This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

In any season opener, http://bit.ly/2c0G8Jn";>there's plenty of unknowns — even moreso between two opponents who have never played before, and even moreso when one of the teams is an FCS program tucked away in Southern Utah.

But The Spectrum's Ryan Miller might be best positioned of anyone to know the drill on what will unfold on Thursday night when the Utes host the Thunderbirds at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Ryan is a Utah alum who covered the team for the Daily Chronicle, and in the last few years has covered SUU athletic program for St. George's paper of record.

So as the one man who has covered both programs, Ryan answered a few questions to give a picture into what might happen in Utah's first game of the year.http://www.thespectrum.com/staff/42049/ryan-miller/";> You can find his stories at The Spectrum website, or follow him https://twitter.com/millerjryan";>on Twitter at @millerjryan. The questions (and answers):

1. With Demario Warren taking over, have there been any shifts in team culture or scheme? Or is he trying to keep the same elements of the Ed Lamb era?

Ryan Miller: Warren spent eight seasons coaching under Lamb, so naturally, he hasn't changed much right out of the gate. The culture of the team is still centered around an underdog mentality and the overused SUU saying, "Doing more with less."

The schemes won't be much different. Offensive coordinator Justin Walterscheid returns after taking over midway through last season. And Warren said there will only be small changes to the defense, mostly to try and make up for losing three players to the NFL.

2. http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/2016/08/29/suu-football-mccoy-hill-named-starting-quarterback/89570576/";>McCoy Hill is expected to be the starter for SUU after a stop at BYU. What has he learned along the way, and will his supporting cast allow him to succeed?

RM: Well, I'd think he would have learned patience by this point. Hill hasn't started a game since his senior year in high school — in 2010.

Hill has the weapons around him to succeed. In fact, his receivers should make him look pretty good at times. Seniors Mike Sharp, Ty Rutledge and Brady Measom lead a deep and talented receiver group that includes former 4-star wideout, Desean Holmes. The one concern I have is the offensive line. http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/college/southern-utah/2016/08/24/suu-football-t-birds-fresh-faced-linemen-set-face-utahs-powerhouse-defense/89316772/";>SUU will start two freshmen on the O-line after two starters transferred to BYU over the offseason.

3. Three T-birds http://www.thespectrum.com/story/sports/2016/08/13/t-birds-nfl-cowser-killebrew-impress-first-preseason-games/88672138/";>went to the NFL this spring. How is SUU planning to replace Miles Killebrew, LeShaun Sims and James Cowser, and realistically how much drop-off will there be?

RM: As an FCS school, SUU doesn't have the talent immediately available to replace those guys. But the T-birds still have a lot of skilled players.

The defense will center around linebacker Mike Needham, who is probably the team's best all-around player. Needham will drop back in coverage, be sent to stop the run and will come off the edge to rush the quarterback — much like Killebrew did last year. The defensive line will still be a strong point, but there is a concern in the secondary. While corner Josh Thornton is getting NFL looks, the opposite corner is a major question mark.

There will obviously be a drop-off, but how big of one depends on how quickly SUU can find an answer at the other corner spot. Other than that, there's not a glaring weakness.

4. Of each position group, which is SUU's strongest? What will be the area they match up with Utah the best?

RM: As a whole, the defensive line is probably the T-birds strongest group. It might not feature a James Cowser-type player, but it's at least ten players deep and filled with talent. Defensive tackles Robert Torgerson and Fesi Vaivaka are very large humans who have the ability to blow up opposing offensive lines, and coaches are hoping defensive end Taylor Pili is the next great SUU pass rusher. But, against the Utah offensive line, that might not be a match up the T-birds can win.

With the talent of Utah's roster it's hard to find a clear advantage for SUU, but 6-foot-7 tight end Steven Wroblewski is an NFL prospect and could be tough for Utah to cover.

5. This is the first time these schools have played in their histories. How do the in-state players on SUU feel about going to Rice-Eccles, particularly since many of them played in state championships there?

RM: I know a lot of fans don't like these matchups, but FCS players love them. Many of the in-state players grew up cheering for or against Utah, so it's a special experience for them to be able to play in Rice-Eccles, even if they know it will likely end in a loss. It's also a chance for the players to prove themselves. There are multiple SUU players who think they have a shot at the NFL and they are treating this game like a job interview.

*****

Thanks, Ryan.

Tune in tomorrow for the game.

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon