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Logan • All eyes at Maverik Stadium will be focused on Utah State sophomore quarterback Kent Myers Saturday, when Utah State battles Colorado State in a Mountain West Conference game between expected contenders.

Myers makes the seventh start of his career — but his first this season — against the Rams. He replaces senior Chuckie Keeton, who is sidelined 4-6 weeks with a sprained knee.

"The things that Kent Myers brings to the table are some athleticism, some confidence, how he feels about himself and how his teammates feel about him," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "His teammates are very, very confident in him, I can tell you that."

Myers went 5-1 as a starter last season, although the wins over Hawaii, Wyoming, New Mexico, San Jose State and UTEP did not come over teams the caliber of Colorado State.

Still, Wells said, "… He throws the ball well, whether it's in the pocket or on the move. And he's improved from last year. But game-time will tell."

Myers takes control of a struggling offense.

Utah State produced only three offensive touchdowns in three games and ranks last in the conference in scoring (14.3), yards per game (292.3) and first downs (12.3). The Aggies are 11th in the 12-team league in rushing (113.3).

Can Myers spark Utah State against Colorado State?

"That's what we're trying to figure out," Wells said. "That's the million dollar question."

Of course, Myers isn't the only one who will help supply the answer.

"We have to play better around him," Wells said, "… [and] we have to find ways to run the football. That helps the quarterback out. Hopefully, we're able to move the ball."

Like Myers, Utah State's defense will also be tested against Colorado State.

The Rams own one of the most potent offenses in the Mountain West. They rank second in total yards (462.5) and third in scoring (35.5), despite a schedule that includes games against Colorado and Minnesota.

The Aggie defense, on the other hand, has been "a little up-and-down," according to linebacker Torrey Green.

"We just need to stay focused," he said. "It's the little things that make us go up and down. It's nothing drastic. Just alignment and assignment. The coaches say it all the time. As long as we stay focused and everybody does their job — that's the No. 1 thing — we'll be all right."

Green is expected to make his first start of the season at outside linebacker. He had a career-high seven tackles against Washington, including three behind the line of scrimmage.

Green, who is from Riverside, Calif., doesn't have the high profile of fellow linebackers Kyler Fackrell, LT Filliaga and Nick Vigil. But he's shown a knack for making big plays during Utah State's 1-2 start.

"God gave me an opportunity to play," Green said. "Whatever I can do for the team — whatever position they put me in — I just have to do what's best for the team. I have to be big in special teams. On defense, I have to play big and fast." —

Colorado State at Utah State

P At Maverik Stadium

Kickoff • Saturday, 5 p.m.

TV • ESPN3. Radio • 610 AM, 1280 AM, 95.9 FM

Records • Utah State 1-2, Colorado State 2-2

Series • Colorado State, 32-37-2

Last meeting • Colorado State, 16-13 (2014)

About the Aggies • They come off a bye after a 31-17 loss at Washington on Sept. 19. … They are 3-0 after byes under head coach Matt Wells. … They have won 19 of their last 21 home games, including 10 straight. … They have scored only three touchdowns on seven trips into the opponents' red zone. … LB Nick Vigil leads the conference in tackles (11.3).

About the Rams • They have won seven of their last 10 true road games. … They are last in the Mountain West in turnover margin (-6). … They average 462.5 yards of total offense, which is second in the Mountain West and 36th nationally. … All-American WR Rashard Higgins has caught 20 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in only three games.