Aggies Open Season Against No. 11 Michigan State
Aug 29, 2018, 11:55 AM | Updated: Feb 14, 2023, 12:24 pm
LOGAN, Utah – The Utah State Aggies will have a tall task ahead of them when they kick off their 2018 season Friday on the road against No. 11 Michigan State. It may be daunting, but head coach Matt Wells is looking forward to seeing what his team is made of against one of the top squads in the nation.
“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity watching our guys play against one of the best teams in country,” said Wells, who led the Aggies to a 6-7 record and an appearance in the Arizona Bowl last season. “It will be a tremendous opportunity for our guys to see right where we’re at, and our guys are excited about it.”
Utah State faced a Big Ten opponent on the road last season, Wisconsin. It didn’t go well for the Aggies then, as they left Madison with a 59-10 loss to the then No. 7 team in the country. This time around, Wells feels that his more-experienced roster may stand a better chance.
“The difference with us is we don’t have nearly as many first-year starters going into the game as we did last year,” explained Wells. “The first snap was over the quarterback’s head. What a disaster. Hopefully, we can avoid that this year. We have more experienced players. Now does that lead to better play and more points and all that stuff? Obviously, that remains to be seen.”
Senior offensive lineman Rob Castaneda knows it’s a big stage for the Aggies, but is staying focused on simply doing playing the game.
“My thoughts are to treat it how I would try any other game this season,” Castaneda said. “I don’t want to get too nerved up about it. It’s a big deal and a big stage, but I love those type of moments. I feel like I don’t have a lot of pressure under my shoulders, getting the done is my thing out there and make big plays.”
Regardless of the result on Friday, Wells wants the Aggie faithful to be proud of its team after the game.
“I would hope that the fans come and say, ‘That team was well-prepared. They played their tails off. They’re tough. They’re physical.’ But I want them to say that every week. Not just week one,” said Wells.
