Bringing Their "A" Game

On a short week the Cougs must prepare to face the Aggies friday at 6 pm in Logan with ESPN giving the tv coverage. The play by play analysis will be provided by Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore giving his game analysis. Fridays matchup sports both teams trying to make sense of their seasons with identical 1-3 records which began playing each other back in 1922. Over the years the Aggies have their own storied tradition as well. Names that stand out include Chris Cooley, Eric Hipple, Rulon Jones, Kevin Curtis, Phil Olsen and of course the legend himself Merlin Olsen. The field itself is played on SprinTurf and was named in his honor. Romney Stadium stadium seats 25,513 and includes their own student section named "The Hurd". Utah State last win against the Cougs came in a shootout back in 1993 58-56. The aggies this season will be sporting new uniforms as well even helmet stickers by a 71 honoring aggie great Merlin Olsen who passed away back in March.

Utah State's engine begins with Diondre Borel a senior QB and sociology major who last season led the aggies to an all time high of 3,343 total offensive yards overall. On the season Borel is 63 of 116 for 832 yareds 4 TDs and 4 INTs. The dual threat quarterback from Oakley California needs 393 total offensive yards to reach 7000 career yards. Borel has some weapons of his own and names that Cougar fans will likely hear often on friday. In the backfield is powerful senior RB Derrvin Speight from Irving Texas who has 54 carries for 221 yards with 2 Tds. On the ground the aggies are ranked 49th in the nation at 168 yards per contest.

Through the air, Utah State's attack is ranked 65th averaging 211 yards. So yes the aggies have the ability to stretch the field and move the ball. Diondre's receiving corps consists of sophomore Dontel Watkins (6.2/193), Xavier Martin (5.11/195) a junior from Baltimore and Eric Moats (5.11/182). Both Watkins and Martin are JC transfers with some wheels. Watkins apparently ran the 40 in 4.25 while Martin posted a 4.33. Dontel has 18 receptions on the year for 242 yards and 2 TDs. Xavier has 10 catches good for 133 yards and 1 TD. Moats has 9 catches for 108 yards with 1 TD. While the game has the Cougs slightly favored it still looks like it could be a solid matchup with both teams bringing their "A" game.