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LOGAN -- The Utah State Aggies have a chance to set the tone for the rest of the season tonight against the BYU Cougars, but which Aggie team will show up?
Will it be the team that looked tough against Oklahoma and handily beat Idaho State? Or will it be the team that fell apart in the fourth quarter against Fresno State and never showed up against SDSU?
This week has had moments of irregularities, the most important being the health of Coach Gary Andersen, who injured his neck early this week, but will be with the team tonight. Coming off of the short week, the Aggies will need to stay focused if they want to break the cougar's 10 game win streak in the rivalry.
Senior quarterback Diondre Borel will lead the Aggies as he continues his way up the record books. Head Coach Gary Andersen has stated that he is the catalyst for this team.
Borel is a different kind of leader. "He's not a screamer or yeller," offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin said. "He's more about getting it done, and his teammates know that when he says something, he means it."
The Aggie coaches are aware of the challenge they will be facing in quarterback and potential catalyst for the Cougars, Jake Heaps.
"I have never seen a panic on him," defensive coordinator Bill Busch said. "I have watched every snap of his this year and he doesn't panic, he stays very calm. He is very mature, he commands the huddle and he commands the team. For a true freshman, he is very impressive."
The rivalry between the two schools has been heated in the past, especially in recent years with the departure of local Riley Nelson to BYU. Cougar Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall is no stranger to the challenge that faces them tonight in Logan, both on the field and in the stands.
"it is going to emotional, it is going to be hostile, and they're going to do everything they can to help their team win, but really, why shouldn't you? It's college football, and so it should be a great experience," Mendenhall said.
The experience will be much more enjoyable for the team that decides to show up.
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN at 6:00pm.
