Cal State Fullerton to Play Host to Utah State

Cal State Fullerton Coach Gene Murphy will be on the sidelines for his last home game tonight when the Titans play Utah State in Big West Conference game at 6 at the Titan Sports Complex.

Murphy, who announced his retirement effective at the end of the season, expects the Titans (2-5, 0-2 conference) to have difficulty against the Aggies (2-5, 1-1).

Utah State’s nonconference schedule included losses to Arizona, Utah, Baylor and Brigham Young, and the Aggies missed two, two-point conversion attempts in last week’s 27-25 loss to San Jose State.

“They’re a lot like Nevada, only bigger, faster, stronger and better,� Murphy said. “This is the best Utah State team I’ve seen in a long time.� Fullerton lost to Nevada, 19-0, on Oct. 3.

The Aggies are led offensively by quarterback Tony Calvillo (120 of 221 for 1,313 yards), running back Abu Wilson (518 yards in 102 carries) and flanker Toney Jenkins (29 receptions, 377 yards). The team’s offensive coordinator is former Seattle Seahawk quarterback Jim Zorn.

The Titans had a bye last week and are coming off a 14-10 victory at Southwestern Louisiana Oct. 17. Three starters who have missed several games because of injury--inside linebacker Lorenzo Hailey, free safety Al Whitten and offensive tackle Wally Bonnett--are expected to return.