After defeating New Mexico last week, Utah State wrapped up the regular season with a 9-3 record. The win over the Lobos also gave the Aggies the Mountain Division title, earning them the right to play for the Mountain West championship.
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).
Back-to-back losses followed, but Utah State won six of its final to seven games to clinch the Mountain Division title and a bowl game berth, amassing eight more wins than the previous season.
What does San Diego State look like?
The San Diego State Aztecs are currently 11-1 overall this season, finishing 7-1 in Mountain West play to claim the West Division crown.
SDSU is currently ranked 19th in all three major polls (CFP, AP, Coaches), while their 11-1 record is tied for the second-best in the country.
The Aztecs began the season on a seven-game winning streak, highlighted by a double-overtime victory over Utah. After a slip-up against Fresno State, SDSU won its last four games to reach the Mountain West title game.
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What the Aggies need to do to win
Solve the Aztecs defense
While the Aggies are the 17th ranked team in total offense in the country, – 457.1 yards per game – facing San Diego State’s defense is a whole different challenge than USU has faced this season.
The Aztecs are ranked 11th in total defense (314.2 yards per game) and are tied for ninth in scoring defense, allowing just 17.25 points per game.
In other words, the Aggies are going to have a tough time solving this defense. They can’t turn the ball over and have to take advantage of the few chances that they’ll have to make big plays.
The defense has to step up
While the offense has more often been the Aggies’ strength this season, the defense needs to take its turn this week.
Utah State will have a tough time scoring on the Aztecs, so the Aggie defense will need to try to keep up while SDSU is on offense.
We need more of the USU defense we saw against San Jose State, not the one that forgot there was a game to play versus Wyoming.
Not allowing big plays is a must, while forcing a turnover or two would be a nice bonus.
Prediction
While the Aggies have had quite a turnaround season, the Aztecs are just too good.
One of the countries’ best defenses taking on one of the best offenses could be fun, but I think SDSU’s defense is so far ahead of the Aggies on that side of the ball that they prevail.
The Aztecs will come up with the stops they need, while also forcing at least one turnover to help steer momentum in their favor.
Even with a loss though, a berth in the conference title game is an outstanding accomplishment for USU, as is a bowl appearance and chance at a 10-win campaign.
San Diego State 27, Utah State 17
The Mountain West Championship game between Utah State and San Diego State kicks off at 1 p.m. MT on Saturday afternoon. The game can be seen on Fox.
Aggies Claim Mountain Division Title with Win Over New Mexico
