This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Logan • The praise for Utah State has come from all angles.
Pat Hill, Fresno State's head coach, said that this is the best USU team he has ever seen. The media is embracing Chuckie Keeton as the best collegiate quarterback in Utah. Utah State's 63-19 win over Wyoming last week is seen as a potential season-changer, and to top it off, the Bulldogs are struggling.
Many think the Aggies have a great chance to go in and knock off Fresno State. But the praise heading USU's way is a big warning sign for the coaching staff.
"We believe we're the best Utah State football team since we've been here," offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin said. "But we aren't there yet. We still have a lot of work to do and we have to keep improving. But in saying that, we're still 2-3. It's all about the wins. You can be the best and still not be where you need to be."
In preparation for Saturday's matchup, head coach Gary Andersen said that the play of his secondary will be a key factor. The Bulldogs have a number of receivers, more speed than any team the Aggies have faced other than Auburn, and the lust to get vertical in the passing game.
"They have found a way to get down the field in every single game," Andersen said. "It's been a great advantage in their offense. We have to find a way to rise to that challenge. That's the big matchup for us. They have a very good quarterback, and they have a lot of weapons on offense. We have to limit that in some way."
Andersen's visit
Earlier in the week, Andersen traveled to Salt Lake and went to see Porter Hancock, the South Summit football player who suffered a dislocated neck in a game last Friday and has been left paralyzed from the chest down.
"I don't want a bunch of publicity," Andersen said. "It was an opportunity to see the kid and wish him well. He's in very good spirits, and he's doing better by the day."
Odds and ends
Eric Schultz had surgery on his hand earlier in the week, but the offensive tackle is expected to play on Saturday. … Andersen missed his regular news conference this week because he was "taking care of my personal business."
Twitter: @tonyaggieville —
Utah State at Fresno State
P Saturday, 8 p.m.