Arkansas State Red Wolves vs Utah State Aggies Preview

Game Time: 8:00 pm CDT Friday Sept. 16, 2016

Location: Logan, Utah—Maverik Stadium (25,513)

Series Record: Tied 3-3 with each team winning all 3 home games

TV: CBS Sports Network

Stream: CBS Sports Network

Radio: EAB Red Wolves Sports Network (107.9 fm Flagship)

Livestats: GameTracker

Line: Arkansas State +8 ¹⁄₂ , O/U 57

This week the Red Wolves travel to Logan, Utah to take on former conference mate Utah State. Both teams have had their woes this year and the Aggies were drubbed last week against USC 45-7. Arkansas State is trying to put last week’s 51-14 loss behind them and regroup before Sun Belt play.

This week we do our Q & A with Jason Turner of the Herald Journal on Logan Utah. He covers all things Aggie.

1) What is the latest on outstanding RB Devante Mays after being injured at USC and what is the Aggies plan B?

Latest on Devante Mays: Utah State head coach Matt Wells has a policy where he typically doesn't comment on injuries that aren't of the season-ending variety, and is has remained tight-lipped on Mays' status. All he has disclosed to the media is Mays is "questionable" and will be a "game-time decision" for Friday's game against Arkansas State. Wells did also say X-rays came back negative, although I'm not exactly sure where he was X-rayed. And while Devante Mays is clearly the team’s best rusher, the Aggies have several capable tailbacks. Two seasons ago, LaJuan Hunt rushed for more than 500 yards, and he's not even listed second on the depth chart right now. I think the most likely scenario is the Aggies will use Tonny Lindsey, Justen Hervey and Hunt against the Red Wolves. All three players were successful in USU's season opener against Weber State.

2) Talk about QB Kent Myers and what he brings to the table for the Aggies offense?

Kent Myers brings a lot to the table, but he can be a bit inconsistent in the passing game. I think he threw the ball rather well against USC, though, and put a couple of deep balls on the money. USU didn't really showcase a vertical passing game against Weber State, but the Aggies didn't need to. Myers is arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in the Mountain West. He is a proven weapon on the ground and I like how he played during spring and fall camp.

3) After beating FCS Weber State and a blowout loss to USC, what is the general feeling about where this team can go and how important is Friday nights game to them?

That's a good question. I'm not quite sure what to think of the Aggies, frankly. Friday's game should give USU fans a much better measuring stick. Arkansas State is a similar Group of 5 program and probably the perfect opponent before the Aggies start conference play next week. If the Aggies want to improve on last year's six-win campaign, they might have to beat the Red Wolves. It's an important game, no doubt!

4) Who is one player stAte fans should keep an eye on Friday night that they don't know now?

Arkansas State fans probably aren't too familiar with USU tight end Wyatt Houston, even though he is essentially a three-year starter. The senior has been more involved in the offense this season, though, and he is probably the most sure-handed target the Aggies have. The Red Wolves will need to be wary of him Friday.

5) The two programs have a long winding history together through the Sun Belt and the Big West, how has USU carved out its in place in the landscape of major college football?

Gary Andersen, the man who proceeded Wells as head coach, and his staff were largely responsible for changing the culture of the program. For starters, Andersen was much more aggressive recruiting talent from the state of Utah — which led to more local interest — and tapping into the Polynesian pipeline. Andersen was more savvy in his recruiting and that made a huge difference. Simply put, this program was in dire straits before Andersen arrived.

6) Your prediction:

It's always interesting to see how teams bounce back. In this case, though, both programs are reeling a bit. The Red Wolves haven't given themselves a chance in the fourth quarter in either of their two games. ASU is allowing more than 300 rushing yards an outing, and that's a big concern against USU. The Aggies are 11-4 under Wells following a loss. USU typically plays pretty well after a loss and so I'm going with the Aggies, 31-17.