By Ryan Hope
BYU faces in-state football rival Utah State for the 76th time tonight in Logan.
'I''m excited about this game,' head coach Gary Crowton said. 'I like the in-state rivalries.'
The Cougars hold a 39-33 advantage in the series with three of the games ending in a tie.
'It''s going to be a little chilly, a little moist, and the ball will be flying around,' Crowton said. 'In an in-state game anything can happen.'
Last season Utah State led 27-21 at halftime before the Cougars scored 33 second-half points on their way to a 54-34 victory.
Both teams are looking for a victory after having lost their last two games.
Utah State''s defense is allowing 42.2 points a game including 63 they gave up in a loss to Boise State on Sept. 28.
The Cougars look to get back on track offensively against the Aggies after seeing their productivity decline each game from the start of the season.
The Cougars are without the services of sophomore running back Marcus Whalen. He is still recovering from a groin injury suffered against Georgia Tech on Sept. 21.
True freshman Curtis Brown will make his first start for the Cougars at running back.
Crowton is pleased with how Brown has learned the offense and is making the transition from high school.
'Picking up the blitz is the most difficult thing,' Brown said. 'But everything is starting to become second nature to me.'
Utah State also will be without its leading rusher, as sophomore Roger Robinson left the team on Sept. 24 and is not expected to return.
Senior quarterback Jose Fuentes has passed for 6,782 career yards for the Aggies, and holds 12 school-passing records.
Fuentes'' favorite receiver over the past two seasons has been senior Kevin Curtis. Curtis has snagged 34 receptions for 515 yards this season.
Game time is set for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on KSL channel 5.