RENO -- Utah State doesn't know what to expect when it takes on Nevada today (1:05 p.m. MST) at Mackay Stadium.
The Aggies (2-7) will be facing a team much like themselves that has struggled to a disappointing record (3-7) after high expectations at the start of the year. The Wolf Pack has played much below its expectations after being picked to win the Big West title.Nevada's season has been so bad that earlier this week fourth-year coach Jeff Tisdale announced his resignation, effective at the end of the season.
The question is, will the Wolf Pack put it all together for one last game for their coach? Or have the Wolf Pack already packed it in for the year with their championship hopes already dashed?
With the Aggies' luck it will be the former. However, USU coach Dave Arslanian says he's only concerned with his own team rather than his opponent.
"That's something we don't have any control over," he said. "It could be that they really rally around him. We're more concerned about how we're playing. We can control what we're going to do."
Arslanian has been pleased with how well his team has reacted to the two tough home losses that dropped them out of the Big West race.
"We've had a good week of practice," he said. "They're not playing like kids that are 2-7. The off week has given us a chance to step back and figure out what the problems are."
Arslanian says his defense is playing "as well as a team can play right now," and the Aggies' special teams are among the top 10 in the country. The problem has been the offense, and Arslanian has been pleased with how Jeff Crosbie has bounced back from several off games. Workhorse Demario Brown should also be well-rested.
Center Junior Pututau is expected to return after missing three games with an injury, and tackle Matt Lance could also return after missing two games.
The Aggies close out the season Nov. 27 at North Texas.