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Apparently there is a big basketball game this week.
Oh yeah, that one game I have been waiting a year for.
Don't read into that wrong. This is not Utah State's "Super Bowl." I just really dislike BYU. Ever since my middle school days in Las Vegas as a UNLV fan, it has been obvious that BYU fans were the most obnoxious. I didn't grow up in Utah, so you can't contribute it to being taught to hate BYU (yes, Max Hall I hate you), and I don't really know when it started. I do know I really don't like them though and I will be there 8 AM the day before to make sure I get front row seats to yell insults about their ears, haircuts, mothers, and general lack of righteousness.
It should be loud. It will probably be vulgar and vicious.
On to the game.
BYU comes in undefeated. They have played one road game (at Hawaii) and have looked nothing but impressive when considering the results of their games. They struggled against Weber before going on a huge run. Utah State had a tough time with Weber all game, but had a lead as high as 15. BYU beat Idaho State by 1 more than Utah State did. These teams look reasonably even matched. So what will this game come down to?
Point Guards.
Jimmer will be guarded by a combination of Newbold/Pooh/Quayle? most likely. If Jimmer is contained, BYU will have a hard time distributing the ball. However, keeping him down is like keeping down Quayle. It just isn't going to happen for all 40 minutes.
Shooting Guards.
BYU can shoot the 3. In fact, there isn't much else they can do, besides drive the lane. If USU can keep 3 point attempts, and especially 3 point makes, down below BYU's average, look for an Aggie win.
Big Men.
Utah State has an ASTOUNDING advantage here. Bendall and Wesley should rip the BYU big men to shreds, both on offense and defense.
Individual players that will affect the outcome:
Jonathan Tavernari
He is a favorite target of Aggie fans. Known as a chucker, JT can go through phases where he is just throwing balls up at the rim and hoping they go in. The scary thing is that sometimes they do go in. Since he can (or chooses to) shoot the 3, he is a very difficult player for Wesley to defend straight up. If Wesley stays out of foul trouble, watch for him to dominate Tavernari on the block when the Aggies are on offense.
Stat to watch: Tavenari is shooting 38 percent from the field. The only player on the Aggie roster with a lower shooting percentage than JT is Brian Green. Tavernari is averaging a paltry .94 points per shot.
Jimmer Fredette
He is what makes the Cougar offense run. He averages 20 points and 6 assists a game, throwing in 2 steals and 2 assists to boot. The big thing is his size. WHile he is listed as similarly sized to Jared Quayle, Jimmer seems much bigger in the shoulders. He powers his way to the rim and makes layups. He can put the Aggie big men in foul trouble if they come in to take a charge and get called for the block instead.
Stat to watch: 3.4/1 assist to turnover rate. This, combined with 3.3/1 ratio of Haws, can kill the Aggies. They need to interupt passing lanes and keep their hands active.
Tai Wesley
Tai has been known to simply "go off" on a team, ripping down rebounds and putting up points like he was playing xbox. However, he is known to foul. A lot. His stats are low, but if last year is any evidence to what he can do, the more time he gets on the floor the more dominant he can be. Wesley needs to avoid charges and blocking fouls more than anything. He should be able to control the floor on offense, but will he be able to guard JT out on the arc?
Stat to watch: 3.2 personal fouls a game.
Tyler Newbold
I know, you expected Jared Quayle, didn't you? Quayle is the machine of the Aggie offense, but Newbold is the oil, the belts, the grease, and the driver. When Newbold hits his first shot, he can catch fire. When he misses the first, or the first few, he can become timid. However, Newbold (almost) always plays smart. He led the nation in assist/turnover ratio last year. THE NATION. That is some accomplishment for a Sophomore who only played half of his Freshman year. Newbold is basketball smart. He understands Stew's offense well, and plays defense like the game depends on it. He is not the most skilled player, but he is the smartest, hardest working Aggie to play on the hardcourt in the last few years.
Stat to watch: Shooting percentage. Newbold shot poorly against Utah and it got to his head a bit. One or two made 3's by Tyler would have resulted in a win for the Aggies, maybe even a runaway when they were up big.
Bring signs. Be loud. Wear Blue. Come Early.
Go Aggies.
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