During an NCAA college football matchup on November 23, 2024, Utah State faced San Diego State, where the defensive struggles of the Aggies were evident in their season ranking. Utah State’s defense was statistically positioned at 129th out of 133 teams, allowing an average of 472 yards and 50 touchdowns per game. This alarming statistic placed them among the weakest defensive teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the past two weeks showcased a markedly improved Aggies defense. Against Hawaii, Utah State allowed only 309 total yards and just 13 points, and although they gave up 412 yards to San Diego State, they held them to 20 points—a notable improvement from earlier in the season.
Interim head coach Nate Dreiling attributed this resurgence to both internal growth among players and a shift in the team’s mental resilience. Faced with a series of injuries, young players like Marlin Dean and DJ Graham have risen to the challenge, steadily learning their roles and gaining experience on the field. Meanwhile, senior players such as defensive end Cian Slone have stepped up their performance, providing stability to a defense that has had to adapt rapidly.
The defensive turnaround has positively impacted the offense as well; quarterback Bryson Barnes remarked on the significant energy boost from the defense’s performance. With only one game left against Colorado State on Black Friday, the Aggies seem poised to harness their recent momentum and finish the season strong.
This story illustrates the perseverance of young athletes who have not allowed injuries to deter their performance. With a newfound confidence and stronger mindset, Utah State’s players are demonstrating that teamwork and resilience can lead to significant improvements—even when facing overwhelming odds. The upcoming game against Colorado State poses a final opportunity for the Aggies to solidify their growth, making for an exciting conclusion to the season.