This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Gary Andersen began his postgame press conference by thanking the 24,226 who made it to Romney Stadium to see USU beat UNLV 35-13 on Saturday night.
Chuckie Keeton and Kerwynn Williams regularly talked about the atmosphere.
Romney Stadium was a lively place against the Rebels. For a minute, one could close their eyes and imagine the craziness of the Spectrum.
Only this isn't basketball season.
Saturday provided more proof that Andersen has completely turned the Aggie program around. Not only did a animated student section provide chants all game that can be heard during hoops season, there were chants, original chants.
"It was good to see this place full," Andersen said.
"The crowd turned out and supported the kids. That means a lot to the players. They were loud, and I believe they affected the game."
Andersen has become so popular because he's endeared himself to the community.
Before the game, he could be seen handing out white T-shirts to students who needed them. He consistently urged the crowd to be louder. By the time kickoff rolled around, Romney was at a fever pitch.
That's why Andersen began his presser with thanks. With three home games left, USU now has homefield advantage.
That couldn't be said in years past.
Tony Jones