Utah State looks to avenge 2013 MWC championship loss, exploit struggling Fresno State

(Matt Gade/Deseret News/File)


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LOGAN — Utah State will play at Fresno State Saturday for the first time since the two teams played in the inaugural Mountain West Conference championship game two seasons ago.

The Bulldogs were 10-1 and nationally ranked entering the 2013 game against an Aggies team that lost four of its first seven games before reeling off four consecutive wins.

Utah State fell into an early 17-0 deficit, but an 86-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, three additional forced turnovers and an on-side kick recovery helped the Aggies make the game 24-17. The offense struggled all night, though, and after Utah State moved into Fresno State territory, second-string quarterback Craig Harrison's pass was intercepted to seal the game.

It was one of the best seasons in the Bulldogs' 47-year football history, and the Aggies did well to give themselves a chance to tie the contest late.

In this matchup, however, Utah State currently stands as a 12-point favorite. Fresno State has lost its last four, including double-digit defeats against conference foes San Jose State and San Diego State the past two weeks, and its lone win came in the season opener versus FCS opponent Abilene Christian.

A crucial bounce-back victory over Colorado State helped the Aggies start MWC play on the right foot, but it wasn't enough to convince coach Matt Wells that his team is at the level it needs to be at to compete for the league title.

"We're still learning who we are," Wells said in a press conference after last week's win. "We're still trying to find out our identity, I think, a little bit on both sides of the ball."

Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Sophomore quarterback Kent Myers demonstrated his dual-threat ability by racing for a school-record 191 yards, and while he's certainly working to continue developing a consistent passing attack, he could be in for another big game rushing.

Fresno State ranks 109th against the run, allowing 213.2 yards per game. Myers lauded the offensive line for its part in his record-setting day, and the big men blocking up front should be ready for a run-heavy game plan.

Myers was Utah State's first 100-yard rusher in its first four games, but LaJuan Hunt and Devante Mays will likely be handed plenty of carries for one of them to break the century mark.

Of course, with the likes of Hunter Sharp, Brandon Swindall and Devonte Robinson stretching defenses with their route-running abilities and speed, the Aggies look poised to repeat their balanced performance on offense from last week and put the Bulldogs away before the game gets late.

Fresno State was among the best teams in the country in terms of scoring and passing prior to the previous matchup, but Utah State holds a clear advantage on defense heading into Saturday.

The Bulldogs are third-worst out of 127 FBS teams in total offense, averaging 291.8 yards per game, while the Aggies are 30th in total defense, surrendering 323.8 yards per game.

Utah State's second MWC game at Fresno State is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MDT 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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