Utah State football: Bulldogs ground game is a tough task for the Aggies

With its first Western Athletic Conference win of the season finally in the books, Utah State heads to Fresno State today hoping to scare up a little more good fortune.

The Aggies, 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the WAC, will be up against the nation's top running back and a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman Trophy in Ryan Mathews.

"Mathews is a big, fast running back. I like the challenge," sophomore linebacker Kyle Gallagher said. "I believe our corners can hold up the receivers out there, and it is our job as linebackers to stop that guy."

Gallagher is one of a handful of bench players thrust into heavy playing time because of injuries to Utah State starters. Senior Paul Igboeli has an ankle injury that kept him from playing in last week's 23-21 win over Louisiana Tech. His return would be helpful, but Gallagher, who had been seeing increased minutes on the field already, will be ready to start again if needed.

"They are going to be a tough team with a tough run game," Gallagher said. "Mathews is No. 1 in the nation in rushing, and I take that as a challenge."

And a stiff one.

Mathews is averaging 161.5 yards per game on the ground and has helped the Bulldogs (4-3 overall, 3-1 WAC and winners of three in a row) build the nation's No. 5 rushing offense with 266.7 yards per game on the ground.

Throw in another 187.1 passing yards per game and Fresno State has a robust offensive attack of 453.8 total yards per game — ninth-best in the NCAA.

The firepower shown by the Bulldogs has USU coach Gary Andersen concerned.

"What they do best is what we do worst. That is the bottom line. That should concern you; if it doesn't, you are crazy," Andersen said. "They want to run the football first. They are extremely physical and unbelievably talented. We have played some teams that run the football very well, but I think Fresno, with their physicality, is something we are going to have to be very aware of going into this game."

Utah State's offense packs a little punch itself. Robert Turbin, when healthy and getting a solid push from his offensive line, is capable of matching Mathews on the ground. And quarterback Diondre Borel has emerged as a capable — if not spectacular — quarterback who has not thrown an interception since the season-opener.

"Diondre does a tremendous job of paying attention and learning from the coaches," Andersen said. "His investment to make football important to him and his investment to control the football team down the field has been tremendous. It continues to develop every week."

The Aggies will need sustained drives not only to score, but to keep the ball away from Mathews and the Bulldogs.

After today's Halloween game, the Aggies continue their two-game excursion away from Romney Stadium with a trip to Hawaii to face the struggling Warriors.

Aggies on the air

Utah State (2-5, 1-2 WAC) at Fresno State (4-3, 3-1)

Today, 3 p.m.

Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, Calif.

TV: none Radio: 610 AM, 1230 AM, 95.9 FM

e-mail: jeborn@desnews.com