Utah State (5-2) vs. Hawaii (4-4)
- Kickoff: Saturday, 1 p.m. MDT
- Venue: Maverik Stadium (25,100 capacity)
- TV: Spectrum Sports
- Livestream: Team 1 Sports
- Radio: KZNS 1280 AM/97.5 FM
- Series: Utah State leads the all-time series 10-6, including wins in the last five meetings between the sides.
- Weather: Cloudy with temperatures in the mid 50s at kickoff.
THE TRENDS
For Utah State ... The Aggies would become bowl eligible with a victory Saturday. It would mark the ninth time since 2011 that they would be bowl eligible after going to zero bowls between 1998 and 2010. Utah State, however, did not qualify for a bowl last season after going just 1-5.
For Hawaii ... The Rainbow Warriors have won three of their last four games after losing three of their first four to start the season.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Both sides have pretty potent offenses and pretty bad defenses. Utah State is 18th in the country in yards per game, and Hawaii is 24th in total yards. On the flip side, they are both in the bottom 20 in yards given up per game. In fact, they are right next to each other, with Utah State surrendering 445.9 yards per game and Hawaii 448.3.
KEY PLAYER
Chevan Cordeiro, Brayden Schager, QB, Hawaii: There is uncertainty who will start at signal-caller for the Rainbow Warriors. Cordeiro, a junior, is the primary starter, but he’s missed the last three games because of injury and is a game time decision this week, head coach Todd Graham said. Schager, his replacement, is a freshman and has been decent in relief.
QUOTABLE
“Obviously got the first-place team from the Mountain Division. Very, very good football team ... very well coached.” — Hawaii head coach Todd Graham on Utah State
“They’re well coached, and I know they’re in a position where it’s kind of playoffs for them. I’ve been there before where you just can’t afford to let another conference game slip, so you’re going to get their best effort. It’s kind of win or go home playoff-type mentality for them, I’m sure.” — Utah State head coach Blake Anderson on Hawaii
NEXT UP
Utah State will travel to New Mexico State for an Oct. 6 game, and Hawaii will be at home against San Diego State on the same day.
UTAH STATE SCHEDULE
Sept. 4 — Utah State 26, Washington State 23
Sept. 10 — Utah State 48, North Dakota 24
Sept. 18 — Utah State 49, Air Force 45
Sept. 25 — Boise State 27, Utah State 3
Oct. 1 — BYU 34, Utah State 20
Oct. 9 — BYE
Oct. 16 — Utah State 28, UNLV 24
Oct. 22 — Utah State 26, Colorado State 24
Oct. 30 — Hawaii (1 p.m., Spectrum Sports)
Nov. 6 — at New Mexico State (2 p.m., FloSports)
Nov. 13 — at San Jose State (TBD, Fox Sports)
Nov. 20 — Wyoming (6 p.m., CBS Sports Network)
Nov. 26 — at New Mexico (11 a.m., FS1)