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LOGAN — Utah State and San Diego State head into this week's matchup in very similar situations.
Both teams are 3-5 and are searching for an important fourth win in their quest for bowl eligibility. Both are also coming off of a bye week following disappointing losses: Utah State was dominated by San Jose State in every aspect of the game, while San Diego State got shut out at home by Nevada, breaking the Wolf Pack's 16-game losing streak.
The Aggies are slightly favored to win the matchup, but it's a game that could go either way.
One thing is certain, though: a loss for either team would significantly harm their chance of becoming bowl eligible. That means Saturday's contest has a little bit more riding on the result.
"As far as the importance of this game, I feel like it's everything," said defensive lineman Blaine Spires. "It's everything for us; it's going to tell us who we are. … This is big for us, definitely."
While the Aggies have spent a lot of time trying to heal physically during their bye week, Utah State has done a few other things to try to give themselves the best chance to win Saturday evening.
Focusing on a 'process driven' mentality
Aggies head coach Blake Anderson didn't talk much about San Diego State during his weekly press conference, instead saying that his team will need to figure out how to play its best football first and then let the rest take care of itself.
"We have not played our best," Anderson said. "Our only goal on a weekly basis is to be our best. That clearly was not us last Saturday, starting with me. … So, Saturday at 4 o'clock, my only goal is for us to play our best football, and the rest will take care of itself, man. Be process driven, not outcome driven."
Anderson pointed out aggressive calls he made against San Jose State that were out of "pure frustration," mentioning as well how he, McCae Hillstead, and Cooper Legas need to all work together to protect the ball better.
Essentially, the Aggies are trying to win their games from inside the program first.
"Focus on what we can control, which is for us to play better, play more technically sound, play with better energy, more physical at the point of attack … and don't turn the ball over," Anderson said.
Spires agreed, while adding that "we still haven't played our best game yet."
Choosing the right quarterback
Anderson said both Legas and Hillstead were in the running this week for quarterback, and that neither has secured the starting job for Saturday.
"I thought those guys handled the week really well," Anderson said. "Gave them equal reps last night, told them I'm going to continue to watch and see how they're carrying themselves and responding, and we'll make a decision later in the week."
It appears the quarterback carousel has not yet come to a stop for the Aggies, and may not remain consistent throughout the duration of Saturday's matchup against San Diego State, either.
"Regardless of who the starter is, it's going to be a short leash for either," Anderson said. "If somebody goes out and is careless with the ball, don't expect to get a lot of grace. We've got to protect the football."
Offensive lineman Cole Motes remained positive about the constant changes at quarterback, saying it hasn't affected his position group much.
"I love all of our quarterbacks and they're all ballers," Motes said. "It doesn't affect what we do with our jobs."
But Utah State will want an answer soon to help firm up an offense that hasn't been consistent from one quarter to the next, or one game to the next. Having a consistent quarterback under center could provide much-needed stability to the offense as the Aggies pursue bowl eligibility.
