From Deseret News archives:
Utah State football: Aggies aim to play keep away
But with little success in doing that for three weeks, USU opened up the season 0-3.
Against the Vandals, however, the Aggies ran wild and amassed 580 yards of total offense.
On Friday night, when No. 8 BYU makes a visit to Romney Stadium, the Aggies hope they see a lot more of their Game 4 offense and much less of the previous version.
"For us it is going to be a great challenge. We have to get in the game early," USU coach Brent Guy said. "We can't try to play catch up. We have to match and play with them during the football game to have a chance to compete."
Of course, BYU is nothing like the Idaho team USU beat two weeks ago. The Cougars, just in case someone out there hasn't noticed, have pitched shutouts for eight consecutive quarters. And with eyes set on a potential BCS bowl invitation, there's good reason to think BYU won't go easy on the Aggies.
The oddsmakers in Las Vegas have BYU favored by nearly 30 points. So for the Aggies to keep themselves in the game, the formula is not complicated — hold onto the ball, force a few turnovers and eat up the clock with a ground game.
"Our challenge is to hold on to the football. The answer to how to stop their offense is keep away," Guy said. "We need to hold the ball, get points, and take time off the clock. They are not a team that you go into the game saying you can shut them out. Our key is to keep the football away from Max and the offense."
Quarterback Diondre Borel, then, will be asked to show another step or two — or five — in his progression as team leader. After seeing backup duty to senior Sean Setzer the first three weeks, the sophomore Borel took over as the starter against Idaho and the Aggies responded with what was by far their best offensive performance of the year.
Guy said the Aggies will still run their offense primarily from a shotgun formation, and that Borel has benefited from the extra week of practice.
"He is effective under center, too," Guy said of his run-first, pass-second quarterback. "He made some plays (against Idaho) but he missed some, too. The week of practice has been real good for him."
Also making strides at running the ball is freshman Robert Turbin. Against Idaho, the Texas native busted loose for 136 yards and a touchdown.
He, along with Curtis Marsh and Marguis Butler, will need to find holes and move the chains for USU to stick with the Cougars.
Cougars, Aggies on the air
No. 8 BYU (4-0) at Utah State (1-3)
Friday, 6 p.m.
TV: KJZZ
Radio: 1160 AM, 1320 AM
E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com
