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Boise, Idaho • When Utah State players stepped off the bus Tuesday afternoon after the five-hour ride from Logan to Boise, the Aggies were greeted by a high school band playing the Utah State fight song.
After USU settled into its hotel, the Aggies then participated in activities leading up to Saturday's Famous Idaho Potato Bowl game against Ohio.
A lot of fun, to be sure. But USU is here for business as well. As such, preparations for the Bobcats have begun.
"Ohio looks very good," junior safety McKade Brady said. "They have a difficult offense to prepare for. Their quarterback looks good. We're going to have to play well to beat them."
Utah State likens Ohio to Nevada of last season, with Tyler Tettleton reminding the Aggies of departed quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Lavon Brazill playing the role of Rishard Matthews. Like Nevada, Ohio runs a large amount of pistol offense, and the Bobcats have many ways to score touchdowns, like the Wolf Pack.
As such, the Aggies know that ball control could be a key Saturday. Although USU scores a lot of points, getting into a shootout could be detrimental because the Aggies' defense could tire out. Still, the fact that Utah State has similarities to go on is a positive sign for the Aggies.
"We'll work when it's time to work and play when it's time to play," Andersen said. "Ohio is a very good football team, and it's going to be a big challenge for us to play and stop them. They have big, physical kids, and their quarterback is extremely talented. We want to enjoy this entire experience, this entire week."
Injuries
Senior safety Walter McClenton is practicing after missing the last few games of the regular season with a foot injury. Offensive lineman Philip Gapelu is questionable for Saturday and Brady is probable, coming off a separated shoulder.
"Hopefully we can get all of these guys healthy and get them some snaps," Andersen said.
Bowl victory
Robert Turbin led the Aggies in pins in a bowling challenge between the teams Tuesday night. No word on if the outcome is a sign of things to come, but Utah State players said they had fun participating in the challenge.
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