Excitement increases with first scrimmage

Intensity picked up Tuesday morning at Utah State's football practice.

And, there was a good reason. It concluded with the first, full-contact scrimmage since fall camp began more than a week ago. For the first time, ball carriers were tackled in live action.

"We probably don't do (scrimmage) as much as allowed," Aggie head coach Mick Dennehy said. "When we do, we hope they take advantage. I think they did today."

Four defensive starters watched the action with various bumps and bruises. Noseguard Ronald Tupea, linebackers Robert Watts and Nate Fredrick, and strong safety Mike Rosencrans all watched the scrimmage from the sidelines.

Dennehy said all four could have played if it was a game, but wants to make sure they are healthy for the opener on Aug. 28, at Utah. There is an upside to the four starters sitting: some younger, inexperienced players get the opportunity to see action.

"I thought it looked good," said Tupea, a two-year starter. "Everyone is running to the ball. It looks more like a team out there, instead of individuals standing around waiting for someone else to make a play."

The coach liked the execution of the scrimmage.

"We took a real nice step forward on offense today," Dennehy said. "Consistency-wise, the guys picked it up. It was nice to see (quarterback) Bryan Black finally make some plays. That should give him some confidence.

"We are not where we want to be, but I think we are starting to get there. ... Everybody had their moments."

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