OUR VIEW: Football can thrive in Sun Belt

Maybe the sun really is starting to shine on Utah State University football. After being an independent program for three years and having no shot at a league title, the Aggies finally have something to play for because of their addition in the Sun Belt Conference.

Saturday’s 28-10 defeat of Louisiana-Monroe was the perfect way to start a winning tradition at USU. There was no question as to why the Aggie Blue Pride Light was lit Saturday night.

The effects of joining the Sun Belt Conference are already being felt. New logos on the field remind the players and fans of the association, and having something to play for simply brings extra confidence to the team.

The fans are key to helping boost that confidence. Learn the fight song. Learn the Scotsman. Wear blue.

It’s not like anyone would necessarily have to go out of their way to do any of these things. ASUSU Athletics Vice President Tyler Olsen held signs during pregame festivities with the words to each song, and throughout the year the bookstore always has sales on blue Aggie apparel.

The players can feel the energy from the stands, and it can carry over to positive output on the field.

It may be too early to tell exactly what implications being in a league will have for the Aggies, but joining the Sun Belt Conference was the beginning step for a program that was struggling to find its place in college football. It couldn’t have come at a better time.