This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah State's football season is long over, but have the Aggies really - I mean, REALLY - had a chance to celebrate?
After the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, many students were away on break, and even Gary Andersen said farewell to Logan. But the program is giving students and fans a chance to come share the spoils of victory on Jan. 26, starting at 6 p.m. at the Spectrum before the Aggies hoops team takes on Louisiana Tech.
You have to have a ticket to the game to get in, but once you're in, football players will be on hand in the concourse to sign autographs. Fans will also have a chance to see their winnings: a WAC title trophy and the Potato Bowl trophy. Presumably, the awards will be available for Instagram and Facebook photo ops.
At halftime, the school will play a season highlight video from the 11-2 season before honoring the team. It will be an opportunity for fans and students to officially recognize the players, as well as get a new introduction to now-head coach Matt Wells (if you missed the first one over break).
There's a subtle pack-the-house influence at work here, as well. Louisiana Tech, as of Thursday afternoon, is still the only other undefeated team in WAC play. If the Aggies and the Bulldogs win out this week, there could be a mega-WAC showdown on Saturday, so you can bet Utah State would like the Spectrum to be at ear-splitting level.
Some extra reading while you're stopping by, and sorry in advance that nothing is about Manti Te'o:
• SI's Andy Glockner ranks the Western Athletic Conference as the 16th best in the country. The WAC doesn't get much respect these days. But for USU fans, the good news is that he calls Utah State "the clear favorite."
• Speaking of hoops, some Utah State fans might be disappointed to learn that the Spectrum was not on ESPN's list of the nation's best homecourt advantages. Two arenas that the Aggies will play in next year made it: The Pit at New Mexico, and The Show at San Diego State.
• But cheer up, because Stadium Journey ranked the Spectrum at No. 33 nationally. Which some fans probably would still like to boost — maybe they hadn't heard of BeardOut yet.
• ... so if you're disgruntled about where the Aggies wound up on those lists, USU fans can vote on the topic. I Love College Hoops is hosting a Facebook vote.
• A familiar name pops up on Mel Kiper's list of top cornerbacks in the NFL Draft. (SPOILER: It's Will Davis, popping in at No. 4.)
• Kerwynn Williams has been practicing this week for Saturday's East-West Shrine Game. Eagles blogger Tony Pauline cites the USU running back's pro potential, while Yahoo! points out that he could work on his blocking.
— Kyle Goon
Twitter: @kylegoon