With back-to-back wins over UNLV and Colorado State, the Aggies now sit at 5-2 on the year, just one win from being eligible for bowl selection. Hawai’i comes to town looking for a win to keep their bowl game hopes alive as well.
A USU rewind
Three straight wins over Washington State, North Dakota, and Air Force meant the Aggies started the season 3-0 for the first time since 1978. The win over Washington State was also the first road win over a Power 5 conference program in 50 years (Kansas State in 1971).
Since then though, losses to Boise State and BYU and wins over UNLV and Colorado State put the Aggies at 5-2. Even better, Utah State has improved to 3-1 in Mountain West play, sitting atop the Mountain Division and controlling its own destiny to play for a conference championship.
What does Hawai’i look like?
The Rainbow Warriors are currently 4-4 overall in 2021, 1-2 in the Mountain West.
They started 1-3 with their only win over FCS Portland State. Since then, Hawai’i is 3-1, including an upset 27-24 win over then No. 18 Fresno State.
Two of those wins came against lowly New Mexico State though (1-7), so it can be tough to gauge if this team is really any good or not.
What the Aggies need to do to win
Continue strong special teams play
After back-to-back mostly rough games on special teams against BYU and UNLV, the Aggies showed out against the Rams last week.
If it weren’t for senior kicker Connor Coles, the Aggies would have lost. Coles hit all four of his field goal attempts and both extra-point tries. He alone scored 14 of their 26 points. He was then named one of the country’s three Lou Groza Award “Star of the Week” winners for his performance.
Deven Thompkins was also productive on special teams, returning three kickoffs for 91 total yards.
If Utah State can keep up the strong special teams’ play, another win could be in the cards.
Feed Deven Thompkins/attack the secondary
Senior receiver Deven Thompkins has simply been magnificent this year. Through seven games, he’s amassed 923 receiving yards, good for third in the country. His six touchdown catches ranks tied for fifth. He is having an All-American level year and should be headed to the NFL next season.
The Aggies need to feed him as much as they can against Hawai’i’s secondary. The Aggies rank 15th in the nation passing yards per game (303.4), but can’t force throws against this team.
USU quarterback Logan Bonner was sacked eight times last week alone and has thrown eight interceptions this year. He needs to throw the ball away when being overly pressured and needs to make smarter passing plays.
The Rainbow Warriors’ defense ranks 115th in the nation. The Aggies simply need to put on a show through the air, without the turnovers and bad quarterback decisions.
Prediction
After nearly blowing the game against the Rams (being saved by a missed last-second field goal), the Aggies need to come out aggressively against a Hawai’i team that still has a lot to play for this year.
If the Aggies win, it gets them bowl eligibility and a 4-1 conference record. That should be enough motivation to get the victory.
Utah State 30, Hawai’i 20
The Aggies and Rainbow Warriors kick off at 1 p.m. MT on Saturday afternoon. The game can be seen on Spectrum Sports.
