Aggies seek second straight 'Old Wagon Wheel' win


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LOGAN — More than 40 years have passed since Utah State beat BYU in back-to-back seasons.

Saturday's contest for "The Old Wagon Wheel" signals the Aggies' first chance to hand the Cougars defeats in consecutive seasons since reeling off four straight in 1971-74.

"It's BYU week, an in-state rivalry, so it's an exciting time around the office and very easy to be motivated, both players and coaches, to prepare well, to scheme well and to play well," Utah State coach Matt Wells said in a press conference Monday. "It's Thanksgiving week, there are families involved, friends involved, in-state rivalry cousins, high school teammates and all that kind of stuff."

Despite being eliminated from contention for their conference championship game, Wells noted the Aggies understand "it's a huge game for our program" after they became bowl eligible for the fifth time in as many seasons last week with a 31-27 come-from-behind win over Nevada.

Utah State has won its last 14 home games — the third-best mark in the country — but the Aggies could be without starting quarterback Kent Myers after he left the game against Nevada with a left shoulder injury in the first quarter.

Wells, who doesn't disclose injury updates unless they sideline a player for the year, said he'd know more after Myers met with doctors Monday. If the sophomore can't go, fifth-year senior Chuckie Keeton will get the nod following his relief of Myers last Saturday.

Keeton suffered a season-ending knee injury against BYU in 2013.

Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News
Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News

"I've got a scar to prove it," he said. "They're not the same team as they were two years ago, and they're not the same team as they were last week. It's always an evolving process. The team chemistry and what we have to do is continue to approach it as if it's another week, and take it as it is."

The Houston native ran for 52 yards on 14 carries in the victory over Nevada, and he said, "I cringed more than I was amazed" while reviewing his 14-of-27, 109-yard passing performance, which was his first extended game action since playing the entirety of a 31-17 loss at Washington Sept. 19.

Devante Mays' 133 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, combined with the defense turning in a much better second half in which it held the opposition to seven points and scored a touchdown, were the catalysts in helping the Aggies overcome a 20-point deficit versus the Wolf Pack, but it's clear Utah State is preparing for a much more versatile Cougar attack.

Wells said the BYU receiving corps presents a "major challenge."

"We're going to petition to play with 12 and see if we can get another corner and safety," he joked. "We've got to put a safety over the top of them, so I don't know how we're going to play the box on defense. The length and athleticism by those guys out on the perimeter will make it a major challenge for our defense."

The Provo team brings the No. 21 passing offense to Maverik Stadium for what will be the best air attack the Aggies have seen since forcing eight turnovers in a 52-26 win against Boise State.

"The quarterback has got confidence and moxie," Wells said of BYU freshman Tanner Mangum. "You can see him fitting balls in tight windows and that, to me, is a sign of a confident quarterback. He's confident in his wideouts, and he's ripping balls in windows and giving them chances to make plays."

Utah State ranks ninth in passing yards allowed, however, and has had more difficulty stopping the run.

Luckily for the Aggies, the Cougars have had trouble replacing the rushing production of running back Jamaal Williams and quarterback Taysom Hill this season, ranking No. 102 in run offense.

"It's big for me because I want to leave a mark here," senior nose guard David Moala said. "Not only is it BYU, but I want to leave a legacy here, and I want to be remembered here, too.

"We've had so many great defenders that have played at Utah State, and I just want to be a part of that culture. BYU is just a bonus because it's our last game, our senior game, against our rival. But it's also a chance to give back to our fans. They deserve it the most."

The game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MST and can be seen on CBS Sports Network.


Kyle Spencer is a freelance journalist residing in Orem. You can find him on Twitter @kyledspencer or reach him by email at kspence04@gmail.com.

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