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Logan • Utah State and BYU don't play until Friday, but something as simple as an actual game time didn't prevent the two rivals from throwing some zingers at one another on Monday.

The morning started with BYU defensive lineman Remington Peck telling reporters at the Cougars' press conference that he had learned through his ties to Utah State that quarterback Chuckie Keeton was going to apply for a medical redshirt this season.

That news hit social media like wildfire, causing Utah State officials to deny the rumor before their weekly football press conference on Monday. Utah State coach Matt Wells acted surprised to hear such talk and he responded by asking if BYU was in discussion with his team's doctors.

"BYU said that?!," was Wells' reaction.

So what is the story with Keeton, who hasn't played in a game and a half due to an injury to his surgically repaired knee?

Wells didn't reveal much, other than to say Keeton would be evaluated after he practices.

"We'll get him to practice today and we'll see what is going on," Wells said.

Keeton's injury is to the same knee he injured against BYU last season.

Doctor evaluations revealed Keeton's knee was structurally sound, but he was unable to play against Arkansas State on Sept. 20.

Darell Garretson quarterbacked the Aggies in that 21-14 overtime loss, going 26-of-46 for 268 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

But this game is more than just about quarterbacks or the Xs and Os. Both schools referred to it as a big game.

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall possibly meant his comments as a dig at Utah when he called it a huge game "considering only one in-state team will play us this year."

That crack made Wells smile and nod, perhaps because he had similar feelings. The idea that the Cougars thought of his team as a 'huge,' game for whatever reason was 'cool,' in his estimation.

"It's a big emotional game, especially for the in-state kids," Wells said. "It's on national television, a big stage, we're excited to get there."

The Aggies are 1-6 against BYU teams coached by Mendenhall and haven't won in Provo since 1978. However, the strength of the BYU team, the bad history and the uncertainty at quarterback isn't hurting the Aggies' optimism.

It is, after all, a rivalry game. Such contests are often more about emotions and momentum than anything else.

"I'm looking for my first win against them," Utah State offensive lineman Kevin Whimpey said. "What better place than to get one in Provo?" —

Utah Stateat No. 18 BYU

O Friday, 8:15 p.m. TV: ESPN