jitters, a little confusion, there was that added excitement, but we're anxious and ready to get on the field."

Cowser added that he was glad camp was over and is looking forward to the season.

"With camp, it's a grind because you're doing it all day, but when you're in season it's a fun game, and you focus when it's time to focus."

Cowser headlines a defensive unit that returns six starters from last year. The SUU defense is looking to improve dramatically after surrendering 35.6 points and 526 yards per game last year.

He said he was excited for how senior quarterback Ammon Olsen has improved.

"This year, playing with Ammon, you can really tell that his reads are more clear, he has more chemistry with all of us and it's great to see. Everything is quick and better, the timing is better, and I think this year will be even better for him and the offense as a whole."


We have to show the scout team guys drawings, trying to do their best assimilation of Utah State, instead of just practicing against each other at the pace an actual game is played. We all have to work through the frustration of that. The players are frustrated, the coaches are frustrated.

–Ed Lamb


Olsen will be operating SUU's offense behind an offensive line that has had its struggles. SUU running back coach Sam Elliott said the offensive line is improving despite its struggles.

"We are definitely stronger and tougher than last year, that physicality obviously helps us in the run game," Elliott said. "The experience is what's lacking with them. They're bigger and stronger, but not as experienced."

The offensive line hopes to protect Olsen better than it did last year when it gave up 38 sacks.

Head coach Ed Lamb said he was frustrated with how the preparation for Utah State has gone.

"The pace of the practice was much slower," he said. "We have to show the scout team guys drawings, trying to do their best assimilation of Utah State, instead of just practicing against each other at the pace an actual game is played. We all have to work through the frustration of that. The players are frustrated, the coaches are frustrated."

Utah State is 3-0 all-time against Southern Utah, with all three of those games being played in Logan. Kickoff for the in-state clash is Thursday night at 7 local time.


Parker Robertson is a graduate of Utah State University, a freelance contributor and an avid fan of sports. Follow him on Twitter @ParkerRob78 Email: ParkerRobertson18@gmail.com

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