This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Here are some of the keys to playing and beating Hawaii for Utah State tonight.
1) Generate energy - This won't be a vintage Utah State crowd tonight. For one thing, the students are still on break, which could lead to a watered down section. For another, there's the chance for some pretty inclement weather tonight, which may further dilute the crowd. Because of this, the Aggies need to generate their own energy, come out excited to play, which shouldn't be an issue, seeing that it's the WAC opener and all.
2) Control Hiram Thompson - The Hawaii point guard can seriously shoot it. He also caused some problems for Utah State last season. He's a good player, not a great one. And seeing the number of great guards the Aggies have faced this season so far, he's not anything that can't be controlled for the Aggies.
3) Crush confidence - True, the Warriors are 9-3 and have played well in the preseason. However, this is a team that's played all of one true road game. It's something that Utah State can take advantage of.
4) Tai Wesley - If he plays 30 plus minutes, Hawaii doesn't have much of a chance. It's that simple. If he gets into foul problems, like only he can, this could be a close game.
"It's no secret that teams are going to go after Tai, trying to get him into foul trouble," Stew Morrill said. "He needs to be aware of that."
5) Shoot the ball - The wings are a barometer for Utah State. If they shoot the ball well, the Aggies usually win and win big.
Tony Jones