Previewing Utah’s Opponents: Utah State Aggies

This game is a rivalry that is one of the longest in college football. The first game goes backalmost 100 years, and Utah State has not had to many good years. Their best season was in 1997 when then coach John L. Smith led the team to the Humanitarian Bowl.

Offense: The team returns six starters but they lose their starting QB Leon Jackson III and top WR from last year Koren Robinson, not that those players were stellar. Robinson was a stud player who is getting looks at the NFL level. As for this year their top offensive players they have returning played and have some experience but their stats are nothing to get too excited about. 

Their top returning offensive players are: 

Curtis Marsh RB 302 Yards 2 TD

Derrvin Speight RB 504 Yards 3 TD

Jase McCormick QB 25-40 258 Yards 2 TD 5 INT

Omar Sawyer WR 6 Receptions 96 Yards

So, the Aggies do not have the returning talent offensively to compete with Utah. However their running game of 125 per game last year is not great, but was their best in a few years and 3 of the offensive lineman return, so the running game should be their bright spot. Their passing game which was not great last year will have a tough time by breaking in a new quarterback and new wide receivers. The basic point is that their offense will struggle to score points this year.

Defense: Not much better here with the Aggies defense they gave up 31.25 points per game last year. Utah State does have 9 returning starters, so the defense better come up with big plays and overall be better. Just by being experienced this defensive squad should improve on last seasons play. The BYU offense will be very explosive and it may not matter how the Aggies defense plays their defense will have a tough time.

Early Prediction: This will get ugly early and often, but in recent years have given the Utes trouble for at least a little while. Utah should win going away.