Vandals seek 8th win today

MOSCOW, Idaho -- When Utah State takes the field today for its season finale, the Aggies will be trying to accomplish something they haven't done in seven years.

With a victory over bowl-eligible Idaho, USU would finish with a 4-8 overall record -- the most since going 4-7 in 2002.

The Vandals, who are coming off a bye, welcome the Aggies to the Kibbie Dome on Senior Day. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m.

"They are a very good football team," said USU head coach Gary Andersen, whose team is 2-5 in the Western Athletic Conference. "They have had a week off, so they will be preparing for us like crazy. It looks like they are going to a bowl game, so there will be lots of excitement."

The Aggies took a slight detour in traveling to Moscow on Friday. They were originally scheduled to fly into Pullman, Wash., but due to heavy fog in the area, the plane from Logan was diverted to Spokane.

Idaho (7-4, 4-3 WAC) is seeking its first eight-win season since it went 9-3 in 1998. On top of that, a win today guarantees the Vandals of a winning record in league play.

This is the last time 12 Idaho seniors will play in the Kibbie Dome.

"Every one of them has spoken with conviction about leaving a mark," Vandals head coach Robb Akey said. "For those players to win their final game in the Dome is extremely important.

"This is a good group of kids that is producing. There is a burning desire."

This is also the final game for 15 Aggie seniors. One of them is wide receiver Omar Sawyer, who is trying to help USU's offense accomplish one last goal.

"Right now, one of our offensive goals is we're 24th in the nation right now in total offense and we're trying to get in the top 20 as a team," Sawyer said. "That's what we're shooting for. We're trying to be the best we can be and one of the best offenses in the nation."

The Aggies average 430.27 yards of total offense. They have already rushed for 2,148 yards -- the most since 1974 (2,701).

"Utah State is a talented football team," Akey said. "It is a team that easily could have had a few more wins. They have some very strong weapons."

Yes, the Aggies do.

Quarterback Diondre Borel ranks 19th in the nation and first in the WAC in total offense (270.18 ypg), while running back Robert Turbin ranks 22nd in the country and third in the league in rushing (107.55 ypg).

Borel and Co. should be able to move the ball against Idaho, which ranks 98th in the nation in total defense (414.09 ypg), 106th in scoring defense (34.00 ppg) and 111th in pass defense (259.18 ypg).

"We've got to be able to run and catch the ball. We just have to execute," Sawyer said. "Our whole game plan is just being very sound on offense. We can't stall out, third downs are key -- we always gotta keep the ball moving, especially for our defense.

"We've got to keep them off the field and just grind on their defense. That's pretty much it, just run and catch."

Keeping Idaho's offense off the field would be a good thing. After all, the Vandals have some play-makers too.

Quarterback Nathan Enderle is 11th in the nation and second in the WAC in passing efficiency (152.29). The Vandals' top threat at receiver, Max Komar, is 22nd in the nation and second in the league in receiving yards (84.18 ypg).

As a team, Idaho ranks 14th in the country in total offense (444.18).

"We just need to do our assignments," USU defensive end Junior Keiaho said. "That is what we have to do whenever we go against good teams."

The Vandals feature a top-notch offensive line, led by Outland Trophy finalist Mike Iupati.

"They have a left guard, who is in my opinion, one of the best guards in the country," Andersen said of the 6-foot-6, 325-pound Iupati. "He is a tremendous football player. Their offensive line is very solid."

That doesn't concern Keiaho, though.

"We have gone against some good offensive lines in the past," Keiaho said. "I don't look at it as far as talent -- I am sure we match up well talent-wise.

"We just have to buy into the scheme on defense and have that carry over."

The Aggies lead the overall series with the Vandals, 17-16-2. USU has won two straight, including last season's 42-17 convincing win at Romney Stadium.

However, the Aggies aren't expecting another easy one this time around.

"I guess they are just executing their plays well," said Keiaho, when asked the difference between this year's Idaho team and last year's. "That is what it comes down to."