This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Before the season started, many theorized just how big the Utah State-BYU game might be if both teams were undefeated going into their October clash.
Well, unfortunately that perfect scenario isn't playing out after the Aggies' losses to Tennessee and Arkansas State, but the rivalry game in Provo on Friday is still huge in the minds of the Aggies.
"They're undefeated and we'd like to be their first loss," linebacker LT Filiaga stated.
The Aggies haven't enjoyed such an outcome since October 2010 when they defeated the Cougars 31-16 at home. The last time the Aggies won in Provo was 1978, a 24-7 victory.
"LaVell Edwards Stadium has been a major home field advantage for them over many, many years," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "Great home field crowd, they're loud. They play well at home. We have a tremendous challenge on our hands."
Making the game a particularly tough one for the Aggies is the way the season has developed for the two teams.
The Cougars have a lot of confidence coming off their 41-33 win over Virginia while the Aggies' offense has yet to hit its stride.
Some of the struggles could be attributed to injuries to quarterback Chuckie Keeton and running back Joe Hill, two guys the Aggies hope to have back on the field Friday.
Wells said he hopes to have a decision on Keeton as early as possible, although he is satisfied with the effort he has seen out of his replacement Darell Garretson.
Garretson is 38-of-62 for 389 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. One of his interceptions was in the red zone against Arkansas State, one of just many missed opportunities the Aggies had in that loss.
If he is the guy who starts against the Cougars, Garretson said he had to do a better job with his reads.
"I've had some good looks but I have to do a better job getting the ball to guys when they are open," he said. "I need to be more fluid on the reads."
The Cougars are averaging 37.5 points a game behind the stout play of quarterback Taysom Hill, who is 80-of-121 passing for 876 yards and six touchdowns and has rushed 79 times for 428 yards and seven touchdowns.
"They're playing very well and they're hot right now," Wells said. "They have one of the hottest quarterbacks in the country. They're always stout on defense. I already know that. I've seen that, and you know it from all the years playing them."
Even though their record isn't what they'd hoped it would be at this point, linebacker Zach Vigil said the team remains positive.
"We are a good team," he said. "But we know we have to play a lot cleaner."
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