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LOGAN — It has been 44 years since Utah State has done what BYU fans might consider the unthinkable.
The Aggies haven't beat the Cougars twice in a row since the 1973-74 seasons. Yes, there have been wins over BYU throughout the years but never in back-to-back seasons.
On Friday night, in the 87th installment of The Battle for the Old Wagon Wheel at LaVell Edwards Stadium, the Aggies will have a shot at snapping that impressive streak.
Last year, Utah State forced seven turnovers and beat the Cougars, 40-24, in Logan to give them a chance at back-to-back wins in the rivalry game.
Led by sophomore quarterback Jordan Love, who has completed 66 percent of his passes, and a defense that is led by linebackers David Woodward and Chase Christiansen, the Aggies are off to a 3-1 starter with wins over New Mexico State, Tennessee Tech and Mountain West Conference foe Air Force.
The Aggies are averaging 51.5 points, have scored 30-plus points in every game this season, including 31 at then-No. 11 Michigan State in the season opener. Utah State is in the midst of a three-game winning streak where it is holding opponents to just 19 points and less than 330 yards of total offense per game.
Cougar fans might remember that Utah State has the ability to win in Provo. The name Vigil might ring a bell as brothers Zach and Nick led the Aggies to a 35-20 win over the Cougars in Provo on Oct. 3, 2014 to snap a 17-game road losing streak in the series.
Here are some keys for Utah State to pick up back-to-back wins over in-state rival BYU for the first time in 44 years.
Keep Jordan Love clean
If an experienced Utah State offensive line led by Quinn Ficklin and company keep Jordan Love clean, the Aggies have the advantage. As it was stated above, Love has completed 66 percent of his passes and has thrown just three interceptions on the season.
The BYU defense is coming off a 35-7 loss at No. 11 Washington where Huskies quarterback Jake Browning completed 23-of-25 passes for 277 yards. Keeping Love clean in the pocket will be crucial in a rivalry game and will allow Love to get the ball to playmakers like Ron'quavion Tarver, Savon Scarver, Jalen Greene, Dax Raymond and others.
It also means the Utah State offensive line is winning in the trenches against a very good BYU defensive line.
Match the physicality
The physicality between the Aggies and Cougars is going to be a battle. For Utah State, it is about matching that physicality. The Aggies have a veteran offensive line led by four seniors.
Tackles Roman Andrus and Sean Taylor, along with guards Quin Ficklin and Rob Castaneda, have the responsibility of keeping Khyris Tonga, Corbin Kaufusi and other members of the BYU defensive line out of the Utah State backfield.
Not only does the offensive line have a tall task, but the Utah State defensive line has a battle on its hands, as well. BYU averages 132 yards on the ground, using a variety of running plays from jet sweeps to jet sweep fakes that allow Squally Canada to break free for big gains. It's what BYU used to beat then-No. 6 Wisconsin in Madison on Sept. 15.
"Our main job is to stop the run," Utah State senior linebacker Suli Tamaivena said. "They're going to go inside or they're going to go outside. They just do it in so many different formations."
Utah State must be physical and play with a chip on its shoulder if it expects to beat BYU on Friday night.
Keep the foot on the pedal
When Utah State offensive coordinator David Yost gets in a rhythim calling plays, watch out; the Aggies are almost unstoppable. It will be the same way in Provo. Utah State needs to start fast and not let off the gas.
The BYU offense has struggled at times this season and the BYU defense is on the field a lot, so the Aggies have to use that to their advantage. Scoring quickly, keeping a hurry-up offense going, and not letting up will help.
Rivalry games are always interesting, so watch for who comes out to play, who executes and who keeps their emotions in check. The one team that does will likely hold the advantage. Friday night will be a battle, so enjoy. Kyle McDonald is sports fan who loves the Chicago Cubs. Follow him on Twitter at @kylesportsbias
