ROCKETS WITH THE BALL

Spread attack: The Rockets feature an up-tempo, no-huddle, spread offense, but they run the ball well with running back David Fluellen and quarterbacks Terrance Owens and Austin Dantin. Quick throws to slot receiver Bernard Reedy are a big part of the scheme and Alonzo Russell (17.1 yards per catch) is a talented deep threat.

Aggies step up: Utah State’s defense has jumped from 68th in points allowed last year (27.9 per game) to eighth this year (15.4). The 3-4 scheme has pressured quarterbacks and stymied running backs, but it did struggle in the second half against Louisiana Tech’s spread offense in the second-to-last regular-season game.

AGGIES WITH THE BALL

Breakout stars: Sophomore quarterback Chuckie Keeton and senior running back Kerwynn Williams have formed a potent duo for the Aggies. Keeton, who started much of last season before he was injured, has shown more polish this season and ranks 14th in pass efficiency and 17th in total offense. Williams, a first-year starter, has 1,940 yards from scrimmage. Combined, they’re responsible for all but 613 of the team’s yards this season.

Rockets can score on D: Toledo has returned its 17 interceptions for 394 yards and four touchdowns this season. Safety Jermaine Robinson has four career interception returns for touchdowns.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Aggies block kicks: Utah State has blocked six kicks this season — two punts, three field goals and a PAT. Toledo has had three scoring kicks blocked. On the other hand, Toledo has not blocked any kicks this year and Utah State has had one field goal blocked.

The kicking edge: Toledo sophomore Jeremiah Detmer is 21-of-26 on field goals this season and has a career long of 52 yards. Utah State sophomore Nick Diaz is 8-of-11 this year with a long of 53.

NOTES

Aggies’ fast starts: Utah State has outscored opponents 131-6 in the first quarter this season, allowing just two field goals. It also has held a 244-54 edge in the first half. The Aggies have scored a touchdown on their first series of the game seven times, including twice on the first play.

Quick hits: Utah State is 15-3 in its past 18 games. The three losses were by a combined six points, including a one-point loss in last year’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. ... Toledo is 8-4 in bowl games, including a win in the 2011 Military Bowl. ... Utah State is 1-6 in bowls. Its only win was in the 1993 Las Vegas Bowl.