Using the term “rivalry” to describe BYU and Utah State’s relationship can create quite the drama when used on social media. Nonetheless, Wikipedia classifies it as such, and a traveling trophy is connected to the winner, so it’s a big deal for some in the state. Will Utah State retain the Old Wagon Wheel Friday night (7 p.m. kickoff) after winning 40-24 last season, or will BYU add another notch to its 48-36-3 all-time record?

In the 1980s, ’90s and 2000s, Utah State only beat BYU twice. Then, in 2010, USU upset the Cougars in Cache Valley as the Aggies defeated the Cougars 31-16, a high in the Gary Andersen era of football in Logan. Combined with that win, USU also took home the Wagon Wheel in 2014 and then last year in 2017. While BYU still holds the all-time advantage, and the recent decade advantage (5-3), the Aggies are making it more competitive than those days of old.

Three numbers of interest

1. Utah State’s lowest point total so far this season is 31 points versus Michigan State. BYU hasn’t scored 31 points versus an FBS opponent in 313 days.

2. In five games this season, BYU has gained a total of 1,475 yards on offense. Utah State hit that mark with 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter against Air Force (3¼ games).

3. Matt Wells is 6-0 after a bye week.

Three things about the matchup: USU at BYU

1. Quick turnaround for BYU; two-week preparation for USU

Utah State is coming off a bye week, having two weeks to rest and prepare, whereas the Cougars are coming off a physical game in Washington that required a quick trip back to Provo and a quick preparation for a Friday night game.

Following that loss to the Huskies, BYU coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged the turnaround and said, “We don’t have time to sulk. We have to play a game in less time, next Friday, so we don’t have time to think about (the loss).”

He’s right. The bitter taste of defeat, plus new weaknesses or injuries, must fade quickly for BYU to regroup for a USU team that is always hungry to beat the “big brother.” USU has been focused on this game for some time, which is why Sitake admitted, “Utah State is coming off a bye, so they will be ready for us — and we will be ready for them too. We just need to bounce back from this loss. We can’t let this loss affect next week’s game.”

ESPN’s current matchup predictor gives the Aggies a 58.8 percent chance of winning, but BYU is favored by two points in most Vegas sportsbooks. The over/under for the game sits at 46.

2. Utah State’s offense may be a problem for BYU

In the Cougar’s recent loss, Washington quarterback Jake Browning was only sacked once and basically sat in a lawn chair sipping lemonade as BYU could get nowhere near him. He finished the game with an easy 23/25 for 227 yards and a touchdown. The D-line couldn’t make a dent and the Cougars’ lack of speed and depth at linebacker and in the secondary was churning in the mud.

Will Jordan Love and his receiving core be able to replicate the same results?

Utah State is putting up 51.5 points a game (fourth in the nation) with 475 total yards of offense a game, too (31st in the nation). So far this season, Love has had plenty of time to make his throws en route to a 66.7 percent completion percentage (good for top 25 among quarterbacks in the FBS). Love releases the football quickly but also isn’t afraid of the big throws downfield. Offensive coordinator David Yost is really getting the Aggie O to go, which is why if Utah State wins, Love will be a big reason why.