Gearing up for Utah State

It’s still early — even on a short week — but BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall and his players realize this week’s game against Utah State will be an emotional, physical battle.

Last year, BYU jumped out to an early lead, just as it did in last Saturday’s win over Colorado State, then allowed the Aggies to seize the momentum and score a couple of touchdowns. It’s clear that USU is much-improved under first-year coach Gary Andersen, the former Utah defensive coordinator. “They’re a completely different team,” said BYU defensive lineman Jan Jorgensen.

Mendenhall said this morning that defensive lineman Vic So’oto broke a finger in the Florida State game and will have surgery this week. It’s anticipated that he’ll only miss the Utah State game.

Mendenhall said he is hopeful that nose tackle Russell Tialavea, who is out with a knee injury, will be back soon. Tialavea was injured against FSU and was expected to be back in 2-4 weeks. “We hope it’s closer to two weeks than four,” Mendenhall said.