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The Battle for Old Wagon Wheel will not only be a very exciting game, but will help put one team back on top of the Utah football scene.
BYU finds itself hoping to turn the corner in making this a successful season, while USU knows this is possibly the most difficult game left on its schedule. After the last whistle sounds, the victor will have some national attention and bragging rights over the other.
Game Notes- Utah State (4-1, 0-0) at BYU (3-2)
- Date/Time: Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 8:15 p.m. MT
- Site: LaVell Edwards Stadium
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM 1160 AM
- Series Record: BYU leads 44-34-3
- Last Meeting: BYU won 27-24, 9/30/11
- Kickoff Weather: Breezy, temps in the mid-50s
Coming into this game, USU finds itself up against another opponent that boasts a nationally ranked defense. We all saw what happened in the game against Utah, which USU knew was going to be a defensive battle. This time around it could be more of a challenge as BYU's defense is ranked No. 3 in the nation.
Two players that have to be productive are quarterback Chuckie Keeton and running back Kerwynn Williams. Both respectively had amazing games against UNLV: Keeton had 404 yards and was named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week, while Williams had career highs in receptions and receiving yards. Going against this tough defense will truly put these offensive powerhouses to the test, but it seems whenever there is a tough challenge placed in front of this Aggie team, they rise up to the occasion.
BYU's defense is not the only team that is nationally ranked — USU is ranked 11th in the nation holding its opponents to about 280 total yards per game. This is a very good thing for the Aggies since BYU is coming off the blowout victory over Hawaii. One big thing in the Aggies favor, though, is BYU's starting quarterback Riley Nelson, as he is still up in the air about starting the game.
Nelson wants to start. The only question: Is he physically able to? If BYU has to sit Nelson and opt to start backup Taysom Hill, USU could be in a very good situation since the Cougars’ offense would take a major blow losing their offensive leader. Nelson said, "... If anything, the Aggies have caused the Cougars to perk up and pay attention. Expect a dog fight, and if we don't play our best game, we're going to get beat."
In 1978, the Aggies won its first five games, and with a 4-1 start right now, that's the closest its gotten to that record. After this game, USU will play teams like Texas-San Antonio, Louisiana Tech and Texas State. Not the biggest names. If there is any hope of breaking into the nationally ranked arena, this is a must-win game for the Aggies.
They have the players and the coaches to win this game. But being on the road and playing on the first non-turf field may cause some bumps in the road, and the high emotions will be in affect as well. If USU can keep their heads in the game and play good old Aggie ball, the Utah State Aggies could find itself on the Top 25 list.
