Utah State’s season struggles only grew in Saturday’s 33-0 shutout loss to Utah. The same issues that plagued the Aggies in their first two games of the season came up again: quarterback play, the offensive line and a lack of a run game.
Utah State knew what it was getting into with its difficult early season schedule, but the way it has lost to Idaho State and Utah has been cause for concern.
On Saturday, it was clear Aggies head coach Bronco Mendenhall was trying to gain ground by playing the field position game. Utah State had the ball on fourth-and-manageable between the Utah 35 and 45-yard lines three times, and each time Mendenhall chose to punt.
“I thought their defense was playing really well,” Mendenhall said. “Their offense is super dynamic, and there’s a team that could score from anywhere super fast, so I chose to play field position, and I believe it was the right call for our team at this time today against that team.
“I chose field position with the scoring potential they have.”
At the start of the fourth quarter, the Aggies had the ball on the seven yard line on fourth and 1. For the first time all game, Mendenhall chose to go for it.
The Aggies ran a run play down the middle, lost a yard and turned the ball over on downs.
“As we saw, the fourth down, I did choose to go for it, and we weren’t successful,” Mendenhall said.
Utah State will have to win its games defensively this year, as its offense has been less than serviceable so far. The issue starts with the quarterbacks and offensive line.
McCae Hillstead was named the starter in April but missed Week 2’s game against Washington. Then the coaching staff started backup Grady Brosterhous against the Utes.
“Grady starting was a coach’s choice based on the effort Grady gave last week against Washington,” Mendenhall said. “That was inspiring, so it’s just like, how could we not? McCae now is coming back and available. So yeah, just stay tuned, but I like all our quarterbacks.”
Hillstead and Brosterhous have combined for just four touchdowns this season while throwing eight interceptions. One interception came Saturday as the Aggies were knocking on the door of their first touchdown against the Utes in the third quarter.
Brosterhous threw into the end zone in double coverage, and Utah’s Rabbit Evans grabbed the one-handed pick.
The Ute defense also sacked Brosterhous four times, and Utah State finished with just 58 rushing yards.
“(There’s) not yet a clear, specific and effective identity,” Mendenhall said. “Sparks here and there, players here and there that I said, ‘Man, that looked good,’ but in terms of rhythm and consistency and approach that’s yielding, not yet.
“Three weeks in (that’s) not ideal. Pac-12 games coming up soon, so urgency is paramount.”
The Aggie defense has certainly played better, but Utah’s versatile and creative offense might just be too good for most defenses to handle.
Utah State also hasn’t had the benefit of staying off the field. Between the many three-and-outs and turnover issues that have plagued the Aggies’ offense, the defense has been tasked with doing more than its fair share.
The Utes’ opening two drives were basically picture-perfect, but the Utah State defense improved as the game went on. It forced its first turnover of the game on a fumble recovery in the third quarter and allowed only one touchdown in the second half.
Maybe the brightest spot so far this season has been punter Landon Rehkow. He delivered another strong performance against Utah after one against Washington.
“He might be one of our most valuable players right now,” Mendenhall said. “So, between the defense and our punter, field position is kind of how we’re playing (and) have to play right now.
“Is it my ideal? No, but the decision I’m making is trying to give this team our best chance, and he’s really done a nice job.”