Utah State football: Aggies expect fired-up Fresno

LOGAN — When you look at Utah State's uninspiring record, it's not hard to recognize the Aggies as one of the most challenged teams in the country.

Looking at the schedule — and the record of those opponents — shows that, while USU is losing a lot of football games, the Aggies are playing a lot of good teams.

And as has been the case for Utah State in recent seasons, there really is no rest for the weary.

Fresno State is up next, and the Bulldogs are angry.

"We know that they will come in here very prepared because we know two years ago it was a devastating blow to their season when we beat them here at home," USU coach Brent Guy said of today's homecoming game. "I am sure (FSU coach) Pat Hill has reminded them of that. We know that they will come in and play a very physical game against us."

That 13-12 win in 2006 was Utah State's only victory of the season, and it sent the Bulldogs out of WAC title contention.

This year, Fresno State is again a heavy favorite. After starting the season as one of the few teams predicted to contend for a BCS bowl berth, the Bulldogs have lost a pair of games — to Wisconsin and Hawaii — and dropped out of the rankings.

Guy, however, knows FSU is still a dangerous team.

"They can score points; they can run the ball and they can play the pass," Guy said. "The difference we see from them is that they are giving up more yardage then the previous Fresno State teams we have faced."

And, unlike USU, Fresno State will be well rested after taking the week off following a 45-32 win over Idaho.

Of course, Utah State is worried as much about the Aggies as they are the Bulldogs. Losers of three straight, USU has seen its offensive execution disappear in the first quarter of recent games.

That's resulted in opponents getting good field position and taking big early leads. The Aggies have been unable to claw back into such games.

"We are not going backwards, but we are not making progress," Guy said. "That is what I talked about this week. We restructured and did some things differently and tried to refocus. It is my job to get them to play better in the first quarter and we are not."

The Aggies host Hawaii next week.

Aggies on the air

Fresno State (4-2, 2-1 WAC)

at Utah State (1-6, 1-2)

Today, 1 p.m.

TV: KJZZ

Radio: 1230 AM, 610 AM

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com