Aggies look to prey on Cougars
For many, picking the winner of the Utah State University versus Brigham Young University (No. 20 in AP poll, No. 18 in the USA Today/Coaches poll) football game Friday evening at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo is a no brainer.
Winning 15 of the 16 games between USU and BYU since 1983, the once-competitive rivalry only exists in spirit off the football field, now.
The only recent Aggie win came in 1993 in a 58-56 shootout. Most games have been decided by an average of 33 points, though.
This season, the Aggies are not only looking for a win against their in-state rival, they are searching for their first victory of the year.
“For me, it’s been five years and we haven’t beaten BYU, so this is going to be a real emotional game,” linebacker Tony Newson said. “We all know we’re going to go out with a bang our senior years against BYU. We’re going to go out there and pour our hearts out and see what happens in the end.”
Utah State will face its third top-20 team this season while the Cougars first four opponents have combined record of 2-14.
“Our games don’t get any easier,” USU coach Mick Dennehy said. “I think our players understand the types of teams we’re playing and that we don’t have a lot of margin for error. I’m really proud of the way that they have been able to come back every week and not lose focus and not waste a lot of time thinking what could’ve or what should’ve.
“I think our kids will come out and be focused this week. I feel it’s a matter of time that we’ll win some games,” he said.
The Aggies hope the time to win begins Friday.
“We all just want to come out and win this game,” guard Jess Schuck said. “I think we have a really good chance of coming out and doing some damage. We’ve just got to come together as a team for four quarters. I don’t think we’ve played a complete game. “