Aggies looking to close strong

LOGAN — Well, it's almost here. The contest Sports Illustrated dubbed in the preseason as the "game equivalent of Mr. Irrelevant Award."

The University of Idaho and Utah State University were tabbed as the 116th and 117th worst college football teams in America, respectively.

Saturday, the two teams face off in the final Sun Belt Conference game of the year.

Perhaps SI was right, in a way. As far as the Sun Belt Conference standings are concerned, the game means absolutely nothing. The Aggies are 3-3 in conference play, and the Vandals are just 2-4.

The game for Utah State, however, has tremendous meaning when it comes to sending out the seniors on a high note and gaining a little confidence and momentum heading into next year.

"Both teams are good, solid football teams but have had the same kind of year in terms of a lot of adversity, a lot of close games and a lot of tough losses," Utah State coach Mick Dennehy said.

Like Utah State, the Vandals (2-9) played a solid preseason schedule, with games against Washington State, Boise State, Washington and Div. I-AA powerhouse Montana.

Utah State opened with three straight road games at Utah, Nebraska and Arizona State, and later in the year met New Mexico and Wyoming.

The Vandals have five losses of 10 points or less, but they're coming off a 58-20 victory over Louisiana-Monroe.

The Aggies are 0-5 on the road and the Vandals are 0-5 at home.

"We are ready to go on the road and try to correct things," Utah State running back David Fiefia said. "We haven't been successful on the road, so if we come out with this win, it will be our last game and a win on the road and something we will remember."

USU-UI SERIES: The Aggies hold a 14-13-2 all-time lead over the Vandals — including an 8-7-2 record in games in Moscow. Counting the Aggies' 31-14 win in the last meeting between the two schools, USU has won 12 of the last 16 games. The game marks the sixth time the Aggies have ended the year with Idaho, and all games have been played at Moscow.

FIELD-GOAL WOES: The Aggies have attempted just five field goals this year and have hit on only two of them. It's not the fewest, however. The Aggies hit just 1 of 2 field-goal attempts in 1970. On the other hand, opponents have made 15 of 16 field goals against the Aggies.

RED ZONE CHANCES: The Aggies have been inside their opponents' red zone 29 times and have scored points 26 times (24 TDs, 2 FG). Their opponents have been inside USU's red zone 52 times and have scored 44 times (30 TDs, 14 FGs).

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: On 29 possessions following turnovers, the Aggie defense has allowed 12 scores (9 TDs, 3 FGs).

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Aggies on the air

Utah State (3-8, 3-3) at Idaho (2-9, 2-4)

Saturday, 3 p.m., Kibbie Dome

TV: None Radio: 610 AM (Logan) 860 AM (SLC)

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E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com

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