Utah State spring game: Blue's offense rules the roost

Logan • Robert Turbin, Stanley Morrison, Matt Austin and Michael Smith not playing for Utah State in the Aggies' annual spring Blue-and-White scrimmage was noticeable enough Saturday afternoon at Romney Stadium.

That USU's blue team still managed to put up 33 points without many of the offensive stars who have fueled the team during the past three years was even more evident.

What it says — 33-7 was the official score — is that this Aggies team has depth, talent and athleticism to spare if it can manage to stay healthy this season, which is something that has eluded it during the past two years.

What it proved is that Adam Kennedy and Alex Hart are in a dead heat in the quarterback battle because the two are talented, not because they haven't performed to expectations.

"There is a long way to go yet, and a lot has to be proven," Utah State head coach Gary Andersen said. "But the offense did a lot of good things out there today, and the quarterbacks did a lot of good things out there today. The offense really has a chance."

Obviously, the big issue, and most of the attention, surrounded Hart and Kennedy. And Hart, who less than two years ago was slinging passes through Region 4 defenses at Jordan High School, showed exactly why he's propelled himself into the thick of the fight against Kennedy. The redshirt freshman went 19 of 25, throwing for 261 yards and two touchdowns to go with an interception.

Kennedy, the big junior-college guy with the strong arm, was impressive — but not nearly as efficient as Hart. Still, Kennedy went 19 of 33 for 223 yards through the air. However, he threw an interception to senior safety Walter McClenton that went the other way for a touchdown.

Kennedy and Hart will continue to battle through summer conditioning. Andersen said Saturday that he plans to name a starter after "a week or two" of fall camp.

"I think the competition is just going to make us better and make the team better," Kennedy said. "It's a competition and intense on the field, but it's much more friendly in the film room. And it's made me a better player. When I see him make a good play, I want to go out and make a good play."

There were other players who stood out. Senior wideout Xavier Martin had a breakout performance with 11 catches for 145 yards. Reliable senior wide receiver Eric Moats caught seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. Keegan Andersen, Gary's son and a former Class 3A MVP at Juan Diego, had two catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. Kerwynn Williams had five carries for 55 yards.

tjones@sltrib.comTwitter: @tonyaggieville —

Storylines Blue'soffense wins day

R The Blue team scores 33 points.

• Both QBs Alex Hart and Adam Kennedy impress.

• Former Alta star Parker Hausknecht records three quarterback sacks.