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LOGAN — In its season-opening 45-6 win over Weber State, the Utah State Aggies racked up over 400 yards rushing, including a career-high 208 yards from senior running back Devante Mays.
It was a totally different picture for the Aggies' opponent on Saturday. USC was blown out by top-ranked Alabama, 52-6, in the worst loss in program history. The Trojans gave up over 200 yards rushing to the Tide and were outscored 38-0 after jumping out to a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter.
When the two teams meet on Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, something has to give. Here is what to watch for in this matchup.
USU offensive line consistency
It was mentioned earlier in the week that the Aggie offensive line wants to stay consistent after a dominating performance against Weber State. With three seniors, including center Austin Stephens, this group could be the difference for the Aggies. They didn't allow a sack in the season-opener, and Devante Mays and company were able to take advantage of gaping holes. USC doesn't have a single starter returning on the defensive line, and so the Aggies should have an advantage in the trenches.
And it came to pass …
Sure, there were 40 mph wind gusts and the USU rushing attack was on fire against Weber State. But the Aggies only attempted 17 passes and completed 11 of them for just 100 yards. There is the possibility that USU will be able to have success running the ball on Saturday, but there is an even greater possibility that they will need to throw the ball.
Kent Myers threw for just under 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns in nine games during the 2015 season. This might be the game where his arm rather than his legs will need to be a difference if the Aggies hope to pull off the upset win.
Skill player extraordinaire
Saturday's contest will be filled with athleticism, speed and talent at the skilled positions. USC features wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. It has two tailbacks, Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis, who were close to eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in 2015.
USU will look to Mays, and fellow running backs LaJuan Hunt, Justen Hervey and Tonny Lindsey to keep the offensive momentum going. Tight end Houston Wyatt has the ability to beat the quick USC linebackers and will be featured in the passing game after a three-catch, 32-yard performance in the season-opener.
Wells vs. Helton
USC head coach Clay Helton hopes that his second game as head coach goes a little better than his first. Helton took over the position on a full-time basis in 2016, and a 52-6 blowout loss to Alabama isn't how he wanted to start. The question is how will he get the Trojans to respond? It might show what kind of coach he is if USC comes out and wins big like many think it should.
USU head coach Matt Wells is in his fourth season at the helm of Aggie football, and during that time he has won 26 games and three wins over top-25 opponents. He has also led the Aggies to a bowl game in each of his three seasons as head coach.
The Aggies are confident going in and are tired of coming close. They want to finish games, especially at the highest level. USC is still USC and loaded with talent and ability. It will be a game of chess, and although the oddsmakers have the Trojans favored by 16 points, this game might be more of a battle than people think.
Kyle McDonald is sports fan who loves the Chicago Cubs and the Utah Valley University Wolverines. He is a communication major at UVU and will graduate in the spring of 2017. Follow him on Twitter at @kylesportsbias
