LOS ANGELES (AP) — By the time Southern California coach Lane Kiffin was done talking this week, the Trojans and their fans were certain Utah State is a BCS title contender and quarterback Chuckie Keeton is a Heisman Trophy front-runner.
Kiffin isn’t blowing smoke at the Aggies (2-1) to get the attention of his Trojans (2-1), either. He really does hold Keeton and his high-scoring team in a regard bordering on fear heading into their meeting Saturday.
After following up a narrow season-opening loss to Utah with two blowout wins, Utah State and new coach Matt Wells have the chance to cement the long-struggling program’s recent renaissance with its first victory over traditional power USC in five tries.
The Aggies have won 18 of their last 22 games over the past two seasons, with those four losses by a combined 10 points.
