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Logan » A .500 record.
By the standards of most college football programs, an even mark in the win-loss column would represent a measure of mediocrity. For Utah State, it would be an achievement, the next step for Gary Andersen and his Aggies.
A win against Louisiana Tech on Saturday in Ruston, La., would make USU 3-3, which would be the first time the Aggies have reached the .500 mark six games into a season since 1983. And with USU defeating Brigham Young University last Friday, a two-game winning streak would be the first since 2007.
"Louisiana Tech is big for us," Aggies linebacker Bobby Wagner said. "For us, it's all about getting to .500. We have an opportunity to do that, and we have to take advantage of that. That's all we're focused on right now."
USU will take on a Bulldogs team that's lost four of five on the season and is struggling to find its identity under new coach Sonny Dykes.
Louisiana Tech has played three quarterbacks extensively this season. At times, the Bulldogs have struggled to put up points, and they've lost two consecutive games at home, most recently a 13-12 decision at the hands of Southern Mississippi.
That doesn't mean Louisiana Tech doesn't have the players capable of beating the Aggies. And it's a huge question whether the same Utah State team that dismantled BYU will show up away from Logan. The evidence indicates that USU has a hard time away from home. A 41-7 beating two weeks ago at the hands of San Diego State was a low point for Utah State this season.
It's true that the Aggies bounced right back against the Cougars. But Andersen has one road win in his tenure at USU. Those are reasons that the Aggies, who have a better team on paper, are wary of the matchup.
"I have always said that if the Aggies go out and execute, that we can play with anyone on our schedule," Andersen said. "Just like we can lose to anyone on our schedule. We are not a team that can sit back and rely on our athletic ability to get us through a game. We are a team that needs to play at a high level every single week. Louisiana Tech is a team that looks better than its record on film. They have playmakers, and they can hurt us if we don't play well. Plus, this is a tough road trip, so winning this game isn't going to be easy at all."
Utah State will rely heavily on the arm and legs of quarterback Diondre Borel to make plays for himself and his teammates. Last week, he had help in the form of running back Derrvin Speight and wide receiver Xavier Martin.
Andersen has always maintained that Borel's teammates have to make positive plays in order to take the pressure off Borel. On Saturday, their ability to do so will be crucial.
tjones@sltrib.com Twitter: @tonyaggieville Alt Heads:
Fortune .500: Aggies can change theirs with victory Utah State at Louisiana Tech
At Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston, La.
Kickoff » 2:05 p.m. MDT
Television » Altitude
Radio » 610 AM
Last meeting » Utah State, 23-21 (Oct. 24, 2009)
Series history » Louisiana Tech leads 4-3
About the Aggies » Utah State is seeking its first 3-3 start since 1983. ... The Aggies are seeking their first two-game winning streak since 2007. ... USU is seeking its first win in Ruston since 1994. ... The Aggies are seeking to even the all-time series against Louisiana Tech at 4-4.
About the Bulldogs » Louisiana Tech is looking for just its second win of the season in six tries. ... The Bulldogs lost consecutive home games against Navy and Southern Mississippi.... Return man Phillip Livas has more than 2,000 career return yards.
