Aggies Set For Road Test Against Hawaii
Nov 2, 2018, 8:24 PM
Utah State's Gerold Bright scores a touchdown against Hawaii at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Saturday, Nov.18, 2017. Bright has carried the ball 85 times for 513 yards this season and scored four touchdowns. (David G. McIntyre, For the Deseret News)
(David G. McIntyre, For the Deseret News)
LOGAN, Utah – It’s not often that a trip to Hawaii is considered a challenge, but for the No. 18 Utah State Aggies this week, it’s exactly that.
In his Monday press conference, head coach Matt Wells discussed the challenges that come with facing Hawaii on the road.
“This week is a big week for us. Going on the road in the Mountain West and playing Hawai’i, it’s always tough to win over there. There are a ton of distractions. There is the travel issue and all of that. We need to really focus on us, and control what we can control,” said Wells.
Lately, however it doesn’t seem like the travel has been an issue for Utah State. The Aggies have won the last four matchups, including two on the islands.
Aggies Expecting Hawaii To Chuck It
Known for being a pass-heavy program, the Rainbow Warriors’ signal caller Cole McDonald has caught the eye of Wells, a former quarterback.
“This is a team in Hawai’i that, man, what a really good quarterback and a great passing game they have. (Cole) McDonald has had a great season. He can be light’s out if you give him time. Any guy like that, you have to get them off their rhythm,” said Wells.
The Aggie players have taken notice of Hawaii’s explosive offense, but feel they’ll be ready come game time.
“”They’re an electric offense. They make a lot of big plays and they’re going to come out swinging. Every week, it’s about what we do, how we prepare, practice and focus. The rest will take care of itself,” said senior safety Jontrell Rocquemore.
Love Helps Defense Get Ready
Playing against star quarterback Jordan Love every day in practice has been a key for the Utah State defense in preparing for whoever the opponent for the week is.
“There is a lot of competition on this team and you have to compete in practice,” said Rocquemore, “Going against our offense helps us a lot playing on Saturdays because our offense is really good. You can’t just go out there and expect that we’re going to dominate the offense. Hawai’i has a lot of good players and it comes down to our focus and how we prepare. Preparing against Jordan a lot helps us on Saturdays.”
The game will kick off at 10 p.m. on Saturday and be broadcast on the Stadium mobile app.
