Ags still looking for elusive win
The Aggies look to gain momentum from their best offensive showing of the year last week against Idaho when they take the field for their Homecoming game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday.
Fresno State has a 1-3 record and has lost seven of their last eight games going back to last season. But their losses have by and large been close affairs against major conference foes and the Bulldogs are still in great shape in the WAC standings with a win over Nevada.
USU Head Coach Brent Guy said, “They have given up a lot of third downs but their strength is still their defense, where they have the most returnees.” Fresno State is allowing their opponents a 50 percent conversion rate on third down while converting only 43 percent of their own.
The man for the Bulldogs on offense is running back Dwayne Wright, who Guy described as “a load.” Wright has gained 525 net yards this year, only losing nine yards through four games and scoring seven touchdowns.
“I expect them to try and run it and challenge Frank Maile and the guys on defense,” Guy said. Jake Hutton won’t be available to help contain Wright, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot against BYU and was replaced by freshman Paul Igboeli against Idaho.
Fresno has a great recent tradition at the quarterback tradition with David Carr and Paul Pinegar but this year their passing game hasn’t been as effective with Tom Brandstater under center. Brandstater has thrown six interceptions compared to only four touchdown passes and is barely completing more than half of his throws.
“They have some issues at quarterback and I don’t think they want to put too much pressure on him,” Guy said.
For the Aggies, the focal point will be freshman quarterback Riley Nelson, who replaced Leon Jackson III as the starter this week. In two possessions against Idaho, Nelson made some freshman mistakes but also helped drive the Aggies down the field for a late touchdown.
Nelson’s best weapon is running back Marcus Cross, who comes in as the Aggies leading rusher and receiver. Cross’ 369 yards are already an improvement over last year’s leading rushing performance, Ryan Bohm’s 340. The last time one player led USU in both rushing and receiving was Tom Larscheid in 1961.
USU’s 8-3 1971 team coached by Chuck Mills is having a reunion this weekend and will be recognized at the game.
-graham@cc.usu.edu