Utah State Aggies
Offense: B | Defense: C | Special Teams: B | Meeting/Exceeding Expectations: B-
It’s been a strange year in Logan thus far.
In six first quarters so far in 2023, Blake Anderson’s Aggies have a -74 point differential; in the final three quarters of each game to date, their point differential is +110.
They have given the ball away 12 times on offense, second-most in the Mountain West, and generated 14 takeaways on defense, most in the conference.
Despite playing two different quarterbacks because of injuries and ineffectiveness, they’re one of two teams in the country with 20 passing touchdowns through six games. They also lead the nation with nine explosive plays of 50 or more yards.
It’s been a strange year, but the mercurial Aggies are very much in the hunt for another conference title. An offense that possessed lots of unknowns outside of Cooper Legas, Robert Briggs, and Terrell Vaughn has developed into one of the most dangerous in the country, averaging roughly as many points per drive (2.29, 57th in FBS) and outpacing their yards per play production (6.51, 29th) from their title run two years ago. They’ve been one of the most balanced offenses in the country, as well, with a -1% rush rate over expected that suggests they’re just as comfortable grinding between the tackles with Briggs, Rashul Faison, and Davon Booth (6.36 combined yards per carry) as they are airing out to Vaughn, Micah Davis, and Jalen Royals.
Will they be able to keep up their pace while dealing with an ongoing rash of injuries, though? Max Alford, Stephen Kotsanlee, McCae Hillstead, and Hale Motu’apuaka are just some of the starters who have suffered varying degrees of ailments ranging from concussions to broken legs, but that will be especially critical on a defense that’s developed a penchant for big plays but isn’t bulletproof: Paul Fitzgerald, for example, has played like a young standout with a team-high three sacks and ten quarterback hurries, but Utah State has just eight total sacks and has given up a 53% success rate on standard downs.
Head of the Class: Ike Larsen, S
Not that Aggies fans needed any persuading, but Larsen is now a defensive player of the year candidate after making a strong impression as a true freshman last fall. Among conference defenders who have played at least 100 snaps, Larsen’s 87.8 overall PFF grade ranks second; at present, he also happens to lead all Mountain West defensive backs with 43 total tackles and has grabbed three interceptions, blocked two kicks, and forced a fumble. At this rate, he could leave Logan as an all-time Utah State great.
One Player Deserving of More Attention: Devin Dye, S
Utah State deserves credit for connecting on a number of junior college recruits in their most recent class, especially since Dye has emerged as a sound complement to Larsen at safety. The Palomar College product has broken in the starting lineup in recent weeks and made good on his opportunities with 32 total tackles, three passes defended, and two interceptions, good for a 78.7 overall PFF grade.
Midseason Grades By Team
Air Force | Boise State | Colorado State | Fresno State | Hawaii | Nevada | New Mexico | San Diego State | San Jose State | UNLV | Utah State | Wyoming
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