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Boise • Everyone involved in the game remembers the last time Utah State played Boise State.
The memories are exhilarating or embarrassing, depending on perspective.
A year ago at electrified Maverik Stadium, the Broncos arrived as the No. 21 team in the country. They were 5-1. But eight turnovers later, including seven in the first half, the Aggies celebrated a shocking 52-26 victory.
"… We had a lot of momentum go our way," Utah State linebacker Brock Carmen recalled. "Once we got the ball rolling, it just didn't stop."
The Aggies built an unimaginable 45-10 lead at halftime, capped when defensive back Marwin Evans returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown on the final play.
"I just remember, early on, we put the nail in the coffin," said receiver Andrew Rodriguez.
Utah State's opportunity for its second straight win over Boise State — and the Broncos' chance to avenge the lopsided defeat — comes Saturday night at Albertsons Stadium.
Kickoff is 8:15 p.m.
The Aggies are 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the Mountain West Conference. They must rebound from the emotional letdown from last week's 27-20 loss to Air Force.
"You just put it behind you," Carmen said. "It's only one loss. Obviously, we wanted that one badly. … [But] it's about moving on and using it as a motivation."
Said Rodriguez: "You just put your head down, don't worry about everything that's going around you [and] focus on what you know — what you know you're good at."
Meanwhile, Boise State is 3-0 heading into its league opener, including wins over Washington State (31-28) and Oregon State (38-24). Going back to last season, the Broncos have beaten four straight Pac-12 opponents. They are ranked 24th in the Associated Press poll.
"This is a team that everybody knows I have a great deal of respect for," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "I've always said that the road to the Mountain Division [championship] goes through Boise State."
The Broncos are led by quarterback Brett Rypien, running back Jeremy McNichols, do-it-all receiver Thomas Sperbeck and a swarming defense that a week ago limited Oregon State to 287 yards.
As a true freshman, Rypien struggled against Utah State last season. He threw three interceptions but, today, is the leading passer in the Mountain West.
"Rypien is accurate," Wells said. "He's got tremendous arm strength and a lot of moxie. … He's probably pretty fun to coach, if I was guessing."
Wells calls the 1-2 punch of Rypien and McNichols "the best quarterback-tailback combo we'll see all year" and Sperbeck leads the conference in receiving and all-purpose yards.
"Sperbeck is the guy in the Mountain West who doesn't get enough credit," Wells said. "He does everything. He throws every trick pass or catches every trick pass. He's involved in everything. The guy could probably be the back-up quarterback."
Going into the season, Boise's defense seemed suspect, since it returned only four starters. But one of the veterans is linebacker Tanner Vallejo.
"They have a very solid, blue-collar, tough, active defensive line," Wells said. "… and Vallejo is everywhere."
Utah State is expected to be missing two of its top players. Running back Devante Mays (knee) and safety Dallin Leavitt (ankle) were injured against Air Force and did not return to the game.
The Aggies have not updated their status, though it seems unlikely Mays or Leavitt will be back soon.
"We have to pick up the pieces and go back to work," Wells said.
Twitter: @sluhm —
Utah State at No. 24 Boise State
P At Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Kickoff • Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
TV • ESPN2
Radio • 610 AM, 1280 AM, 101.2 FM
Records • Utah State 2-2, 0-1 MWC; Boise State 3-0, 0-0
Series • Boise State, 15-5
Last meeting • Utah State, 52-26 (2015)
About the Aggies • They are 4-3 in their last seven games against nationally-ranked opponents. … They have lost four straight road games, going back to last season. … They have not started 0-2 in conference play since 2011. … All-time, they are 2-8 in Boise. … They rank 11th in the Mountain West in net punting (26.2). … TE Wyatt Houston has caught at least one pass in 10 straight games. … Brock Warren is 5-for-6 in field goals. His only miss was a 37-yarder at USC.
About the Broncos • They come off a 38-24 victory at Oregon State. … They have won five straight games, going back to last season. … They lead the Mountain West in total offense (505.3). They are second in scoring (38.0). … They have converted 11 of 12 red zone scoring opportunities. … Sophomore QB Brett Rypien leads the Mountain West in passing yards per game (287.0). … Junior RB Jeremy Nichols has rushed for seven touchdowns in three games.