With five straight wins over UNLV, Colorado State, Hawai’i, New Mexico State, and San Jose State, the Aggies now sit at 8-2 on the year and have clinched a postseason berth. The Aggies now face Wyoming on Senior Day in the Bridger’s Battle rivalry, needing a win to stay on top of the Mountain Division.
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, losses to Boise State and BYU and five straight wins over UNLV, Colorado State, Hawai’i, New Mexico State, and San Jose State means the Aggies are 8-2. Even better, Utah State is currently 5-1 in Mountain West play, sitting atop the Mountain Division and controlling its own destiny to play for a conference championship.
What does Wyoming look like?
The Wyoming Cowboys are currently 5-5 overall this season, and 1-5 in Mountain West play (last in the Mountain Division).
Wyoming’s season has been a tale of two halves thus far. Following a 4-0 start, the Cowboys seemed destined for a bowl game. They then proceeded to drop four straight games before splitting their last two, giving them an even record but a last-place standing in the conference.
The Cowboys still have a lot to play for though, needing one more win in their final two games to reach the postseason for the fourth time in six seasons.
A rivalry renewed
This weekend’s game not only has meaning for both teams in terms of postseason implications, but a rivalry trophy is also on the line. The Bridger’s Battle has been played 70 times, with Utah State holding a 40-26 advantage over the Cowboys (with four ties).
The Aggies won the inaugural matchup in 1903 by a score of 46-0. Utah State also holds the record for the largest win in the series (57-0 in 1917) and the rivalry’s longest winning streak – 10 straight from 1927-37.
Starting in 2013, the winner of the game has been given a .50 caliber Rocky Mountain Hawken rifle, the type of weapon that was carried by mountain man Jim Bridger.
The Aggies are on a two-game winning streak in the series (2018-19), with the 2020 version of the game being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What the Aggies need to do to win
Keep the offense rolling
Currently ranked 14th in the country in total offense (467 yards per game), the Aggies need to keep the offense moving against the nation’s 24th ranked defense.
Utah State currently ranks 15th nationally in passing yards per game (315.2), all while quarterback Logan Bonner has thrown four touchdowns in each of the last three games, the first player in school history to do so.
Add in that receiver Deven Thompkins is leading all of college football in receiving yards – just 91 yards shy of breaking the single-season school record – and the Aggies have the weapons to keep it up at home on Senior Night.
The defense needs a repeat performance
After the turnovers on offense put the team in a 14-0 hole last week, the Aggies defense stepped up big to lead a blowout victory over San Jose State.
Allowing 150 total yards of offense – just 12 rushing – while forcing three turnovers and recording eight tackles for loss, the Aggies defense gave up just three points after the team fell behind. If you don’t remember, Utah State ended up winning by 31.
Now ranked tied for third nationally in tackles for loss, the Aggies have allowed just 79 total yards rushing over the last three games, a massive improvement from the first seven games of the season.
Hold steady on the ground, and the Aggies have an edge on the defensive side.
Prediction
This game has it all. A rivalry game with a trophy. A bowl invite on the line for the Cowboys. A possible conference title game berth for the Aggies. Could it get any better?
I’m giving the Aggies the edge in this one. The offense is on a tear during a five-game winning streak, and add in that it’s Senior Night for the final home game of the year in Logan, I’ll take Utah State to get it done and inch closer to a date in the Mountain West championship.
Utah State 30, Wyoming 17
Utah State and Wyoming kick off at 6 p.m. MT on Saturday night. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
