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LARAMIE, Wyoming — Utah State looks to become bowl eligible for the fourth straight year for the first time in school history with a win at Wyoming Friday night.
The Aggies (6-3, 3-1 MW) can guarantee a winning record in the 13-game regular season with a victory in the battle for Jim Bridger’s rifle in a chilly 6:05 p.m. MT kickoff on ESPN2. If Utah State can survive the elements, a Wyoming defense that is starting to find itself and a the passing attack of quarterback Colby Kirkegaard, it can earn itself a bowl game for the fourth-straight year.
Here are a few things the Aggies to win at Wyoming (4-5, 2-3 MW).
Kickoff temperature in Laramie is predicted to be 30 degrees — a balmy fall evening in Wyoming, but far from the worst weather locals have seen at this time of year. If true freshman Kent Myers can keep his cool in less-than-ideal conditions, the Aggies will be able to warm themselves up with a victory.
Wyoming’s secondary hasn’t been dramatically feared to this point, but the Cowboys recorded their first two interceptions of the year in a road win at Fresno State a week ago. The Pokes are finding themselves on defense, and it couldn’t come at a better time for a Wyoming team that has struggled to come up with takeaways. If Utah State can control the turnover margin and time of possession, the late kickoff could lead to a shorter night on the plains for the Aggies.
Myers was an efficient machine in the Aggies’ road win over Hawaii a week ago in his first collegiate start. The youngster completed his first 11 passes and found comfort in getting the long ball to wide receivers like Hunter Sharp and Ronald Butler. With adequate protection and an extra second or two to make the tough decisions, Myers should be able to help the Utah State offense put up points and keep from shooting itself in the foot.
Senior linebacker Zach Vigil ranks first in the Mountain West and 10th in the nation with 1.56 tackles for loss per game, and he’s been a rock for the Aggie defense all year. Younger brother Nick Vigil is right behind him with 1.40 tackles for loss per game, and also leads the league with .50 fumbles forced per game. The siblings from Clearfield, Utah, can do a lot for their team if they can put pressure on Kirkegaard early and often, making for a long night for the Pokes’ offense.
Has it been mentioned that it’s going to be cold Friday night? In balmy weather and difficult conditions, younger players tend to rely on brute instinct. But Utah State’s senior class — the winningest in Aggie program history with 33 victories — can calm the ship in tough playing conditions at War Memorial Stadium with a veteran hand. Leadership is the key here.
