It could be a case of history repeating itself when Utah State meets Long Beach State today at 1 p.m. MST in Veterans Stadium.
Two years ago, the Aggies came down here for their final game needing a victory to finish 5-6 overall and in a tie for second place in the Big West Conference. And they got a 17-14 victory thanks to a goal-line stand in the final minute.The Aggies head in to today's game with the same set of circumstances. They are 4-6 overall and 4-2 in the Big West. A win would move them to 5-2 into a second-place tie with Fullerton State, which has completed its season and San Jose State should it defeat UNLV today.
"We have the opportunity to finish within a game of .500 and that would be quite a tribute to our kids," said Coach Chuck Shelton. "There certainly aren't many teams in America that had the kind of early-season schedule that we had."
To win today, the Aggies will need to shut down 49er quarterback Paul Oates, who ranks 34th in the country in total offense with 2,345 yards passing, and his favorite receiver Sean Foster (45 receptions).
On offense, the Aggies will rely on Kirk Johnson's passing, but they have to establish a running game without Brett Payne, who's out with a torn knee ligament.
Several Aggie standouts will be playing their final games today.
Wide receiver Patrick Newman can add to his total as as the second most prolific receiver in Aggie history.
Placekicker Russ Moody, who has made 8 of 9 field goals this year and 21 of 24 in his career, will set Aggie records for best field goal percentage in a season and in a career.
Offensive linemen Nathan Kaczor, Dan Hill and John Stephens, along with running backs Demetrius Brown and Todd Richardson, will all conclude their Aggie careers.
Defensively, tackle Jeff Hunsaker and safety Travis Clark are the only two senior starters who will be playing their final games.