Utah State’s football team is struggling as they begin their conference season, suffering their fourth consecutive loss after a 62-30 defeat against No. 21 Boise State on Saturday night. The game showcased a lack of competitiveness, with the Aggies falling behind 14-3 in the first quarter and trailing 49-17 at halftime.
One major takeaway from this loss is the continuing challenges with the team’s defense. Despite some improvements in tackling and effort, it appears that the personnel needed for a solid defense is lacking. Under defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling, who was expected to quickly turn the situation around, it has become clear that fixing the Aggies’ defense will take more time than anticipated. Facing a strong Boise State offense, Utah State seemed unable to contain their powerful running game led by Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty.
Another key point from the game was the performance of quarterback Spencer Petras. While not universally praised when he was brought in, Petras demonstrated his passing capability against the Broncos. He finished with 372 passing yards and three touchdowns, showing accuracy and the ability to find playmakers like Jalen Royals, who had a notable 59-yard touchdown reception. Petras may not have the mobility to extend plays, but he may be the right fit for the Aggies’ offensive strategy this season.
As Utah State sits at 1-4, discussions about a potential youth movement are emerging. With a challenging schedule ahead, it might be time to focus on developing younger players for the future. Historically, the program has thrived on developing talent over several years, although the current landscape of college football, with factors like the transfer portal and NIL, complicates this process. However, investing in younger players could show recruits that they will have opportunities to contribute early in their careers, building a foundation for the future.