This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Logan • As the losses have mounted and the frustration increased, so has the resolve within the Utah State football program, according to coach Matt Wells.
The Aggies are 3-7 overall and 1-6 in the Mountain West Conference going into Saturday afternoon's contest at Nevada.
They have lost six of their last seven games.
They have dropped seven straight road games, going back to last year.
They were eliminated from the 2016 conference championship race a month ago and last week's last-second 24-21 loss to New Mexico almost certainly ended their quest for a sixth straight bowl appearance.
Despite everything, Wells claims the mood of Utah State players and coaches remains positive and determined.
"It's been tough because there is the human factor," he said. "We're human. You are disappointed. … But you believe in the program and you believe in the process — what we're doing and how we're coaching them to do it.
"I also think the coaches are energized by the players' reaction. They are committed to turning it around — flipping it this week — and doing it the right way. They're fighting and we are fighting right next to them."
Junior quarterback Kent Myers comes off one of his best outings. He completed 21 of 27 passes for 263 yards and one touchdown against New Mexico.
The result was spoiled, however, when time expired before the Aggies could attempt a last-second 42-yard field goal. If successful, it would have forced overtime.
Declaring the Aggies still "have a lot of juice" and are eagerly awaiting a chance for redemption at Nevada, Myers said, "We're going to treat this game like any other game. Each game you play is always the most important. So this is a game we need to win."
Going into the season, Utah State's visit to Nevada looked like it would feature a matchup between two of the best backs in the Mountain West — James Butler and Devante Mays.
Butler, a junior, has produced as expected.
He ranks fifth in the conference and 28th in the country in rushing (102.1). He needs only 2 yards against the Aggies to reach 3,000 in his career.
"He's got strong legs and runs with good balance," Wells said. "He's shifty. Guys hit him and you see him spin out. … He's been a very productive back for them over time. And he's been a very durable player, too."
On the other hand, Mays' season has been short-circuited by injuries.
He rushed for 208 yards and three touchdowns in the opener — a 45-6 victory over Weber State. But he was hurt early in the second half at USC on Sept. 10 and, since limping off the field against the Trojans, he has carried the ball 11 times for 27 yards.
Without Mays, the Aggies rank 12th in the Mountain West in time of possession, 11th in red zone scoring and 10th in rushing.
"I'll say this," Wells said. "Devante Mays is a really talented running back. He's big, strong and physical. When he's healthy, he's in the upper echelon of backs in this league. We're a different offense with him."
Twitter: @sluhm —
Utah State at Nevada
P At Mackey Stadium, Reno, Nev.
Kickoff • 2 p.m. MST
Broadcast • ESPN3
Radio • 610 AM, 102.1 FM, 1280 AM
Records • Utah State 3-7, 1-6; Nevada 3-7, 1-5
Series • Nevada leads 17-6
Last game • Utah State, 31-27 (2015)
About the Aggies • They have lost six of their last seven games, including three straight. … They haven't lost four in a row since 2008. … They have not won in Reno since 1999. … Junior QB Kent Myers needs 238 yards to pass Anthony Calvillo (5,838) for seventh place in career total offense. … Senior LB Anthony Williams is their leading tackler (7.3). He's had 13 in each of the last two games.
About the Wolfpack • They have lost four straight. … They have beaten Cal Poly (30-27), Buffalo (38-14) and Fresno State (27-22). … They lead the Mountain West in forced fumbles (15) and recovered fumbles (nine). … Sophomore DE Korey Rush played at East High. He is the stepson of Salt Lake Bees manager Keith Johnson. He's played in 10 games this season, including six starts.