Utah State football: Guy era to end with Aggies trying to notch third win

LOGAN — Depending on how you look at it, today's clash between the Aggies at Romney Stadium is either the end of something or the beginning.

Or, perhaps, it's both.

Having won only eight games in nearly four seasons as Utah State's head coach, Brent Guy will lead the USU Aggies onto the field one final time today. Guy was fired after the Aggies' loss at Louisiana Tech two weeks ago.

A new coach will likely be named in a matter of days, and if today's the meeting with New Mexico State has the feeling of a wake, Guy wants that emotion to disappear quickly.

"You don't want this to be like a funeral parlor," Guy said of the preparations for his final game at Utah State. "We've got to be professional."

Still, Guy's tenure with the Aggies will come to an end sometime around 4 p.m. today.

Until then, Guy said he has tried hard to not let his dismissal impact the team's preparations.

"I just try to keep them with that task at hand," Guy said. "We try not to focus on the future and to focus on the game."

Utah State has had two weeks to shake off the effects of Guy's firing and prepare for NMSU. That extra time may come in handy.

After a 3-2 start, NMSU has lost seven in a row, and now coach Hal Mumme may join Guy on the fired-coaches list.

Utah State's offense has had solid outings in recent weeks. Including the lopsided loss to No. 9 Boise State, USU has had a chance to be 3-1 this month. And if that had happened, Guy might still have his job. But a little bad luck, some changed momentum and a lack of confidence left USU 1-3 over that stretch and set up today's season-finale.

The Aggies — the ones in blue, at least — will try to slow down an effective NMSU offense. The red Aggies average 296 passing yards per game (10th best in the NCAA), but also have a rushing game that makes USU's seem downright prolific.

NMSU averages just 62.8 yards per game on the ground, which is the second-worst rushing average in the country. Utah State, on the other hand, has only the 81st-best rushing game, but still piles up double the yardage NMSU does.

Working in Utah State's favor will be an equally woeful rush defense from NMSU. The red Aggies give up 217 rushing yards per game that USU's Diondre Borel and Robert Turbin would love to take advantage of.

"The kids did great (this week)," Guy said. "I've been really proud of them. ... We can finish with three wins. That's still something to play for."

And so, when the USU Aggies face the NMSU Aggies, there will be 60 minutes of football to play.

And, if history has much to do with the game, it may very well be the Aggies in blue who walk off the field as victors, sending Guy out with one final — and rare — win.

Aggies on the air

Utah State (2-9, 2-5 WAC) vs. New Mexico St. (3-8, 1-6)

Today, 1 p.m.

Romney Stadium, Logan

TV: Altitude Radio: 1230 AM, 610 AM

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com