Auburn Football 2011: 10 Things You Need to Know About Utah State

Auburn enters its first season in 53 years as defending national champions. Auburn is hosting the Utah State Aggies in the first game of the season this fall. The Aggies are looking to cause a ripple nationally, and Auburn is looking for this game to slide under the radar unless it's Tiger highlights.

Utah State is a team that holds a distinct role in college football history. Its first game was in 1892, the same year that Auburn played its first football game. The Aggies are also a state college that was formed off of land grants, much like Auburn.

Unlike Auburn, the Aggies have bounced around conferences and dabbled as independents, many choices resulting in the losing overall record that you see today. The Aggies of today are looking to follow coach Gary Andersen to success.

Looking forward to this Saturday’s game, here are some things that each Auburn fan should know about the Utah State game. 

Played Football Since 1892

Utah State and Auburn share some similarities on the football field. One of these is that both teams began playing football in 1892.

Utah State opened their inaugural season against instate rival Utah, winning the game 12-0. The beginning of the football program started well, but the road has been bumpy ever since.

Utah State holds a losing record, but they have won consistently at times in their past. They look to start this season off well against the defending national champions, but it is a tall order at hand.

Played in Six Bowl Games

Utah State has made visits to six bowl games in their history. Unfortunately for the Aggies, they have carried a 1-5 record so far in their bowl trips. Utah State’s only win came in a bowl game in 1993 against Ball State.

Member of the WAC

Utah State joined the WAC right before the 2005 season. Previously, the Aggies performed as independents during two stints in their past. Those two stints may have caused a lot of the rocky times that the Aggies had during their past.

Overall the Aggies hold a 487-501-31 record. The hope is that Gary Andersen tips the favor back towards the wins column. 

Battle of the Brothers

The Battle of the Brothers is a reference to the annual rivalry game that is played between the Utah State Aggies and the Utah Utes. Utah State won the first contest between the teams, but the Utes lead the series 77-28-4.

This is a rivalry that has played every season but took a two-year stop between the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Former Big West Member

Utah State had a great stint of teams in the 1960’s, but they also played in the Big West conference for the majority of their football playing days. During their time with the Big West conference, they won five championships.

Two of those championships were coached by John L. Smith. Smith is still in coaching at Arkansas under Bobby Petrino. Smith also was the head coach at Louisville.

All-Time Record in the Red

One thing that is not a positive for the Aggies is that their all-time record is in the red. No matter how you look at a record, when you have more losses than wins, there is no denying that the Aggies could use a large change of direction. Gary Andersen looks to continue to build a competitive team for the future and turn history for the Aggies.

Three Conference Titles in the 90’s

In the 1990’s the Aggies saw their best run as team, as they won three conference titles. The Aggies were extremely competitive in the Big West and had a great run but have lost steam since joining the WAC.

Land Grant University

Utah State was founded in 1888 as a land grant university. Very similar to Auburn, the Aggies were formed as an agricultural school. The University now has five campuses, one of which as far away as San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Did Independency Kill the Aggies?

Many will argue that the Aggies found success in every conference that they landed in until they made their way to the WAC. The Aggies have had success in the past and will look to rebuild that success this season.

Independency has been kind to Notre Dame, but few teams have the ability and following to run as an independent in college football. Whether the Aggies will settle into the WAC or not is still left to be seen, but they would love to repeat history and return to the elite of their conference.

Multiplicity on Offense

The Aggies will use a number of different formations and sets in attempt to confuse the Tigers defense during the opener. Last year, they were able to use the confusion and keep Oklahoma within one score.

This will be a big game for the Aggies and a big win for the program if they can earn the win, so look for everything in the playbook to be thrown at the Tigers this Saturday.