BYU, USU football: Y. expects Ags' best in lopsided rivalry

PROVO — For BYU, naturally, the big rival is Utah. Utah State, on the other hand, regards the Cougars among its biggest rivals.

"This is a huge game for them. It's a game they look forward to, it's the one they circle on their schedule," said BYU tight end Andrew George. "If they could come out and win the game, that would make their season. They want to beat us and we have to be prepared and ready because we know they'll be ready and they'll play physical."

Cougar defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen said his team has to approach Friday night's game with Utah State like a rivalry game.

"It's a lot of fun. But we have to take it that way because they take it that way," he said. "So if we don't get up for it, we'll be in trouble. We have to bring that same emotion and match that intensity when we come out to play them."

Jorgensen said playing USU "can be very intense. It's a game they get up for a lot. We do, too, but I think they take it a lot more seriously than we do. Not to downplay it or anything, but it gets very intense out there on the field. And their fans will get pretty intense out there in the crowd, too. I don't know if I've ever had some of the stuff yelled at me like I did up in Logan last year."

INJURY UPDATE: BYU defensive lineman Vic So'oto suffered a broken finger against Florida State but still played in last Saturday's 42-23 victory over Colorado State. In fact, he recorded a sack against the Rams.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said doctors have determined that So'oto needs to have surgery on his finger and that surgery could take place as early as today. "If all goes well, he'll miss one week (against Utah State), then be able to play in a modified cast the rest of the season," Mendenhall said.

Linebacker Jordan Pendleton suffered "a small bell-ringer" against CSU, but returned to the game. Linebacker Matt Bauman, who sustained a knee sprain against Florida State, played more than expected against the Rams, according to Mendenhall. "But just his presence out there helped us," the coach said.

Nose tackle Russell Tialavea, who was seen jumping up and down on the sideline in celebration of sacks by So'oto and Romney Fuga last weekend, was slated to be out 2-4 weeks after his knee injury against the Seminoles.

"My hope is that it's closer to two rather than four," Mendenhall said.

Cougs, Aggies on the air

No. 20 BYU (3-1) vs. Utah State (1-2)

Friday, 6 p.m.

TV: The mtn.

Radio: 1160 AM, 610 AM, 1230 AM, 102.7 FM, 95.9 FM

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com