Aggies Ready For Big Game Against Boise State
Nov 23, 2018, 4:27 PM
Utah State running back Darwin Thompson (5) runs onto the field prior to the start of USU's game against Tennessee Tech on Sept. 13 in Logan. (Jeff Hunter)
(Jeff Hunter)
LOGAN, Utah – After a shocking and perhaps fortunate win at Colorado State last week, the Utah State Aggies have quite the task ahead of them this week against Boise State. The winner of the game will claim the Mountain Division and face Fresno State in the Mountain West Conference championship game. As such, with a 10-1 record and a lot to lose, the case could be made that this is one of the most important games in program history.
Although the victory over Colorado State was definitely the Aggies’ ugliest win of the season, Wells felt it was good for his team to endure the adversity.
“It was absolutely great,” said Wells. “I’m proud of our guys, I’m really proud of them.”
Congrats to HBC @CoachWellsUSUFB on being named a Semi-Finalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award.
➡️ https://t.co/YmTd8V1k9m#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/LT21bfmFRp
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 21, 2018
‘This Is A Typical Boise State Team,’ Says Wells
Ahead of the matchup with the Broncos, head coach Matt Wells stated his respect for Boise State in his weekly press conference on Monday.
“This is a typical Boise State team,” said Wells. “They’re a very strong, tough team. I have a ton of respect for Bryan Harsin, that staff, all three coordinators and all three phases for them. Those guys have been with each other for a long time. We’ve competed against them and I have a lot of respect for them.”
Wells Has A Lot Of Respect For Rypien
One Bronco who has especially caught Wells’ eye is quarterback Brett Rypien, who Wells called “one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in this conference.”
“He has a lot of savvy and mojo. I would assume he’s really fun for Bryan (Harsin) and Zak (Hill) to coach him. He’s tough and I see him get knocked down, but he gets right back up. He’s a tough dude. He’s their guy and is their leader. He’s one of the best to ever play in this league,” said Wells.
While Wells has a terrific quarterback himself in Jordan, Rypien, who recently became the conference’s all-time leader in career passing, drew praise from the Aggies’ head coach for bringing it on a weekly basis.
“They’re a little different physically,” said Wells. “Jordan is pretty big, but I think there are some similar characteristics where you can see both quarterbacks on film going through their reads. They can skip one and two really quick and get to three and four because they see the coverage dictate that. Jordan has really improved his touch and his accuracy. Rypien has played a lot longer and a lot more. That’s the great compliment as a quarterback, is your consistency.”
Round Eight
Even though this is a make or break game for Utah State’s season, Wells is doing everything he can to keep his team grounded and focused on Boise State.
“It’s round eight for us,” said Wells. “It’s a chance to win a division championship. You have to win your division before you get in the championship game. The goal for us is still out there, which is to win the Mountain West.”
The game will begin Saturday at 8:15 p.m. and be broadcast on ESPN.
